Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Special equipment needed:
- Large skillet or wok
- Mixing bowls
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the cornstarch, salt, and black pepper. Toss the chicken pieces in the mixture until coated evenly.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
3. In another mixing bowl, whisk together the orange juice, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
4. Pour the sauce over the chicken in the skillet and stir until the chicken is coated evenly. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes until thickened and sticky.
5. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 15 minutes
Temperature:
- Medium-high heat for cooking the chicken
- Medium-low heat for simmering the sauce
Serving size:
- 4 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 400
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 30g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Chicken: Can be substituted with tofu or shrimp
- Cornstarch: Can be substituted with flour or potato starch
- Orange juice: Can be substituted with pineapple juice or apple juice
- Soy sauce: Can be substituted with tamari or coconut aminos
- Rice vinegar: Can be substituted with white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- Honey: Can be substituted with maple syrup or agave nectar
- Red pepper flakes: Can be substituted with cayenne pepper or chili powder
Variations:
- Add vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, or snow peas to the dish for added nutrition and flavor.
- Use different types of meat such as pork or beef instead of chicken.
- Make it spicier by adding more red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the chicken is coated evenly with the cornstarch mixture for a crispy texture.
- Use a non-stick skillet or wok to prevent the chicken from sticking to the pan.
- Adjust the sweetness and saltiness of the sauce to your liking by adding more honey or soy sauce.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the chicken in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the chicken over a bed of rice or noodles for a complete meal.
- Garnish with fresh orange slices or cilantro for added color and flavor.
Garnishes:
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
- Orange slices
- Cilantro
Pairings:
- Serve with steamed vegetables such as broccoli or snow peas.
- Pair with a side of fried rice or noodles.
Suggested side dishes:
- Steamed vegetables
- Fried rice
- Noodles
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or orange juice to thin it out.
- If the chicken is not crispy enough, increase the heat and cook for a few more 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 leftover chicken in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
Food history:
- Orange chicken is a popular dish in Chinese-American cuisine, believed to have originated in the United States in the 1980s.
Flavor profiles:
- Sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy
Serving suggestions:
- Serve hot as a main dish.
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Region: Chinese