Dinner

Chinese Orange Chicken

Name: Chinese Orange Chicken
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: orange, zested, Zest of 1; 1/4 cup orange juice; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 1/4 cup water; 1/3 cup rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 tablespoon sesame seed oil; 1/2 cup sugar; 650g chicken thighs, cut into about 1-inch cubes; 2 large large eggs, beaten; 1 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/2 cup cornstarch; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 2 cups vegetable oil; 2 cloves garlic cloves, chopped; 1 shallot, chopped; scallions, sliced, Sliced; sesame seeds, for garnish, Garnish; rice, cooked, for serving, To serve

Crispy fried chicken thigh pieces are coated in a tangy, sweet orange sauce and served with rice.

45 min
760 kcal
Chinese

Mellowpan tip: Makes 4 servings, so there’s room for leftovers. Plan them into your week.

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Ingredients

For 4 servings

Steps

Step 1:
Whisk the orange zest, orange juice, soy sauce, water, rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, sesame seed oil, and sugar together in a medium bowl. Set the orange sauce aside.
Step 2:
Cut the chicken into about 1-inch cubes.
Step 3:
Whisk the eggs with the salt and black pepper in a bowl, then add the chicken and stir to coat.
Step 4:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and 1/2 cup cornstarch.
Step 5:
Remove the chicken from the egg mixture with a slotted spoon or tongs, letting excess egg drain off. Transfer it to the flour and cornstarch mixture and coat well.
Step 6:
Add the vegetable oil to a large 10- to 12-inch skillet. Heat over medium-high heat to 350°F; alternatively, test it by sprinkling in flour, which should fizzle immediately when the oil is hot enough.
Step 7:
Fry the chicken in two batches for 3 to 4 minutes. Flip the pieces and cook for 3 to 4 minutes more, until cooked through.
3–4 min
Step 8:
Transfer the fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Repeat with the remaining chicken.
Step 9:
Pour out the hot oil and wipe the pan clean. Add a fresh tablespoon of oil with the chopped garlic and shallot, and cook for 1 minute.
1 min
Step 10:
Add the orange sauce and simmer until it begins to thicken.
Step 11:
Add the fried chicken to the lightly bubbling sauce and toss to coat. Simmer for 1 to 2 minutes more, until the sauce thickens and clings to the chicken.
1–2 min
Step 12:
Serve over cooked white rice, garnished with sesame seeds and fresh sliced scallions.