Better Than Takeout Amazing Orange Chicken
Recipe Introduction: Better Than Takeout!
Fancy some Better than takeout orange chicken ? Honestly, who doesn't love that sweet and tangy flavour? Are you ready to make it way better at home? I know I am!
Your New Favourite Orange Chicken Recipe
This American Chinese dish, born and bred in the US, is a total crowd pleaser. It is like a hug in a bowl.
You can totally whip this up in under 40 minutes. This recipe is super easy to follow! It serves about four hungry people.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
This Homemade orange chicken recipe is awesome because it's healthier than what you get delivered. Plus, you know exactly what's going in it.
Think of it as guilt free comfort food. Imagine serving this up on a Friday night with some rice and steamed broccoli.
It's the perfect weeknight dinner. This Easy orange chicken recipe is truly special because it's so customisable. You can adjust the sweetness or spice to your taste.
Okay, time for the good stuff. Let's talk about what you will need to make this Crispy orange chicken recipe !
Ingredients & Equipment for Orange chicken recipe Better than Takeout
Let's talk ingredients! Honestly, the success of this orange chicken recipe better than anything you can order, hinges on quality stuff.
And don’t worry, this Easy orange chicken recipe is totally doable. It won’t break the bank either.
Main Ingredients: Quality Counts!
- Chicken: 1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Look for chicken that's firm and pink. Avoid anything pale or slimy, alright?
- Cornstarch: 1 cup (120g) . This is crucial for that crispy orange chicken recipe texture we all crave.
- Eggs: 2 large ones.
- Vegetable Oil: About 2 cups (475ml) for frying.
- Orange Juice: 1 cup (240ml) freshly squeezed. This is non-negotiable. Skip the carton stuff. Freshness is key! That's how we make the Orange chicken with fresh orange juice .
- Orange Zest: From 1 orange.
- Sugar: 1/2 cup (100g) granulated.
- Soy Sauce: 1/4 cup (60ml) low-sodium.
- Rice Vinegar: 1 tablespoon (15ml) .
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced.
- Ginger: 1 tablespoon (15g) fresh, grated.
- Cornstarch Slurry: 1 tablespoon (8g) cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons (30ml) cold water.
- Green Onions: 2 , thinly sliced.
- Sesame Seeds: 1 tablespoon , toasted.
Seasoning Notes: Spice It Up!
This isn't just about sweetness. This is about depth.
- The Core: Soy sauce, ginger, and garlic are your Authentic orange chicken recipe base.
- Flavor Boosters: Rice vinegar adds a lovely tang, while the orange zest brightens everything up.
- Spice Swap: No rice vinegar? A splash of apple cider vinegar works in a pinch.
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
You don’t need fancy gear. This is how you do your Homemade orange chicken recipe
- Wok or large skillet: For frying. A wok is ideal if you have one. Orange chicken wok recipe it is.
- Saucepan: For the orange sauce.
- Mixing Bowls: For prepping.
- Whisk:
- Slotted Spoon:
- Paper Towels:
- Measuring Cups & Spoons:
And there you have it. Simple ingredients, basic equipment. Let's get cooking! Honestly, you'll never order takeout again. Better than takeout orange chicken it is!
Cooking Method: The Secret to Orange chicken recipe Better than Takeout
Honestly, who doesn't love a good American Chinese takeaway? But have you ever wondered if you can get a Better than takeout orange chicken at home? Trust me, it's totally doable.
I’ve had my fair share of soggy disappointments when trying to nail this dish. But after some trial and error, I've finally cracked the code!
Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row
Mise en place is KEY. Chop your 1 pound (450g) chicken breasts into 1 inch cubes. Then, zest and juice those 3-4 oranges.
Honestly, the fresher, the better. This makes it Orange chicken with fresh orange juice . Remember to measure out all your other ingredients.
You know, like 1 cup (120g) of cornstarch, 1/2 cup (100g) of sugar and so on. Trust me, you'll thank yourself later.
Safety first. Always be careful when handling raw chicken and hot oil.
step-by-step: From Chicken to Champion
Here's where the magic happens.
- Season your chicken with salt and pepper.
- Dip the chicken in 2 beaten eggs. Then, coat it generously with 1 cup (120g) cornstarch.
- Heat about 2 cups (475ml) of vegetable oil in a skillet until shimmering (350° F/ 175° C ).
- Fry the chicken in batches, about 5- 6 minutes per batch. Don't overcrowd the pan!
- Drain the crispy chicken on paper towels.
- Simmer your sauce ingredients orange juice, zest, sugar, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and ginger.
- Thicken the sauce with a cornstarch slurry ( 2- 3 minutes ).
- Finally, toss the chicken in that luscious orange sauce!
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Orange Chicken Game
Wanna make this Easy orange chicken recipe even better? Try these:
- Use a wok for Orange chicken wok recipe . It helps maintain even heat.
