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Crispy Orange Chicken

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A quick and easy homemade crispy orange chicken recipe featuring a sweet tangy glaze made from fresh orange juice and zest, perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound / 450g), cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup (30g) cornstarch
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • Vegetable oil or canola oil, for frying
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) freshly squeezed orange juice
  • Zest of 1 medium orange
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp grated fresh ginger (optional)
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
  • Red pepper flakes, to taste (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cut the chicken breasts into roughly 1.5-inch (4 cm) pieces and pat dry with paper towels.
  2. In a large bowl, combine all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Beat the egg in a separate bowl.
  4. Dip each chicken piece into the beaten egg, then dredge thoroughly in the flour mixture. Set coated pieces on a plate.
  5. Pour vegetable oil into a large skillet or wok to about 1/2 inch depth and heat over medium-high heat to about 350°F (175°C).
  6. Fry the chicken pieces in batches for about 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels or a wire rack.
  7. In a small saucepan, combine orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
  8. Slowly add the cornstarch slurry to the simmering sauce while whisking constantly. Cook for 1-2 minutes until thickened and glossy. Add red pepper flakes if desired.
  9. Return the crispy chicken to the pan with the glaze and toss well to coat each piece.
  10. Serve immediately with your choice of sides.

Notes

For extra crispiness, double-fry the chicken by frying once until light golden, letting it rest, then frying again briefly before glazing. Keep oil temperature at 350°F to avoid greasy chicken. Avoid overcrowding the pan. The glaze thickens best when simmered gently and whisked constantly. Serve immediately for best texture. Air fryer option: fry at 380°F for 12 minutes, shaking halfway, then toss in warmed glaze.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy orange chicken, orange chicken recipe, sweet tangy glaze, homemade orange chicken, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, crispy chicken

Find it online: https://sofiaspice.com/crispy-orange-chicken-recipe-easy-homemade-sweet-tangy-glaze-guide/