How To Make Restaurant-style Orange Chicken At Home – No Orange Juice Needed!

Craving the tangy and crispy goodness of orange chicken but don’t have orange juice on hand? Fear not! This blog post will guide you through an alternative method of making this beloved dish without using orange juice.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Sauce:

• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: In a shallow bowl, combine the chicken, cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat.

2. Heat the Oil: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

3. Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

4. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, orange zest, and ginger.

5. Bring to a Simmer: Pour the sauce into the same skillet used to cook the chicken. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, or until slightly thickened.

6. Return the Chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat in the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce is heated through.

7. Serve: Garnish with fresh orange slices or chopped green onions and serve over rice.

Variations

• Spicy Orange Chicken: Add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• Citrusy Orange Chicken: Use a combination of orange zest and lemon zest for a more complex citrus flavor.
• Sweet and Sour Orange Chicken: Add 1/4 cup of pineapple juice to the sauce for a sweet and sour twist.

Tips

• For a crispy coating, double-coat the chicken in the cornstarch and flour mixture.
• Use a nonstick skillet to prevent the chicken from sticking.
• If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of water to thin it out.
• Serve with your favorite sides, such as rice, noodles, or vegetables.

Benefits of Making Orange Chicken Without Orange Juice

• Convenience: No need to have orange juice on hand.
• Budget-friendly: Orange juice can be expensive, especially during certain seasons.
• Healthier: Rice vinegar is a healthier alternative to orange juice, as it contains less sugar and calories.

Final Thoughts

Making orange chicken without orange juice is a versatile and budget-friendly way to enjoy this classic dish. By using simple ingredients and a few culinary tricks, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal that will impress your family and friends.

Basics You Wanted To Know

Q: Can I use lemon juice instead of rice vinegar?
A: Yes, you can use lemon juice as a substitute for rice vinegar. However, the flavor profile will be slightly different.

Q: How do I make orange chicken in an air fryer?
A: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Toss the chicken in the cornstarch mixture and place it in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

Q: Can I freeze orange chicken?
A: Yes, you can freeze orange chicken for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the freezer. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then heat it in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.