Orange Chicken 2.0 | Copycat Recipes
About this recipe
Orange Chicken 2.0 is a delicious twist on the classic dish, bringing together crispy chicken pieces coated in a sweet and tangy orange sauce. This version emphasizes using fresh orange juice and zest for a vibrant flavor, while also incorporating a few simple techniques to achieve that perfect crunch.
The recipe is straightforward and can be made in about 30 minutes, making it a great option for a quick weeknight dinner. Plus, the use of chicken thighs is recommended for juicier results, ensuring that every bite is packed with flavor.
Ingredient notes
- You can use either Chicken Breast or Chicken Thighs, but thighs are recommended for better flavor.
- The recipe calls for 6-8 tablespoons of Honey, which you can adjust to taste.
- For the slurry, mix 30g of Corn Starch with 30ml of Water.
Tips from Smokin' & Grillin with AB’s video
- Coat the chicken pieces in egg white first to help the flour and corn starch stick better, creating a crispy exterior when fried.
- Fry the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which helps achieve a golden brown and crispy texture.
- When making the sauce, add the ingredients in the order listed to ensure they combine well and develop flavor.
Good to know
- How many servings does this recipe yield?
- This recipe yields 4-6 servings.
- What is the total cooking time for this dish?
- The total cooking time for this dish is 30 minutes.
- Can I use lemon instead of orange?
- While the recipe uses orange juice and zest for flavor, you can substitute lemon zest if you prefer, but it won't be the traditional orange chicken.
- What type of oil should I use for frying?
- You can use any oil you have on hand, such as canola or vegetable oil, as long as it covers the bottom of the pan halfway.
No life story here — the video and the recipe are the whole point. All credit to Smokin' & Grillin with AB: watch the original on YouTube.
The recipe
Ingredients
Steps
- 1
Trim the chicken thighs and cut them into bite-sized pieces.
- 2
Separate the egg white from the yolk and place it in a bowl.
- 3
Add the egg white to the chicken pieces and mix to coat.
- 4
Sprinkle the corn starch and flour over the chicken and mix until well coated.
- 5
Heat oil in a pan to cover the bottom halfway.
- 6
Fry the chicken pieces in batches until golden brown and crispy, then transfer to a paper towel-lined bowl.
- 7
In a separate pan, combine soy sauce and orange juice over medium heat.
- 8
Add ginger and crushed red pepper flakes to the mixture and let it simmer.
- 9
Once simmering, add minced garlic and vinegar to the sauce.
- 10
Bring the sauce back to a boil, then add honey, orange zest, and the cornstarch slurry to thicken it.
- 11
Stir until the sauce thickens, then remove from heat.
- 12
Toss the fried chicken in the sauce until well coated and serve with sesame seeds on top.
Heads up — we had to guess a little:
- The quantity for sesame seeds is inferred as 'to taste' based on common usage in recipes.
Credit where it’s due: this recipe was transcribed from Smokin' & Grillin with AB’s original video on YouTube. Follow them there — it’s their dish.
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