There’s something magical about the sweet and tangy combination of orange-flavored chicken that makes it an all-time favorite in the world of Chinese-American cuisine.
Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a kitchen novice, making your own Orange Chicken at home is a delightful culinary adventure that promises to satisfy your taste buds.
Background and Origins:
Orange Chicken, a staple of Chinese-American cuisine, is a dish that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors.
While its exact origins are a bit hazy, the dish is widely believed to have been popularized in North America by Chinese immigrants in the mid-20th century.
The combination of crispy fried chicken pieces coated in a luscious orange sauce quickly captured the hearts and palates of many, earning its place on menus across the country.
Flavors, Textures, and Overall Taste Profile:
What makes Orange Chicken truly stand out is its harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
The crispy exterior of the chicken, achieved through deep frying, contrasts with the sticky and sweet orange sauce that envelops each piece.
The tangy notes of citrus cut through the richness of the chicken, creating a well-rounded taste experience that is both comforting and indulgent.
It’s this perfect marriage of crispy, tender, sweet, and tangy that has made Orange Chicken a beloved classic.
Tips and Techniques:
Creating the perfect Orange Chicken at home may seem daunting, but with a few tips and techniques, you can elevate your culinary skills and impress your taste testers.
One crucial aspect is achieving the right texture for the chicken. Ensure your chicken pieces are bite-sized and evenly coated in a light batter before frying to achieve that coveted crispiness.
When preparing the orange sauce, strike a balance between sweet and tangy, adjusting the sugar and citrus elements to suit your taste preferences.
And don’t forget the finishing touch – a sprinkle of sesame seeds or sliced green onions adds a burst of color and an extra layer of flavor.
Here’s what I used for this recipe:
Orange Chicken
Ingredients Â
- 4 Chicken thighs boneless and skinless
- 1 tbsp ginger paste
- 1 egg
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornflour
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 oranges pressed, for the juice
- Orange zest
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 3 cloves fresh garlic minced
- 1 1/2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 green onion for garnish (chopped)
- Roasted sesame seeds (for topping)
InstructionsÂ
- Remove skin and bone from the chicken thighs and cut them into bite-sized pieces.
- Place the chicken in a bowl, season it with salt, pepper, and a dash of soy sauce, and thoroughly mix. Introduce the egg to the bowl, and once again, mix thoroughly.
- In the same bowl, add flour, cornflour, baking soda, and 1/2 cup of water. Mix well until you get a thick batter.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or a heavy-bottomed pan on medium heat.
- Dip each marinated chicken piece into the batter, ensuring it's evenly coated.If necessary, fry your chicken in two batches, ensuring each piece is kept separate to achieve maximum crunch—avoid letting them stick together!
- Fry until golden brown and crispy (about 4-5 minutes).Strain oil and remove the chicken.
- To achieve an extra layer of crispiness, undergo a second round of frying, increasing the heat to a higher temperature and frying the chicken for a mere one minute. Repeat the process, strain the oil and remove the chicken.
- In a bowl, combine ginger paste, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, orange juice, orange zest and minced garlic.
- In a saucepan, bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is dissolved.In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of cornflour with a little water to create a slurry.Slowly add the cornflour slurry to the sauce, stirring continuously until it thickens to your desired consistency.
- Toss the double-fried chicken in the prepared orange sauce until each piece is evenly coated.
- Garnish the Orange Chicken with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of roasted sesame seeds.Serve the dish hot over a bed of steamed rice or your favorite stir-fried vegetables. Enjoy!