Description
Savor the sweet and tangy flavors of this Sticky Orange Chicken, featuring crispy chicken thighs coated in a luscious orange sauce. Perfect for serving over rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables, this dish is a delightful twist on a classic favorite, ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- Gather all your ingredients for easy access.
- In a medium bowl, mix the flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika to create the seasoned flour.
- Toss the chicken pieces in the seasoned flour until well coated. Set aside.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking.
- Add the chicken pieces in a single layer, frying in batches if necessary. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together orange juice, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, grated ginger, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry.
- Pour the orange sauce mixture into the same skillet and bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Once bubbling, add the cornstarch slurry and stir continuously for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens to a glossy, sticky consistency.
- Add the fried chicken back into the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Remove from heat and transfer to a serving platter.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
- Serve hot with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables.
Notes
- For extra crispy chicken, consider double-dipping the chicken pieces in the seasoned flour.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your desired spice level.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes