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Orange Chicken with Tangy Sweet Sauce

Orange Chicken with Tangy Sweet Sauce
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This Orange Chicken with Tangy Sweet Sauce recipe offers a perfect balance of crispy chicken coated in a bright, tangy, and sweet citrus glaze. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s ideal for quick weeknight dinners or family meals, delivering restaurant-quality flavor with simple ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch (or arrowroot powder/potato starch/rice flour for gluten-free)
  • Vegetable oil, for frying

Sauce

  • 1 cup fresh orange juice
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)
  • 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Garnishes

  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Toss the chicken evenly in cornstarch (or gluten-free alternative) to coat thoroughly for a crispy texture after cooking.
  2. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together fresh orange juice, soy sauce (or tamari), honey or brown sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes if using. This mixture will create the tangy sweet sauce.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Fry the coated chicken pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook each batch until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per side. Transfer chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
  4. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Remove excess oil from the pan, then pour in the prepared sauce. Bring it to a gentle boil and allow it to thicken slightly. Add the crispy chicken back to the pan and toss until every piece is well coated in the luscious orange sauce.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Transfer the orange chicken to a serving plate. Sprinkle with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds for a restaurant-quality finish. Serve immediately with your choice of sides like rice or steamed vegetables.

Notes

  • Pat Chicken Dry: Removes moisture for better cornstarch adhesion and crispiness.
  • Use Fresh Orange Juice: Keeps the sauce bright and fresh without additives.
  • Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry in small batches to maintain heat and get even crispness.
  • Simmer Sauce Gently: Thickens without burning or becoming bitter.
  • Customize Sweetness: Adjust honey or sugar amounts to taste for perfect balance.

Nutrition

Keywords: Orange Chicken, Tangy Sweet Sauce, Crispy Chicken, Easy Dinner, Gluten Free, Quick Meal

Find it online: https://juliaglam.com/orange-chicken-with-tangy-sweet-sauce/