Crispy Orange Chicken with Zesty Sauce
This Crispy Orange Chicken features golden-brown, crispy chicken smothered in a zesty orange sauce, creating a flavor explosion that's perfect for weeknight dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 pound chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ginger powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- to taste vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Zesty Sauce
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (ensure it’s halal)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 unit zest of 1 orange
For Garnish (Optional)
- to taste sesame seeds
- to taste sliced green onions
Instructions
Preparation
- Start by cutting your chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Place them in a bowl and season with garlic powder, ginger powder, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together to coat.
- In two separate bowls, place the all-purpose flour and beaten eggs. In a third bowl, combine the cornstarch with a pinch of salt.
- Dip each chicken piece into the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip into the beaten eggs, and finally, coat with cornstarch to ensure a crispy exterior.
Cooking
- In a deep pan, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium heat. You’ll know it’s hot enough when a small piece of chicken sizzles upon contact.
- Carefully add the chicken pieces to the hot oil in batches. Fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the fresh orange juice, sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and orange zest. Stir and let it simmer until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Once your chicken is crispy, drizzle the zesty sauce over the chicken and toss gently to coat.
Serving
- Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious creation!
Notes
If you find yourself with leftovers, store the Crispy Orange Chicken with Zesty Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in an oven preheated to 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes.