Never Eat Frozen Orange Chicken Again: How To Cook It On The Stove Top

Craving that delectable, crispy orange chicken without the hassle of takeout? Look no further! This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of how to cook frozen orange chicken on the stovetop, ensuring a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Frozen orange chicken
• Cooking oil
• Orange sauce (typically included in the frozen orange chicken package)
• Water

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Thaw the Chicken (Optional)

For optimal results, it’s recommended to thaw the frozen orange chicken slightly before cooking. Place the chicken in a colander in the refrigerator overnight or for several hours.

2. Heat the Oil

In a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat, add enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan. The oil should be hot but not smoking.

3. Cook the Chicken

Once the oil is hot, add the frozen orange chicken pieces to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until the chicken is browned and crispy on all sides.

4. Add the Orange Sauce

Pour the orange sauce from the frozen orange chicken package into the skillet. Add 1/2 cup of water to the sauce and stir well.

5. Simmer

Bring the orange sauce to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until the sauce has thickened and the chicken is cooked through.

6. Combine and Serve

Once the sauce has thickened, add the cooked orange chicken back to the skillet. Stir to combine and serve immediately over rice or noodles.

Tips for Success

• Use high-quality orange sauce. A good orange sauce will make all the difference in the taste of your dish.
• Don’t overcrowd the skillet. If your skillet is too full, the chicken will not cook evenly.
• Keep the heat on medium-high. This will help the chicken crisp up and prevent it from becoming soggy.
• Stir the chicken frequently. This will help prevent it from burning and ensure that it cooks evenly.
• Cook the chicken until it is cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
• Serve the orange chicken immediately. This will ensure that it is at its best flavor and texture.

Variations

• Spicy Orange Chicken: Add a teaspoon of chili powder or cayenne pepper to the orange sauce.
• Sweet Orange Chicken: Add a tablespoon of honey or brown sugar to the orange sauce.
• Teriyaki Orange Chicken: Use teriyaki sauce instead of orange sauce.
• Sesame Orange Chicken: Add a tablespoon of sesame oil to the orange sauce.

Troubleshooting

• My chicken is not crispy. Make sure you are cooking the chicken over medium-high heat and stirring it frequently.
• My sauce is too thick. Add a little bit of water to the sauce and stir well.
• My sauce is too thin. Cook the sauce for a few minutes longer, until it has thickened to your desired consistency.
• My chicken is not cooked through. Cook the chicken for a few minutes longer, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Wrap-Up

With these simple steps and tips, you can now master the art of cooking frozen orange chicken on the stovetop. Impress your family and friends with this delicious and satisfying meal that will feel like it came straight from your favorite Chinese takeout restaurant.

Common Questions and Answers

1. Can I use a different type of frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use any type of frozen chicken, such as boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs. However, the cooking time may vary slightly.

2. Can I make my own orange sauce?
Yes, you can make your own orange sauce using orange juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, and cornstarch. However, using the sauce that comes with the frozen orange chicken will be more convenient.

3. What should I serve with orange chicken?
Orange chicken can be served with a variety of side dishes, such as rice, noodles, or vegetables.