Orange Chicken – Homemade

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Add crushed garlic, crushed ginger, juice from half an orange, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper to the chicken pieces. Mix well to coat all pieces and let marinate for at least 15-20 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare the Batter

In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of corn flour, and 1 teaspoon of baking powder. Gradually add 1 cup of cold sparkling water while whisking until a smooth, thick batter forms.

Step 4: Coat and Fry the Chicken

Add the marinated chicken pieces to the prepared batter, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Heat vegetable oil for deep frying in a deep pan to medium-high heat. Carefully place the battered chicken pieces into the hot oil. Fry in batches for about 5-7 minutes per batch, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the fried chicken and place it on a wire rack to drain excess oil.

Step 5: Prepare the Corn Starch Slurry

In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of corn flour with 2 tablespoons of water until smooth to create a slurry.

Step 6: Prepare the Orange Sauce

Squeeze fresh orange juice (about 1/2 cup) into a bowl. Add 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of honey, and 1 tablespoon of white vinegar. Whisk all the sauce ingredients together until well combined. Grate 1 teaspoon of orange zest into the sauce mixture and mix.

Step 7: Cook the Sauce

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok or large pan. Add 1 teaspoon of crushed ginger and 1 teaspoon of crushed garlic, and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour the prepared sauce mixture into the pan and bring it to a simmer. Stir in the corn starch slurry and cook, stirring constantly, for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.

Step 8: Combine and Serve

Add the fried chicken pieces to the thickened orange sauce in the pan. Toss to coat all the chicken evenly with the sauce. Transfer the orange chicken to a serving dish. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve hot with orange slices.

• Ensure your oil is hot enough for frying to get crispy chicken, but not too hot to burn.

• Adjust the sweetness and tanginess of the sauce to your preference.

• Serve immediately for the best texture.

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.

• You can substitute chicken breast with chicken thighs for a juicier result.

• Serve with steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.