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- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup cornstarch - 2 large eggs, beaten - 1 tsp garlic powder - 1 tsp ginger powder - Zest of 1 orange - 1/2 cup fresh orange juice - 1/4 cup soy sauce - 1/4 cup honey - 1 tsp sesame oil - 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional) - 1 green onion, finely chopped for garnish - Sesame seeds for garnish The main ingredients create a lovely, crispy chicken. Chicken thighs work best here. They stay juicy while frying. I suggest using both all-purpose flour and cornstarch. This combination gives the chicken its signature crunch. The flavor comes from garlic and ginger powder. They add warmth and depth to the dish. Fresh orange juice and zest bring bright notes. Soy sauce and honey balance the flavors perfectly. They add a touch of sweetness and umami. For garnishing, green onions and sesame seeds add color and texture. If you like spice, add red pepper flakes. They bring a nice kick that pairs well with the sweet sauce. Enjoy the contrast of flavors in every bite! To start, you need to dredge the chicken in the flour mixture. In a bowl, mix 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of cornstarch, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of ginger powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This mix will give your chicken a great crunch. Dip each piece of chicken into 2 beaten eggs, then coat it in the flour mix. Make sure to shake off any extra flour. This step is very important. Too much flour will make the chicken heavy, not crispy. Now, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer over medium-high heat. The oil needs to be hot enough for frying. If you drop a bit of batter into the oil, it should sizzle right away. Carefully add the coated chicken pieces in batches. Fry them for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want them golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken and set it on paper towels. This helps get rid of extra oil. For the orange sauce, gather your ingredients: 1/2 cup of fresh orange juice, 1/4 cup of soy sauce, 1/4 cup of honey, 1 teaspoon of sesame oil, and the zest of 1 orange. If you like spice, add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Combine all these ingredients in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Stir it well to mix everything. Let it simmer for about 3 to 5 minutes. This helps the sauce thicken nicely. Once it thickens, pour the sauce over the crispy chicken in a large bowl. Toss the chicken until it's evenly coated. Now your crispy orange chicken is ready to serve! To get that ultimate crispiness, use a mix of flour and cornstarch. This combo ensures a light and crunchy coating. Always shake off any extra flour after coating the chicken. If your chicken sticks to the pan, check the oil's heat. It needs to be hot enough. If not, the chicken will soak up oil and lose its crunch. For a flavor boost, add some orange zest to the sauce. A pinch of five-spice powder can add depth. If you like heat, toss in more red pepper flakes. Serve your crispy orange chicken over steamed rice. It pairs perfectly with a side of sautéed green beans or a fresh salad. Make your dish pop by garnishing with green onions and sesame seeds. Arrange the chicken on a nice plate, and drizzle some extra sauce on top for flair. Lay the chicken on a bed of rice and sprinkle with fresh herbs. This not only looks great but also adds flavor. {{image_2}} You can make crispy orange chicken with healthier choices. First, try using chicken breast instead of thighs. Chicken breast is leaner and has less fat. This change makes your meal lighter without giving up flavor. You can also choose gluten-free options. Replace all-purpose flour with rice flour or almond flour. For cornstarch, look for gluten-free brands. These swaps keep the dish crispy and tasty for those with gluten intolerance. Want to mix up the flavor? Try adding different fruits to the sauce. Pineapple adds a fun twist with its sweet and tangy taste. You could also use mango or even berries for a unique flavor. If you like spice, adjust the heat level. Add more red pepper flakes for a kick, or use jalapeños for fresh heat. You can make the dish as spicy or mild as you want! There are many ways to serve crispy orange chicken. Serve it over noodles for a filling meal. You can also wrap it in lettuce for a fun hand-held dish. Incorporate fresh vegetables for balance. Steam broccoli, snap peas, or carrots. These sides add color and nutrients to your meal. You can also serve it with rice for a classic option. To keep your crispy orange chicken fresh, store it in the fridge. Place it in an airtight container. This helps retain flavor and moisture. Wrap the chicken tightly to avoid drying out. You can enjoy your leftovers for up to three days. When you reheat crispy orange chicken, aim to keep it crispy. The best way to do this is to use an oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the chicken on a baking sheet. Heat it for about 10-15 minutes. This way, the chicken stays crunchy. If you want to use the microwave, place a paper towel under the chicken. This helps absorb moisture. Heat in short bursts, checking often. This method can make the chicken soggy, so be careful. To freeze crispy orange chicken, separate the chicken and sauce. Place each in a different airtight container. This keeps their textures intact. You can freeze the chicken for up to two months. The sauce can last the same time. When you’re ready to eat, thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight. Reheat the chicken in the oven for crispiness. Warm the sauce in a small saucepan over low heat. This way, you can enjoy your meal just like fresh! I recommend using boneless chicken thighs for this dish. Thighs have more fat than breasts. This fat keeps the meat moist and adds flavor. They also stay tender even when fried. If you prefer chicken breasts, that works too. Just remember, they may dry out quickly if overcooked. Yes, you can! Prep the chicken and coat it in the flour mix. Store it in the fridge for up to a day. Fry the chicken just before serving. If you want to make the sauce ahead, it stays good in the fridge for about a week. Just reheat it before pouring over the fried chicken. Serve crispy orange chicken with steamed rice. The rice absorbs the sauce well. You can also add stir-fried vegetables for a colorful plate. Broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers work great. For a crunch, try a simple salad with a light dressing. These sides add balance and flavor to your meal. Crispy orange chicken combines tender chicken with a zesty sauce. You learned about key ingredients like chicken thighs, fresh orange juice, and simple spices. I shared step-by-step instructions to help you fry the chicken perfectly. You now know tips for flavor, texture, and presentation. Try the variations and adapt it to your taste. Whether you make it healthier or spice it up, this dish can fit your needs. Enjoy your cooking, and don’t forget to share your results!

Crispy Orange Chicken

Indulge in this mouthwatering crispy orange chicken recipe that's perfect for any occasion! Made with tender chicken thighs and coated in a delicious orange glaze, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. With easy-to-follow instructions and minimal prep time, you'll have a scrumptious meal ready in no time. Click through to explore the full recipe and impress your loved ones with this flavorful delight!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup cornstarch

2 large eggs, beaten

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp ginger powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Vegetable oil for frying

Zest of 1 orange

1/2 cup fresh orange juice

1/4 cup soy sauce

1/4 cup honey

1 tsp sesame oil

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

1 green onion, finely chopped for garnish

Sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions
 

In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, ginger powder, salt, and pepper.

    Dip the chicken pieces first into the beaten eggs, then coat them in the flour mixture. Shake off excess flour.

      In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.

        Once the oil is hot, carefully add the coated chicken pieces in batches, frying until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken and set it on paper towels to drain excess oil.

          In a separate saucepan, combine the orange juice, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, orange zest, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until well mixed and slightly thickened, about 3-5 minutes.

            Pour the sauce over the fried chicken in a large mixing bowl. Toss until all the chicken pieces are evenly coated.

              Transfer the glazed chicken to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped green onion and sesame seeds.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 mins | 30 mins | 4 servings

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the crispy orange chicken on a bed of steamed rice, garnished with additional orange zest and fresh herbs for color.