Sticky Orange Chicken

$For a tasty Sticky Orange Chicken, gather these main items: - 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1/2 cup orange juice (preferably fresh) - Zest of 1 orange - 1/4 cup honey - 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger - 2 cloves garlic, minced These ingredients provide the core flavor and texture for the dish. The chicken thighs stay juicy, while the orange juice adds a bright, zesty flavor. You will need these dry items for the coating: - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour - 1/4 cup cornstarch - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper This mix creates a crispy, crunchy texture when fried. It helps lock in the moisture of the chicken. The sticky sauce combines sweet and tangy tastes. Collect these items: - 1/2 cup orange juice (from earlier) - Zest of 1 orange (you already have this) - 1/4 cup honey - 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger - 2 cloves garlic, minced These sauce ingredients will transform your chicken into a sticky and flavorful dish. The honey adds sweetness, while the ginger and garlic bring warmth and depth. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by gathering your chicken thighs. You want them cut into bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. This mix will help create a crispy coating. Take your chicken pieces and dip them in the beaten eggs. Let any extra egg drip off. Now, coat each piece in the flour mixture. Ensure they are fully covered for the best texture. Heat about half an inch of vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken pieces. Fry them in batches to avoid crowding the pan. Cook for about four to five minutes on each side. Once golden brown, remove the chicken with a slotted spoon. Place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. This step keeps your chicken crispy and not greasy. In a separate saucepan, combine orange juice, orange zest, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, ginger, and minced garlic. Stir these ingredients together well. Heat it over medium heat until it simmers. Let the sauce cook for about five to seven minutes. It should slightly thicken. This thick sauce is what makes the chicken sticky and flavorful. Once your sauce has thickened, add the fried chicken pieces to the saucepan. Gently toss the chicken in the sauce. Make sure every piece is well-coated in the sticky orange goodness. Remove from heat and let it sit for a minute. This allows the chicken to soak up more sauce. Now, you’re ready to serve! Enjoy your meal and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. To get a great coat on the chicken, start with the right mix. Use 1/2 cup of flour and 1/4 cup of cornstarch. The cornstarch gives a nice crunch. Mix in 1 teaspoon of baking powder for extra lift. Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt and a pinch of black pepper for flavor. Coat each chicken piece well. Dip it in beaten eggs first. Let the extra drip off, then roll it in the flour mix. This double coating makes the chicken crispy. For the sauce, you want it thick but still pourable. Combine 1/2 cup of orange juice with orange zest, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, ginger, and garlic in a pan. Cook on medium heat. Stir often to keep it from burning. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes. The sauce will thicken as it cooks. If it gets too thick, add a splash of water or more orange juice. You want a sticky coating for the chicken, not a syrup! To avoid greasy chicken, don't overcrowd the pan when frying. Fry in batches of 4-5 pieces. This keeps the oil hot and helps the chicken cook evenly. Use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken. Place it on a paper towel-lined plate. This allows the extra oil to drain off. If you notice a lot of oil in the pan, remove some. This keeps your meal light and tasty. Pro Tips Use Fresh Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice enhances the flavor of the sauce and provides a vibrant taste that bottled juice can't match. Control Frying Temperature: Ensure the oil is hot enough before adding chicken. If the oil is too cool, the chicken will absorb more oil and become greasy. Let Sauce Thicken: Allow the sauce to simmer and thicken properly before adding the chicken for a stickier, more flavorful coating. Garnish Wisely: Add garnishes just before serving to keep them fresh and vibrant. Sliced green onions add a nice crunch and color contrast. {{image_2}} You can easily add some heat to your sticky orange chicken. To make it spicy, just add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce. Start with a small amount, then taste as you go. This way, you control the spice level. For extra flavor, you can mix in chopped fresh chili peppers. This variation gives you a sweet and spicy kick that enhances the dish. If you want a lighter meal, try baking the chicken instead of frying it. First, coat the chicken pieces in the flour mixture as usual. Then, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spray them lightly with cooking oil. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until golden. This method cuts down on oil and makes the dish healthier, while still keeping it tasty. You can swap ingredients to fit your diet or taste. If you want a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour and cornstarch for coating. For a sugar-free version, try using a sugar substitute in place of honey. You can also replace soy sauce with coconut aminos for a soy-free alternative. These substitutions keep the flavors intact while catering to different dietary needs. To store leftovers, let the sticky orange chicken cool first. Then, place it in an airtight container. Make sure the container is sealed well to keep moisture in. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. Label the container with the date to help you remember. When you're ready to eat the leftovers, reheating is easy. You can use a microwave or a skillet. If you use a microwave, place the chicken on a plate. Heat it for one minute, then check if it's warm. If not, heat it in 30-second bursts until hot. For a skillet, add a splash of water to avoid dryness. Heat it over medium heat, stirring gently until warmed through. If you want to freeze sticky orange chicken, follow these steps. First, let it cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Squeeze out excess air to prevent freezer burn. It can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Sticky orange chicken is a sweet and tangy dish. It features crispy chicken coated in a rich orange sauce. The sauce blends orange juice, honey, and soy sauce. This dish is popular in many Chinese restaurants. It is loved for its bold flavor and crunchy texture. To get crispy sticky orange chicken, coat the chicken well. Use a mix of flour and cornstarch for the best crunch. Fry the chicken in hot vegetable oil. Do not overcrowd the pan. Cook the chicken in batches for even frying. Let it drain on a paper towel after frying. This helps keep it crispy. Yes, you can use chicken breasts instead of thighs. Chicken breasts are leaner and cook faster. However, thighs offer more flavor and stay juicy. If you prefer breasts, cut them into similar bite-sized pieces. Adjust the cooking time if needed to ensure they are fully cooked. Sticky orange chicken pairs well with rice or noodles. You can serve it over steamed jasmine rice for a classic touch. Consider adding some stir-fried veggies for color and nutrition. Broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas work great. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions for extra flair. Sticky orange chicken is not gluten-free due to soy sauce and all-purpose flour. You can use gluten-free soy sauce to make it safe for gluten-free diets. Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Always check labels to ensure all ingredients are gluten-free. You learned how to make Sticky Orange Chicken from start to finish. We covered the key ingredients, simple steps, and tips for a perfect dish. Remember, you can make it spicy or healthier by baking. Store leftovers properly for later. With this guide, you'll impress family and friends with a tasty meal. Enjoy your cooking journey and get creative with flavors!$

A deliciously sticky and flavorful orange chicken dish, perfect for a quick dinner.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
0.5 cup all-purpose flour
0.25 cup cornstarch
1 teaspoon baking powder
0.5 teaspoon salt
0.25 teaspoon black pepper
2 large eggs, beaten
as needed cup Vegetable oil (for frying)
0.5 cup orange juice (preferably fresh)
1 unit Zest of 1 orange
0.25 cup honey
2 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium)
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
2 unit green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and black pepper.
Dip each piece of chicken into the beaten eggs, allowing the excess to drip off. Then coat the chicken pieces in the flour mixture, ensuring they are well-coated.
Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the coated chicken pieces in batches. Fry until golden brown and cooked through, approximately 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
In a separate saucepan, combine the orange juice, orange zest, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, ginger, and garlic. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Let it cook for about 5-7 minutes until it slightly thickens.
Once the sauce has thickened, add the fried chicken pieces to the saucepan. Gently toss to coat the chicken well in the sticky orange sauce.
Remove from heat and let it sit for a minute to allow the chicken to absorb some of the sauce.
Serve the sticky orange chicken warm, garnished with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.

Notes

Use fresh orange juice for the best flavor.

Keyword chicken, fried, orange, sticky