Easy orange chicken
Make a delicious and easy orange chicken dish with crispy chicken thighs, a tangy orange glaze, and savory notes from soy sauce and garlic. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that’s full of flavor!
- 13 Apr 2025
- Cook time 15 min
- Prep time 25 min
- 6 Servings
- 11 Ingredients
This Easy Orange Chicken recipe is a delightful combination of crispy chicken and tangy, sweet, orange-flavored sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a flavorful addition to your meal prep repertoire, this recipe requires simple ingredients and straightforward steps to create a delicious dish that everyone will love.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
1. Rinse the chicken thighs under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Trim any excess fat if necessary.
2. Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces.
2. Coating the Chicken:
1. In a shallow bowl, beat the egg until smooth.
2. In another bowl, mix the all-purpose flour and corn flour together.
3. Dip each piece of chicken into the egg, ensuring it is fully coated. Then, transfer the chicken to the flour mixture and coat evenly. Set aside on a plate.
1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan.
2. Once the oil is hot (it should sizzle when you drop a pinch of flour into it), add the coated chicken pieces. Cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
3. Fry the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per batch, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking. Transfer cooked chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add a small amount of oil (about 1 tsp).
2. Add the minced garlic and chopped shallots to the pan. Sauté until fragrant and the shallots are translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Stir in the orange zest, orange juice, soy sauce, and vinegar. Mix well.
4. Add the sugar and stir until dissolved.
5. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the sauce thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes.
1. Add the cooked chicken pieces into the saucepan with the orange sauce.
2. Stir well to ensure all the chicken pieces are coated with the sauce.
3. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors.
1. Transfer the orange chicken to a serving dish.
2. Garnish with additional orange zest or chopped green onions if desired.
3. Serve hot with steamed rice or your favorite side dish.
Tips:
- For extra crispiness, double dredge the chicken by dipping it in the egg and flour mixture twice before frying.
- To save time, you can use pre-prepared orange juice instead of juicing oranges yourself.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Garnish with fresh chopped green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation.
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the chicken to ensure a crispy texture without absorbing too much oil.
With its perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors, this Easy Orange Chicken is sure to become a favorite in your household. Pair it with steamed rice or vegetables for a complete meal. Enjoy the burst of citrus and savor the crispiness of the chicken in every bite.
| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | 250 grams |
| Energy | |
| Calories 450kcal | 23% |
| Protein | |
| Protein 27g | 18% |
| Carbohydrates | |
| Carbohydrates 33g | 9% |
| Fiber 1.31g | 3% |
| Sugar 13g | 13% |
| Fat | |
| Fat 24g | 28% |
| Saturated 6g | 21% |
| Cholesterol 160mg | - |
| Vitamins | |
| Vitamin A 45ug | 5% |
| Choline 100mg | 18% |
| Vitamin B1 0.24mg | 20% |
| Vitamin B2 0.30mg | 23% |
| Vitamin B3 7mg | 45% |
| Vitamin B6 0.55mg | 33% |
| Vitamin B9 40ug | 10% |
| Vitamin B12 0.91ug | 38% |
| Vitamin C 13mg | 15% |
| Vitamin E 0.47mg | 3% |
| Vitamin K 2.95ug | 2% |
| Minerals | |
| Calcium, Ca 27mg | 2% |
| Copper, Cu 0.14mg | 15% |
| Iron, Fe 1.82mg | 17% |
| Magnesium, Mg 45mg | 11% |
| Phosphorus, P 280mg | 23% |
| Potassium, K 470mg | 14% |
| Selenium, Se 33ug | 57% |
| Sodium, Na 670mg | 45% |
| Zinc, Zn 2.18mg | 20% |
| Water | |
| Water 160g | - |
| * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. | |
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