Sticky Orange Chicken – Page 2

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

In a bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Dip the chicken pieces into the beaten eggs, then dredge them in the flour mixture, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
Heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (test with a small piece of chicken—if it sizzles, it’s ready), add the chicken in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
Fry the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove from the skillet and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

2. Make the Orange Sauce

In a separate saucepan, combine the orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to reduce slightly.
In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Slowly pour this mixture into the sauce while stirring, to thicken the sauce. Continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce becomes glossy and sticky.

3. Coat the Chicken

Add the crispy chicken pieces into the saucepan with the orange sauce. Toss the chicken in the sauce, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Let the chicken sit in the sauce for a minute or two to absorb the flavors and get nice and sticky.

4. Garnish and Serve

Transfer the sticky orange chicken to a serving dish and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve immediately with steamed rice, vegetables, or your favorite side dish.

Tips for the Best Sticky Orange Chicken

Crispy Chicken: To ensure your chicken stays crispy, don’t overcrowd the skillet when frying. Fry the chicken in batches if necessary to maintain the crispiness.
Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a bit more honey or brown sugar. For a tangier version, increase the amount of rice vinegar or add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
Add Spice: If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or stir in a dash of sriracha to the orange sauce while it simmers.
Use Chicken Thighs: Chicken thighs will give you a juicier, more flavorful result, though chicken breasts are a leaner option if you prefer.
Make It Ahead: If you’re preparing this dish in advance, you can fry the chicken and make the sauce ahead of time. When you’re ready to serve, just heat the sauce, coat the chicken, and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.

Serving Suggestions

This Sticky Orange Chicken pairs perfectly with:

Steamed Jasmine Rice: The sweet and savory sauce is perfect when paired with a fluffy bowl of jasmine rice.
Vegetable Stir-Fry: Pair this dish with sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, or carrots to balance the richness of the chicken with some healthy greens.
Fried Rice: If you want to take your meal up a notch, serve the orange chicken with fried rice for an even heartier, takeout-inspired meal.
Asian-Inspired Slaw: A crunchy slaw made with cabbage, carrots, and a sesame dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the sticky, rich chicken.

Final Thoughts

This Sticky Orange Chicken is a vibrant, delicious dish that’s both easy to make and packed with flavor. The crispy chicken and glossy, citrusy sauce are a winning combination, making it a crowd-pleaser for dinner or a special occasion. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this dish delivers the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and sticky goodness.

With its quick prep time, simple ingredients, and amazing flavor, this homemade version of orange chicken is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Try it tonight and experience a little taste of takeout magic in your own kitchen!

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