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–+ servings
Orange Chicken

Crispy Orange Chicken: Quick, Homemade Bliss for Dinner

This quick and easy orange chicken recipe features crispy chicken coated in a tangy orange sauce, perfect for a family-friendly dinner.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Marination Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Chinese-American
Calories: 400
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1 pound Chicken Thighs Boneless and skinless
  • 1 cup Water For marination
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Soda For extra crunch
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Enhances flavor
  • 1 large Eggs Binds coating
  • 3/4 cup Cornstarch For frying
  • 2-3 cups Oil Neutral oil for frying
For the Sauce
  • 1/2 cup Orange Juice Freshly squeezed preferred
  • 1 tablespoon Orange Zest For citrus aroma
  • 1/4 cup Ketchup Adds umami
  • 1/4 cup Sugar Adjust to taste
  • 2 tablespoons Vinegar Enhances flavor
  • 1 teaspoon Chili Peppers Optional for spice
For Serving
  • 2 stalks Green Onions For garnish

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Deep wok or large pan
  • slotted spoon
  • Thermometer

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Marinate chicken by combining chicken thighs, water, baking soda, and salt in a bowl for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Heat oil in a wok or large pan to 375°F (190°C).
  3. Whisk together orange juice, orange zest, ketchup, sugar, vinegar, and cornstarch in a separate bowl.
  4. Fry marinated chicken in hot oil for 4-5 minutes or until golden brown.
  5. Return chicken to oil for a second frying for 5-6 minutes for extra crispiness.
  6. Sauté green onion whites and garlic in a splash of oil, then add the sauce and simmer for 3-4 minutes.
  7. Combine fried chicken with the sauce, stirring to coat evenly.
  8. Serve orange chicken on a platter, garnished with green onion tops.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Store leftover orange chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven to maintain crispiness.

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