Classic Orange Chicken

This delightful dish takes you on a culinary journey with its beautifully balanced sweet and tangy flavors. It’s a crowd-pleaser and perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 large egg, beaten
• Oil for frying

For the Orange Sauce:

• 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed if possible)
• Zest of 1 orange
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 1/4 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar or white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
• Sesame seeds and green onions for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Toss the chicken pieces in this mix until coated evenly.
2. Dip the coated chicken pieces into the beaten egg and then back into the flour mixture for an extra crispy bite.
3. In a deep pan or wok, heat oil over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken pieces in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 4–6 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels.
4. In a separate saucepan, combine the orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, fish sauce, garlic, ginger, sugar, and vinegar over medium heat. Stir well and bring it to a simmer.
5. Add the cornstarch slurry to the sauce and stir until it thickens, around 1–2 minutes.
6. Once the sauce is thickened, remove from heat and toss the crispy chicken in the sauce until well-coated.
7. Serve the orange chicken hot, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions. Enjoy over a bed of fluffy rice!

Flavor Profile

This Classic Orange Chicken has a lovely balance of sweet and tangy notes from the orange juice and zest, while the soy sauce and fish sauce add depth and umami. The garlic brings a lovely aromatic quality, making it a delicious treat that dances on the palate.

Happy cooking, my dear! Let me know if you have any questions or would like to make any changes to the recipe!