Crispy Orange Chicken - Foodies Juntion

 Crispy Orange Chicken

Indulge in the delightful flavors of Chinese cuisine with this tantalizing Crispy Orange Chicken recipe. This dish perfectly balances crispy, golden-brown chicken with a tangy and sweet orange glaze, creating a mouthwatering fusion of textures and flavors. Serve it alongside steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

Get ready to impress your taste buds with this irresistible Chinese favorite that's sure to become a new household staple.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup (125g) cornstarch
• 2 eggs, beaten
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the orange sauce:

• 1/2 cup (120ml) orange juice
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1/4 cup (60ml) soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)

Optional garnish:

• Green onions, thinly sliced
• Sesame seeds

Instructions:

• In a bowl, season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
• Place the cornstarch in a shallow dish. Dip each chicken piece into the beaten eggs, then coat with the cornstarch, shaking off any excess.
• Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken in batches and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per side. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
• In a separate saucepan, combine the orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, garlic, and ginger. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
• In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Slowly pour the slurry into the simmering sauce while stirring constantly. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
• Add the fried chicken pieces to the saucepan and toss until evenly coated with the orange sauce.
• Serve the crispy orange chicken hot, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Enjoy with steamed rice or your favorite side dishes.

Bon appétit!