Orange Chicken

Orange Chicken is a medium Chinese-American dish that brings authentic flavors and traditional cooking techniques to your kitchen. This recipe combines carefully selected ingredients with time-tested preparation methods to create a truly memorable dining experience. Whether you're an experienced home cook or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe provides clear guidance and helpful tips to ensure success every time you prepare it.

This orange chicken recipe requires 25 minutes of preparation time and 20 minutes of cooking time, making the total time investment approximately 45 minutes. The recipe yields 4 generous servings perfect for an intimate meal. While this recipe requires some intermediate cooking skills and attention to detail, the results are well worth the effort and will impress both family and guests.

The foundation of exceptional orange chicken begins with selecting quality ingredients. This recipe calls for 8 carefully chosen components that work harmoniously together. 1.5 lbs chicken, 1/4 cup orange juice, 1 cup orange zest form the essential base of this dish, providing the primary flavors and structural foundation. Each ingredient is selected for its specific contribution to the overall flavor profile and texture. When shopping for ingredients, look for the freshest produce and highest quality proteins to ensure the best results.

The cooking process for orange chicken follows 4 essential steps, each designed to build flavor and achieve the perfect texture. Attention to timing and temperature control ensures that each component cooks to perfection. Moderate cooking time allows flavors to meld beautifully while maintaining the integrity of individual ingredients. The process begins with fry battered chicken, establishing the foundation for all subsequent steps. The middle stages involve 2 key techniques that transform raw ingredients into a cohesive, flavorful dish. The final steps bring everything together, allowing you to adjust seasoning and presentation for optimal results.

This recipe makes 4 servings, perfect for a family meal with enough for everyone to enjoy. Consider doubling the recipe if you want leftovers for lunch. Each serving contains approximately 585 calories, 32g of protein, 68g of carbohydrates, and 20g of fat, making it a hearty, indulgent dish perfect for special occasions or when you need extra fuel. This recipe can be adapted to accommodate various dietary preferences and restrictions.

For best results, gather all ingredients before you begin cooking to maintain momentum throughout the preparation. Pay attention to visual and aromatic cues mentioned in the instructions, as these indicators help ensure proper cooking. Consider serving with complementary sides and beverages that enhance the main dish.