Crispy Orange Chicken 

Crispy Orange Chicken is a beloved Chinese American dish that combines tender chicken pieces with a sweet and tangy orange sauce. The sauce blends orange juice, sugar, vinegar, and soy sauce for a rich, flavorful glaze that's irresistible. It's often served with steamed rice and makes a great weeknight meal. 

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• ½ cup all-purpose flour

• ¼ cup cornstarch

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ cup cold water

• Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Sauce:

• 1 cup fresh orange juice (about 2 oranges)

• ½ cup soy sauce

• ¼ cup sugar

• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar

• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional, for extra flavor)

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken:

   • In a large bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and pepper.

   • Gradually add cold water to the dry ingredients, stirring until the batter forms a smooth consistency.

   • Cut the chicken breasts into bite sized pieces and add them to the batter, ensuring each piece is well coated.

2. Fry the Chicken:

   • Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan or wok over medium-high heat.

   • Once the oil is hot, carefully drop the battered chicken pieces into the oil, a few pieces at a time.

   • Fry for 5–6 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

   • Remove the chicken from the oil and place it on paper towels to drain excess oil.

3. Make the Sauce:

   • In a separate pan, heat sesame oil (if using) over medium heat.

   • Add minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking until fragrant (about 1 minute).

   • Pour in the orange juice, soy sauce, sugar, and rice vinegar. Stir well to combine.

   • Bring the sauce to a simmer, then add the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce. Let it simmer for about 3 minutes, stirring frequently.

4. Combine the Chicken and Sauce:

   • Once the sauce has thickened, gently toss the fried chicken in the sauce, ensuring every piece is coated.

5. Serve and Enjoy:

   • Serve your homemade orange chicken over steamed rice or alongside your favorite veggies for a complete meal!

Nutritional Information (per serving, assuming 2 servings)

• Calories: Approximately 400 kcal

• Protein: Approximately 30g

• Fat: Approximately 20g

• Carbohydrates: Approximately 30g

• Fiber: Approximately 1g

• Sugar: Approximately 15g