Copycat Orange Chicken Tasty and Simple Recipe

Craving that tangy, sweet flavor of Chinese orange chicken? You’re in luck! This simple copycat recipe brings the takeout favorite right to your kitchen. With easy-to-follow steps, you’ll make crispy chicken coated in a mouthwatering orange sauce that’s bursting with flavor. Whether you're cooking for family or hosting friends, this dish is sure to impress. Let’s dive into the tasty details and get cooking!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

- Chicken:

- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

- Coating:

- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

- 1/4 cup cornstarch

- 1/2 teaspoon salt

- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

- 1/4 teaspoon ginger powder

- 1 large egg, beaten

- 1/4 cup vegetable oil (for frying)

- Orange Sauce Ingredients:

- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice

- Zest of 1 orange

- 1/4 cup sugar

- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)

- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons cold water (slurry)

- 1 teaspoon sesame oil

- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

This recipe needs simple ingredients. The chicken gives it a great base. The coating adds crunch, while the orange sauce packs a punch of flavor. Fresh orange juice and zest bring brightness. Soy sauce and vinegar add depth. The cornstarch thickens the sauce. It's easy to find these items at any store.

Gather these ingredients before you start cooking. This will make the process smooth. Enjoy the fun of cooking this tasty dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation of Chicken

Coating process Start by mixing your dry ingredients. In a large bowl, combine 1/2 cup of flour, 1/4 cup of cornstarch, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of ginger powder. This mix gives a nice crunch. In another bowl, beat one large egg. Dip each chicken piece into the egg, then coat it in the flour mix. Make sure each piece is covered well. This step is key for a crispy finish.

Frying technique Heat 1/4 cup of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Wait until the oil is hot but not smoking. Add the coated chicken pieces in batches. Avoid overcrowding the pan; this helps them fry evenly. Cook for about 6-8 minutes until they turn golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove them. Drain on paper towels to get rid of excess oil.

Making the Orange Sauce

Sauce preparation steps In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup of fresh orange juice, the zest of one orange, 1/4 cup of sugar, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil. Stir the mix well. Heat it over medium heat until it starts to boil gently. This blend brings the bright flavor of orange to life.

Thickening process Now, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 2 teaspoons of cold water to create a slurry. Once the sauce is boiling, slowly add this slurry, stirring constantly. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. If you want some heat, sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes at this point.

Final Assembly

Combining chicken and sauce Once your sauce is thick, add the fried chicken pieces straight into the pan. Toss everything together gently to coat each piece well with the sauce. This step ensures every bite is flavorful.

Suggested serving methods Serve your orange chicken hot over a bed of steamed rice or noodles. For a touch of color, garnish with sliced green onions and extra orange zest. You can also add a side of steamed broccoli or stir-fried veggies to make your plate look vibrant and fresh. Enjoy your dish!

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting the Fried Chicken

- Temperature control: Keep the oil hot but not smoking. Aim for 350°F. If the oil is too cool, the chicken soaks up too much oil. This makes it greasy. If it's too hot, the outside burns before the inside cooks. Use a thermometer to check.

- Avoiding sogginess: After frying, place the chicken on paper towels. This helps soak up extra oil. Let it rest for a few minutes before tossing with the sauce. This keeps the chicken crispy.

Sauce Tips

- Adjusting sweetness and spice: You can tweak the sauce to fit your taste. If you like it sweeter, add more sugar. For more heat, increase the red pepper flakes. Start with small amounts, so you can taste as you go.

- Enhancing flavors with zest: The zest of the orange gives the sauce a fresh kick. Don't skip this step! Zest adds depth and aroma. Grate the outer peel carefully to avoid the bitter white part. This makes your dish more vibrant and flavorful.

Variations

Healthier Substitutes

You can make this dish lighter by baking instead of frying. Baking gives you a crispy texture with less oil. To do this, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the coated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method cuts down on fat while keeping the flavor.

Using chicken breast is another smart swap. Chicken thighs are juicy, but breasts are leaner. They cook quickly and still soak up the orange sauce well. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces and follow the same coating process.

Flavor Variations

You can get creative with flavors by adding different fruits. Pineapple or mango adds a tropical twist. Just chop them into small pieces and toss them in with the sauce. The sweetness balances the tangy orange flavor.

Using alternative sauces also opens up new taste profiles. Try teriyaki or sweet chili sauce for a unique spin. Mix them with the orange juice to keep that citrus kick. This way, you can make the dish your own while still enjoying the tasty essence of orange chicken.

Storage Info

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Copycat Orange Chicken fresh, follow these tips. First, allow the chicken to cool completely. Place it in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge. It will stay good for up to three days.

When you're ready to eat, reheating is easy. You can use a microwave or a skillet. For the microwave, heat it for one to two minutes. Stir halfway through for even warming. If using a skillet, add a little oil. Heat over medium until hot, which takes about five minutes.

Freezing Options

If you want to save your chicken for later, freezing is a great choice. You can freeze the chicken and the sauce separately.

To freeze the chicken, let it cool first. Place it in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing it. The chicken can stay frozen for up to three months.

For the sauce, pour it into a container. Leave space at the top for expansion. It also freezes well for up to three months. When you're ready to use them, thaw overnight in the fridge. Then, reheat both the chicken and sauce before serving.

FAQs

How do I make Copycat Orange Chicken gluten-free?

To make this dish gluten-free, swap out the all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour. Use a 1:1 gluten-free blend for best results. Also, check your soy sauce. Choose a gluten-free version, like tamari. The cornstarch is already gluten-free, so no need to change that. Enjoy the same great taste without the gluten!

Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes, you can prep this dish ahead of time. You can marinate the chicken and coat it with the dry mix a day prior. Store it in the fridge. For the sauce, make it in advance too, but keep it separate. Just reheat the sauce on the stove before adding the chicken. This helps save time on busy days!

What can I serve with Copycat Orange Chicken?

This dish pairs well with various sides. Here are a few ideas:

- Steamed rice

- Fried rice

- Noodles

- Stir-fried vegetables

- Broccoli

Each side adds a nice touch to your meal, making it even more delicious!

This blog post covers how to make Copycat Orange Chicken from scratch. We explored the key ingredients like chicken, coating, and orange sauce. I shared step-by-step instructions for preparation and assembly, plus tips on perfecting the dish. You also learned about healthier variations and storage options.

In closing, with a bit of practice, you can make a tasty version of this dish. Keep experimenting with flavors and enjoy sharing your creation!