- Don't skimp on the orange zest! It adds a ton of flavor.
- My biggest mistake was using bottled orange juice. Freshly squeezed is miles better.
You can even make the sauce ahead of time! Just store it in the fridge and reheat when you're ready to cook.
Now go make this Homemade orange chicken recipe tonight!. It's going to be your new favourite! You won't regret it.
Recipe Notes That'll Make You a Pro
Honestly, cooking is all about tweaking things. This section is where we get real. Let's make sure your Orange chicken recipe Better than takeout every single time. I'm spilling all my secrets!
Serving Like a Pro Chef
Okay, so you've made this awesome chicken. But how do you make it look amazing ? First, think green! A sprinkle of spring onions is a must.
A scattering of toasted sesame seeds adds that "wow" factor. I like plating it over rice to soak up that delicious sauce.
Try pairing it with some stir fried greens. A cold beer complements the sauce perfectly, you know?
Storage Secrets
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Honestly, I rarely do, but it happens. Pop that homemade orange chicken recipe in an airtight container and it's good in the fridge for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, you can freeze it. Just let it cool completely first. To reheat, oven or microwave works. If it's a bit dry after reheating, a splash of orange juice will bring it back to life.
Let's Get Creative, Shall We?
Want to mix things up? Ditch the gluten! The Orange chicken gluten-free option uses tamari instead of soy sauce. You can make a spicy Orange chicken recipe Better than with red pepper flakes if you're feeling bold.
Try seasonal swaps, like blood oranges in winter. Or even serve with quinoa instead of rice. Loads of ways to put your own spin on the Easy orange chicken recipe !
Nutrition: The Good Stuff
Right, let's talk numbers, but don't switch off! One serving is around 350 calories. It packs a punch of protein (around 30g).
This Quick orange chicken dinner has some Vitamin C from the orange juice. All from that zesty citrus goodness! Sodium is around 400mg, so drink water.
Remember, this is a rough guide.
So, there you have it. It's super easy to make better than takeout orange chicken . All you need is a little bit of practice.
Don't worry too much if it's not perfect the first time. Just have fun. Cooking should be an adventure. Go on, give it a go.
Let me know how you get on!
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make my orange chicken extra crispy like the takeout version?
For that satisfying crunch, ensure your oil is hot enough (around 350°F/175°C) and don't overcrowd the pan when frying. Fry the chicken in batches to maintain the oil temperature.
A double fry technique also works wonders fry once, then fry again briefly right before tossing in the sauce for maximum crispiness. Think of it as giving your chicken a spa day... a crispy, golden spa day!
My sauce turned out too thick/thin. What did I do wrong?
A sauce that's too thick usually means it was cooked for too long after adding the cornstarch slurry. If it's too thin, either the slurry wasn't mixed properly or you didn't cook it long enough. Next time, whisk the cornstarch and water very thoroughly before adding it to the sauce.
Cook the sauce, stirring constantly, until it just thickens about 2-3 minutes should do the trick. Remember, you can always add a little more cornstarch slurry (a teaspoon at a time) if needed, but go easy!
What's the best way to store leftover Orange chicken recipe Better than takeout?
Store leftover orange chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It's best consumed within 2-3 days. Be aware that the chicken will lose some of its crispness as it sits in the sauce.
To reheat, you can microwave it (though it might get a bit soggy), or reheat it in a skillet over medium heat to help restore some of the crispiness.
Can I make this Orange chicken recipe Better than a takeaway version if I don't have fresh oranges?
While fresh orange juice and zest really elevate the flavor, you can substitute with high-quality bottled orange juice in a pinch. Look for one that's 100% juice and doesn't have added sugars.
However, the fresh zest is harder to replace, it provides oils and more aromatic flavors so try using orange extract, but only in a small quantity!
I'm watching my sodium intake. How can I reduce the sodium in this Orange chicken recipe Better than takeout?
The main culprit for sodium is the soy sauce. Opt for low-sodium soy sauce, and you can even use a sodium free alternative. Also, be mindful of any other sauces or ingredients that might contain hidden sodium. Taste as you go and adjust accordingly.
You can always add a touch of rice vinegar or a squeeze of fresh orange juice to brighten the flavor if it tastes bland without the full amount of sodium.
What are some good side dishes to serve with this Orange chicken recipe Better than takeout?
Steamed white rice or brown rice is a classic pairing. Stir fried vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers are also a great way to add some healthy greens to the meal. For appetizers, egg rolls or spring rolls complement the flavors nicely.
If you want to get fancy, try serving it with some Asian inspired noodles or a simple side salad with a ginger sesame dressing.
Better Than Takeout Amazing Orange Chicken
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350 kcal |
|---|---|
| Fat | 15g |
| Fiber | 2g |
