Sticky Orange Chicken: A Delicious Recipe for a Flavorful Dinner

Sticky Orange Chicken is a delightful dish that brings a burst of flavor to your dinner table. This recipe combines tender, juicy chicken with a sweet and tangy orange sauce that is simply irresistible. Originating from Chinese-American cuisine, Sticky Orange Chicken has become a beloved favorite for its vibrant taste and satisfying texture. I remember the first time I tried it; the sticky glaze coated each piece of chicken perfectly, creating a mouthwatering experience that left me craving more.

People adore this dish not only for its delicious flavor but also for its convenience. It’s quick to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or special occasions. The combination of zesty orange and savory soy sauce creates a harmony of tastes that is hard to resist. Whether served over rice or alongside steamed vegetables, Sticky Orange Chicken is sure to impress your family and friends. Join me as we dive into this delightful recipe that will surely become a staple in your kitchen!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
• 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed is best)
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Preparing the Chicken

1. Start by gathering all your ingredients. It’s always easier to have everything at hand before you begin cooking. 2. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. This will be your seasoned flour for coating the chicken. 3. Take the chicken pieces and toss them in the seasoned flour until they are well coated. Make sure each piece is evenly covered to ensure a crispy texture when fried. 4. Once coated, set the chicken aside on a plate while you prepare the frying oil.

Frying the Chicken

5. In a large skillet or frying pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. You want the oil to be hot enough that it sizzles when you add the chicken, but not so hot that it smokes. 6. Carefully add the chicken pieces to the hot oil in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan; you may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your skillet. 7. Fry the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Use tongs to flip the pieces halfway through cooking for even browning. 8. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. This will help keep the chicken crispy.

Making the Sticky Orange Sauce

9. In a separate bowl, whisk together the orange juice, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, grated ginger, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using). This mixture will create a deliciously sticky sauce that will coat the chicken. 10. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. This will help thicken the sauce. 11. In the same skillet you used to fry the chicken, pour in the orange sauce mixture. Bring it to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. 12. Once the sauce starts to bubble, add the cornstarch slurry to the skillet. Stir continuously for about 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. It should be glossy and sticky.

Combining Chicken and Sauce

13. Once the sauce has thickened, add the fried chicken pieces back into the skillet. Toss the chicken in the sauce until each piece is well coated. This is where the magic happens, and your kitchen will start to smell amazing! 14. Allow the chicken to simmer in the sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes, ensuring that it is heated through and fully coated in the sticky orange goodness.

Serving the Dish

15. Once everything is well combined, remove the skillet from the heat. 16. Transfer the sticky orange chicken to a serving platter. 17. Garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an extra touch of flavor and presentation. 18. Serve the sticky orange chicken hot, alongside steamed rice or your favorite stir-fried vegetables. The rice will soak up the delicious sauce, making every bite a treat!

Tips for Success

– For an extra crispy chicken, you can double-dip the chicken pieces in the seasoned flour. First, coat them in the flour, then dip them in a beaten egg, and finally coat them again in the flour before frying. – If you prefer a spicier kick, feel free to add more red pepper

Conclusion:

In summary, this Sticky Orange Chicken recipe is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their weeknight dinners or impress guests at a gathering. The combination of sweet and tangy flavors, paired with the tender, juicy chicken, creates a dish that is not only delicious but also incredibly satisfying. Whether you serve it over a bed of fluffy rice, alongside steamed vegetables, or even in a wrap for a fun twist, the possibilities are endless. Feel free to get creative with this recipe! You can add a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an extra crunch, toss in some bell peppers for added color and nutrition, or even substitute the chicken with tofu for a vegetarian option. The beauty of this Sticky Orange Chicken is its versatility, allowing you to tailor it to your taste preferences and dietary needs. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and experience the delightful flavors for yourself. Once you do, I would love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts, any variations you tried, or even a photo of your creation. Let’s spread the love for this Sticky Orange Chicken together! Happy cooking!

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