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Crispy Homemade Orange Chicken

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This 30-minute orange chicken is crispy and coated in a bubbly, sticky orange sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch (plus 2 tablespoons for the slurry)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil for pan-frying
  • 1 cup fresh orange juice
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Zest of 1 large orange
  • Sliced green onions and sesame seeds, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Mix the coating: In a medium bowl, whisk the egg, flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper until combined. Add the chicken pieces and toss so each piece is well coated.
  2. Heat the pan: Warm 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  3. Fry the chicken: Add chicken in a single layer without crowding. Cook 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp. Work in batches and transfer finished pieces to a plate lined with paper towels.
  4. Make the sauce: Reduce heat to medium. Pour in the orange juice and add the sugar, rice vinegar, soy sauce, grated ginger, minced garlic, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes if using. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  5. Thicken the glaze: Stir the cornstarch slurry again, then slowly whisk it into the simmering sauce. Keep stirring until the sauce becomes glossy and thickens, about 1 minute.
  6. Brighten it: Stir in the orange zest to lift the flavor.
  7. Combine and finish: Return the crispy chicken to the skillet. Toss gently to coat every piece in the sticky orange sauce. Remove from heat immediately to keep the coating crisp.
  8. Serve: Spoon over steamed white rice and top with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

Notes

Pat the chicken dry before coating for maximum crispness. Use fresh orange juice for the best flavor.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.simplefamilydishes.com/30-minute-crispy-orange-chicken/