Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tbsp minced ginger
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions (optional)
Special equipment needed:
- Large skillet or wok
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, coat the chicken pieces with 1/2 cup cornstarch until evenly coated.
2. In a large skillet or wok, heat 1/4 cup vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the coated chicken pieces to the skillet and cook until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
4. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the orange juice, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, minced ginger, and red pepper flakes.
5. Pour the orange sauce over the cooked chicken in the skillet and stir until the chicken is evenly coated.
6. In a small bowl, mix together 1/4 cup water and 2 tbsp cornstarch until smooth.
7. Pour the cornstarch mixture into the skillet and stir until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
8. Serve the orange chicken over a bed of cooked rice and garnish with chopped green onions, if desired.
- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 15 minutes
Temperature:
- Medium-high heat
Serving size:
- 4 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 450
- Total fat: 14g
- Saturated fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
- Sodium: 950mg
- Total carbohydrate: 55g
- Dietary fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 24g
- Protein: 25g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Chicken: Can be substituted with tofu or shrimp.
- Cornstarch: Can be substituted with all-purpose flour or potato starch.
- Vegetable oil: Can be substituted with canola oil or peanut oil.
- Orange juice: Can be substituted with pineapple juice or apple juice.
- Honey: Can be substituted with maple syrup or agave nectar.
- Soy sauce: Can be substituted with tamari or coconut aminos.
- Rice vinegar: Can be substituted with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar.
- Red pepper flakes: Can be substituted with cayenne pepper or chili powder.
- Rice: Can be substituted with quinoa or cauliflower rice.
Variations:
- Add diced bell peppers and onions to the skillet for added flavor and texture.
- Use orange zest to add more citrus flavor to the dish.
- Add a tablespoon of sesame oil to the skillet for a nutty flavor.
- Substitute the chicken with shrimp or tofu for a vegetarian option.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the chicken is evenly coated with cornstarch to ensure a crispy texture.
- Use a whisk to ensure the sauce is evenly mixed and smooth.
- Cook the chicken in batches to ensure it cooks evenly and doesn't overcrowd the skillet.
- Use a non-stick skillet to prevent the chicken from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Storage instructions:
- Store any leftover orange chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the orange chicken in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the orange chicken and rice in a bowl for a cozy and comforting presentation.
- Garnish with chopped green onions for added color and flavor.
Garnishes:
- Chopped green onions
Pairings:
- Steamed broccoli or green beans
- Egg rolls or spring rolls
- Fried rice or lo mein
Suggested side dishes:
- Steamed vegetables
- Fried rice
- Egg rolls
- Spring rolls
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sauce is too thick, add more water to thin it out.
- If the chicken is not crispy enough, increase the heat and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
- Store any leftover chicken in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
Food history:
- Orange chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish that originated in the United States in the 1980s.
Flavor profiles:
- Sweet, tangy, and savory
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the orange chicken with a side of rice and steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
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Region: Chinese