Easy Orange Chicken

Easy Orange Chicken Recipe: A Flavorful Delight

Are you craving a delicious, homemade meal that’s bursting with flavor? Look no further than this Easy Orange Chicken recipe! With tender chunks of chicken coated in a tangy orange sauce, this dish is sure to satisfy your taste buds and impress your family and friends. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting out in the kitchen, this recipe is simple to make and guaranteed to become a new favorite. Let’s dive into the world of Easy Orange Chicken and learn how to create this mouthwatering dish step by step.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is orange chicken spicy? A: This recipe has a mild level of spice, thanks to the addition of red pepper flakes. However, you can adjust the spice level to suit your taste preferences by adding more or less pepper flakes.

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? A: Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as thighs may take slightly longer to cook through.

Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free? A: Yes, you can make a gluten-free version of this recipe by substituting gluten-free flour for the all-purpose flour and ensuring that your soy sauce is gluten-free.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 2 large skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

For the Orange Sauce:

  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons orange juice
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1/3 cup rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 1 cup water
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch

For Coating the Chicken:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper

For Cooking:

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

  1. In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and pepper.
  2. Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and toss until evenly coated with the flour mixture.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the coated chicken pieces to the skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Orange Sauce

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, orange zest, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes.
  2. In a separate bowl, mix the cornstarch with water until fully dissolved.
  3. Pour the cornstarch mixture into the skillet used to cook the chicken.
  4. Add the sauce mixture to the skillet and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Combine the Chicken and Sauce

  1. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the thickened orange sauce.
  2. Toss the chicken in the sauce until evenly coated.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

  1. Garnish the Easy Orange Chicken with sliced green onions and additional orange zest, if desired.
  2. Serve the chicken hot over cooked rice or noodles, and enjoy!

Cook Notes and Variations

  • Add Vegetables: For added nutrition and flavor, you can stir-fry vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, or snow peas along with the chicken.
  • Make it Spicier: If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
  • Add Crunch: For an extra crunchy texture, you can toss the cooked chicken in toasted sesame seeds before serving.

Keto Versions and Low-Carb Options

  • Low-Carb Option: To reduce the carb content of this dish, you can use almond flour or coconut flour instead of all-purpose flour for coating the chicken.
  • Keto-Friendly: Substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos, and use a keto-friendly sweetener like erythritol or stevia instead of brown sugar in the sauce.

Easy Orange Chicken is a delicious and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its vibrant orange flavor, tender chicken, and crispy coating, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone asking for seconds. So gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a taste of homemade Chinese cuisine with this flavorful and easy-to-make recipe!