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–+ servings
Crispy Orange Chicken

Crispy Orange Chicken That Beats Takeout Every Time

This Crispy Orange Chicken is a delightful twist on takeout, offering sweet, tangy, and crispy flavors perfect for quick dinners.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Chinese
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts Cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour Use gluten-free flour as a substitute if needed
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch Adds crunch and enhances crispiness
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder Helps lighten the batter
  • to taste salt & black pepper Essential seasonings
  • 1 cup cold water Ice-cold for lighter batter
For the Sauce
  • 1 cup fresh orange juice Freshly squeezed for vibrant taste
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce Consider low-sodium for lighter option
  • 1/4 cup sugar Balances the sauce flavor
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar Brings acidity to the sauce
  • 2 cloves minced garlic Fresh aromatics enhance flavor
  • 1 tablespoon grated ginger Fresh for optimal taste
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch slurry Made of equal parts cornstarch and water
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil Optional for nutty flavor

Equipment

  • deep pan or wok
  • medium-sized bowl
  • separate saucepan

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and seasonings. Gradually add cold water, stirring to form a smooth batter. Set aside.
  2. Cut chicken into uniform, bite-sized pieces. Pat dry with paper towels to help batter adhere better.
  3. Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Dip chicken in batter, allowing excess to drip off, and fry in batches for 5-6 minutes until golden brown.
  4. In a saucepan, heat vegetable oil and sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant. Add orange juice, soy sauce, sugar, and rice vinegar. Simmer gently.
  5. Whisk in cornstarch slurry and simmer for 3 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  6. Add crispy chicken to the sauce, tossing to coat well. Serve immediately over rice or with greens.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 700mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 50mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 8mg

Notes

For optimal crispiness, fry the chicken twice and use freshly squeezed orange juice for best flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days.

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