How To Deep Fry Orange Chicken: A Step-by-step Guide For The Perfect Dish

Craving the tantalizing flavors of crispy orange chicken? Deep frying this delectable dish at home allows you to enjoy restaurant-quality perfection without leaving your kitchen. With our comprehensive guide, you’ll learn the secrets to achieving golden-brown, succulent chicken coated in a vibrant orange sauce.

Gather Your Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the Orange Sauce:

• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon water

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

• Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
• In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour and remaining salt.
• Dip the chicken into the flour mixture, then shake off any excess.
• Dip the floured chicken into the beaten egg.
• Finally, coat the chicken pieces with the panko breadcrumbs.

2. Heat the Oil

• Fill a deep fryer or large saucepan with vegetable oil and heat it to 350°F (177°C).

3. Fry the Chicken

• Carefully drop the chicken pieces into the hot oil and fry for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
• Remove the chicken from the oil and drain it on paper towels.

4. Make the Orange Sauce

• In a small saucepan, whisk together the orange juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, orange zest, sesame oil, cornstarch, and water.
• Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly.
• Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.

5. Combine the Chicken and Sauce

• Pour the orange sauce over the fried chicken and stir to coat.

6. Serve and Enjoy

• Serve the orange chicken immediately with your favorite sides, such as white rice or steamed broccoli.

Tips for Perfection

• Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
• Make sure the chicken is completely coated in the breading before frying.
• Fry the chicken in small batches to prevent overcrowding and ensure even cooking.
• Don’t overcrowd the saucepan when making the orange sauce.
• Adjust the thickness of the orange sauce by adding more cornstarch or water as needed.

Variations

• Add a teaspoon of grated ginger or garlic to the orange sauce for extra flavor.
• Use a different type of breading, such as cornmeal or crushed crackers.
• Serve the orange chicken over a bed of noodles or rice for a complete meal.

Troubleshooting

• Chicken is not cooked through: Increase the frying time or check the internal temperature using a meat thermometer.
• Chicken is too greasy: Drain the chicken thoroughly on paper towels after frying.
• Orange sauce is too thick: Add more water until the desired consistency is reached.

Answers to Your Most Common Questions

Q: Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
A: Yes, but make sure to thaw it completely before frying.

Q: How can I make the orange sauce spicier?
A: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Q: Can I make this recipe in an air fryer?
A: Yes, but the chicken may not be as crispy as when deep fried.