Crispy Orange Chicken with Spring Peas and Garlic
Delight in this Crispy Orange Chicken, a luxurious take on a classic Chinese favorite. This version features tender chicken pieces enveloped in a light, crispy coating, tossed in a vibrant orange sauce with a touch of sweetness and zing. Paired with fresh spring peas and aromatic garlic, this dish makes a perfect centerpiece for any meal. Ideal for sharing with family or guests, this recipe will transport your taste buds straight to a five-star restaurant experience. Serve it over fluffy steamed rice for a satisfying meal everyone will love.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
20
Ingredients
Ingredients
orange juice
1 cup (fresh squeezed or from Simply Orange brand)
brown sugar
3/8 cup
low sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons
rice vinegar
1 tablespoon
cornstarch
1 tablespoon
orange zest
1 tablespoon (freshly grated from 1 large orange)
boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 lbs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
egg whites
2
water
1 tablespoon
cornstarch
3/4 cup (for dredging)
flour
3/8 cup
salt
3/4 teaspoon
ground black pepper
3/4 teaspoon
vegetable oil
as needed (for frying)
vegetable oil
1 tablespoon (for stir-frying)
garlic cloves
3-4 (minced)
freshly minced ginger
1 teaspoon
chopped green onion
1/4 cup
red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon (or to taste)
frozen peas
1 cup
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Crispy Orange Chicken?
It is a luxurious take on a classic Chinese favorite featuring tender chicken in a light, crispy coating tossed in a sweet and zingy orange sauce.
What ingredients make up the orange sauce?
The sauce is made from a blend of orange juice, brown sugar, low sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, cornstarch, and fresh orange zest.
What cut of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 lbs of boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces for the best results.
How do you achieve the crispy texture?
The chicken is dipped in egg whites and water, then dredged in a mixture of cornstarch, flour, salt, and black pepper before frying.
Can I use store-bought orange juice?
Yes, you can use fresh-squeezed orange juice or a high-quality brand like Simply Orange.
What vegetables are included in this dish?
This recipe features fresh spring peas (or frozen peas) and chopped green onions for added texture and flavor.
How many garlic cloves should I use?
The recipe recommends using 3 to 4 minced garlic cloves to provide a fragrant aromatic base.
Is this orange chicken spicy?
It contains a touch of zing from 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, which can be adjusted according to your heat preference.
What is the role of orange zest in this recipe?
Freshly grated orange zest from one large orange is used to provide a vibrant, aromatic citrus punch to the sauce.
How is cornstarch used in this dish?
Cornstarch is used in two ways: as a thickening agent for the orange sauce and as a primary component of the crispy chicken coating.
What aromatics are used for the base flavor?
The dish uses a combination of minced garlic, freshly minced ginger, and chopped green onions.
What is the best way to serve this dish?
It is ideally served over fluffy steamed rice to soak up the vibrant orange sauce and create a satisfying meal.
Can I substitute chicken breasts with thighs?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used as an alternative to breasts if you prefer a juicier meat texture.
Is this recipe suitable for dinner parties?
Yes, its restaurant-quality presentation and flavor make it a perfect centerpiece for sharing with guests.
How much brown sugar is used for the sweetness?
The recipe uses 3/8 cup of brown sugar to achieve the signature sweetness of traditional orange chicken.
Why is rice vinegar added to the sauce?
Rice vinegar provides a necessary acidity that balances the sweetness of the sugar and the citrus of the orange juice.
Should I use fresh or ground ginger?
The recipe specifically calls for 1 teaspoon of freshly minced ginger for a more authentic and pungent flavor.
What kind of oil is recommended for frying?
Vegetable oil is recommended for both frying the chicken and stir-frying the aromatics due to its high smoke point.
How are the peas incorporated into the meal?
The recipe includes 1 cup of peas, which are added to the dish to provide a pop of color and fresh spring flavor.
What is the texture of the chicken coating?
The coating is described as light and crispy, providing a perfect contrast to the tender chicken inside.
Is there a way to limit the sodium in this recipe?
The recipe already utilizes low sodium soy sauce to help keep the salt content in check.
What is the purpose of the egg whites?
Egg whites mixed with a tablespoon of water act as a binder to help the flour and cornstarch mixture adhere to the chicken.
Approximately how many people does this recipe serve?
With 2 lbs of chicken, this recipe typically serves between 4 to 6 people depending on portion sizes.
Can I adjust the intensity of the orange flavor?
Yes, you can increase or decrease the amount of freshly grated orange zest to tune the citrus intensity.
Why is this dish considered comfort food?
It is tagged as comfort food because of its satisfying combination of crispy fried chicken, sweet sauce, and warm rice.
What seasonings are added to the chicken coating?
The dredging mixture is seasoned with 3/4 teaspoon of salt and 3/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper.
What category of cuisine does this recipe fall into?
This recipe is classified under Chinese and Asian cuisine, specifically as a popular Chinese-American style dish.
What type of rice pairs well with orange chicken?
Fluffy white steamed rice, such as Jasmine or Basmati, is the most common and recommended pairing.
Can I increase the heat level of this dish?
Yes, you can add more than the suggested 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to make the sauce spicier.
Is this a suitable meal for a busy weeknight?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick meal, making it an excellent choice for a fast yet impressive family dinner.