Description
This Orange Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken pieces coated in a crispy layer and tossed in a vibrant, sweet, and tangy orange sauce made from fresh orange juice, natural soy sauce, and a subtle natural gelling agent. Easy to follow and family-friendly, it pairs perfectly with rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables for a delightful meal that’s both flavorful and satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- Vegetable oil, for frying (about 1/4 cup)
Orange Sauce
- 1 cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tablespoons natural soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, freshly minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, freshly minced
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (natural)
- 1/2 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Garnish
- 2 green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Lightly season with salt and pepper. Toss the chicken pieces evenly in cornstarch to coat thoroughly, which helps create a crispy exterior when fried.
- Make the orange sauce: In a bowl, whisk together fresh orange juice, natural soy sauce, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, minced ginger, brown sugar (natural), and the natural gelling agent. This mixture forms the bright, balanced sweet and tangy sauce.
- Fry the chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the coated chicken pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. Remove the chicken and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Cook the sauce: Using the same pan, pour in the prepared orange sauce. Stir continuously over medium heat until the sauce thickens slightly, forming a luscious glaze due to the natural gelling agent.
- Combine and serve: Return the crispy chicken pieces to the pan and toss them well in the glossy orange sauce, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately with your preferred side dishes such as steamed rice or vegetables.
Notes
- Use freshly squeezed orange juice for the freshest and most vibrant flavor.
- Fry chicken pieces in batches to maintain crispiness and avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Pat chicken dry before coating with cornstarch to improve adhesion and crispiness.
- Stir sauce frequently while simmering to prevent burning or sticking to the pan.
- Taste and adjust sauce sweetness by modifying brown sugar or orange juice amounts as preferred.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Orange Chicken, sweet and tangy chicken, crispy orange chicken, family-friendly dinner, easy orange chicken