Ingredients:
•chicken
•1 tbsp onion powder
•1 tbsp garlic powder
•1 tsp salt
•1 tsp pepper
•1/2 cup cornstarch
•1/2 cup flour
•2 eggs
•1 tbsp soy sauce
Sauce:
•4 tbsp soy sauce
•1 cup orange juice
•1/2 tsp garlic powder
•1/2 tsp ground ginger
•2/3 cup sugar
•4 tbsp rice vinegar
•1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
•cornstarch slurry (cornstarch + water)
Garnish:
•sesame seeds
•green onion
Instructions:
1. Dice chicken breast into small pieces
2. In a large bowl, add chicken, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, cornstarch, flour, eggs, and soy sauce. Mix well until everything is coated, then let it sit for a few minutes.
3. Combine sauce ingredients and set aside.
4. Heat oil in a pan and fry chicken in batches until golden and crispy.
5. In a clean pan, pour in the sauce mixture. Bring it to a simmer, then add cornstarch slurry and cook until thickened and glossy.
6. Add the chicken into the pan and toss until fully coated in the sauce.
7. Plate, then garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Enjoy!
Making crispy orange chicken at home can be a rewarding experience, especially when you control the ingredients and seasoning to suit your taste. One tip I've found useful when preparing the chicken coating is to let the mixture rest for a few minutes before frying; this helps the flavors from the onion powder, garlic powder, and soy sauce infuse into the chicken thoroughly. When frying, it's important to heat the oil to the right temperature, around 350°F (175°C), so the chicken cooks quickly and becomes crispy without absorbing too much oil. Frying the chicken in batches rather than all at once ensures even cooking and maintains the oil temperature. The sauce’s balance between sweetness, tanginess, and a hint of spice is key for that delicious orange chicken flavor. Using fresh orange juice instead of concentrate can make your sauce taste fresher and more vibrant. Also, adding rice vinegar provides a mild yet effective acidity, which cuts through the richness of fried chicken and sugar, creating a harmonious flavor. For the cornstarch slurry, slowly add it to the simmering sauce while stirring constantly to avoid lumps, and cook until you achieve a glossy, thickened texture that clings perfectly to the chicken pieces. Garnishing with toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions adds not only visual appeal but also a nice crunch and fresh note to the dish. You can also experiment by adding some crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce if you prefer a spicier kick. This recipe is versatile and can be paired nicely with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal. Overall, taking care at each cooking stage enhances the texture and flavor, making homemade crispy orange chicken just as delightful as your favorite takeout.