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Crispy Orange Chicken Delight

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A quick and easy recipe featuring crispy chicken thighs coated in a bold, sticky orange glaze that delivers nostalgic comfort and vibrant flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup cornstarch
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Vegetable oil, for frying (canola recommended)
  • 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
  • ¼ cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 2 teaspoons rice vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
  • Zest of one orange
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth.
  2. In another bowl, combine the flour and cornstarch. Dip each chicken piece into the beaten eggs, then dredge thoroughly in the flour-cornstarch mix. Repeat the egg and coating step once more for extra crunch. Set aside on a plate.
  3. Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a frying pan or wok. Heat over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
  4. Carefully add chicken pieces in batches, avoiding overcrowding. Fry for about 4-5 minutes per batch, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy. Remove and place on paper towels to drain. Repeat with remaining chicken.
  5. While frying, combine orange juice, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and orange zest in a small saucepan. Heat over medium until it starts to simmer, about 5 minutes.
  6. Stir the cornstarch-water slurry, then slowly whisk it into the simmering glaze. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens to a sticky, syrupy consistency. Remove from heat.
  7. Place the fried chicken in a large bowl. Pour the warm orange glaze over the chicken and toss gently but thoroughly to coat every piece.
  8. Transfer to a serving dish, garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired, and serve immediately.

Notes

Double coating the chicken with egg and flour-cornstarch mixture ensures extra crispiness. Maintain oil temperature at 350°F for best results. Toss chicken with glaze immediately after frying to keep crispiness. For gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour and soy sauce with tamari. Avoid microwaving leftovers to prevent sogginess; reheat chicken in oven and glaze on stove.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy orange chicken, sticky orange glaze, easy dinner, family recipe, fried chicken, sweet and sour chicken, quick chicken recipe

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