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- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces - ½ cup cornstarch - 1 cup orange juice To make Minute Crispy Orange Chicken, start with the right main ingredients. I recommend using boneless skinless chicken thighs. They stay juicy and tender. Cornstarch is key for that crispy texture. It coats the chicken well and helps it fry up perfectly. Fresh orange juice adds a bright and sweet flavor. Make sure it’s real juice, not from a bottle. - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon honey - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 teaspoon grated ginger - 2 garlic cloves, minced - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar The sauce is where the magic happens. Soy sauce gives a rich umami taste. Honey adds sweetness and helps the sauce stick to the chicken. Sesame oil brings a nutty flavor that rounds out the dish. Grated ginger and minced garlic add warmth and depth. Rice vinegar balances the sweetness with a bit of tang. - 1 tablespoon green onions, finely chopped - Sesame seeds Garnishes make your dish look stunning. Chopped green onions add color and a mild onion taste. Sesame seeds are great for crunch and visual appeal. They also bring a hint of nutty flavor. You can skip these if you want, but they really enhance the dish. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, take your boneless, skinless chicken thighs and cut them into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, add ½ cup of cornstarch. Coat the chicken pieces well with the cornstarch. Ensure every piece is covered evenly. This step is key for a crispy texture. Next, grab a separate bowl for the sauce. Whisk together 1 cup of orange juice, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, 1 teaspoon of grated ginger, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar. Mix until all ingredients blend well. Set this aside for later. Now, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet. Aim for medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the coated chicken, but do this in batches. Don't overcrowd the pan. Fry the chicken for about 3-4 minutes. Look for that golden brown color. Remove the chicken and let it drain on paper towels. After frying, it’s time for the sauce. In the same pan, drain excess oil, leaving just 1 tablespoon. Pour in the orange sauce and let it heat for about a minute. Add the fried chicken pieces and toss to coat well. Keep mixing for about 2 minutes so every piece gets that delicious sauce. When the chicken is well-glazed, remove it from heat. Now, it’s time to plate. Garnish your crispy orange chicken with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. This adds a nice touch and makes it look great for serving. Enjoy your meal! To get that perfect crunch, cornstarch is a must. It coats the chicken and gives it a light, crispy shell. Without it, your chicken might end up soggy. Frying temperature is key too. Heat your oil to around 350°F. If it’s too cool, the chicken will absorb oil and become greasy. Too hot, and it will burn. Find that sweet spot for the best results. Using fresh ingredients makes all the difference. Fresh ginger and garlic add bright flavors that dried spices can’t match. You can even add more garlic or ginger if you love those tastes. Just a little extra can give your dish a huge flavor boost. Pair this crispy orange chicken with steamed rice or stir-fried veggies. These sides balance the dish and add nutrients. For a beautiful presentation, serve it in a large bowl. Top it with green onions and sesame seeds. This makes your meal pop and looks great on the table. Pro Tips Coating Technique: Make sure to evenly coat each piece of chicken with cornstarch for maximum crispiness. Oil Temperature: Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying; a temperature of 350°F (175°C) is ideal for achieving that golden brown color. Batch Frying: Fry the chicken in small batches to prevent overcrowding, which can lead to sogginess. Garnish Wisely: Use fresh green onions and sesame seeds as toppings to add flavor and visual appeal to your dish. {{image_2}} You can swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts if you prefer. Chicken thighs give a juicy bite. Chicken breasts are leaner and still taste great. If you want a meat-free meal, use tofu instead. Tofu absorbs the orange sauce well and adds protein. Just press the tofu to remove excess water. Cut it into bite-sized cubes, then coat with cornstarch. To add spice, mix in some chili paste or crushed red pepper. This will give your dish a nice kick. You can also try different fruit juices. Pineapple juice or lemon juice can add a fun twist to the flavor. Just replace part of the orange juice with your choice. For a healthier option, try baking the chicken in the oven. Coat the chicken with cornstarch and place it on a baking sheet. Bake at 400°F for about 20 minutes. This keeps the chicken crispy without frying. If you want quick and easy, use an air fryer. It cooks the chicken fast and gives it a nice crunch. Just follow the same steps as frying, but use the air fryer instead. After enjoying your Minute Crispy Orange Chicken, store leftovers properly. Let the chicken cool down to room temperature. Place it in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. Glass or plastic containers with tight lids work well. Make sure to eat it within three days for the best taste. You can freeze your crispy orange chicken for longer storage. To do this, let it cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible. This helps prevent freezer burn. When you're ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. For reheating, use your oven or an air fryer. This keeps the chicken crispy. In the fridge, Minute Crispy Orange Chicken lasts about three days. If you freeze it, it can stay good for about three months. Check for signs of spoilage. Look for off smells or color changes. If it smells bad or looks strange, throw it away. Always prioritize your health and safety when it comes to food. It takes about 20 minutes to cook Minute Crispy Orange Chicken. Here's how it breaks down: - Prep Time: 10 minutes - Cook Time: 10 minutes This quick recipe lets you enjoy a tasty meal in no time! Yes, you can prepare some parts of this dish ahead of time. Here are some tips: - Chicken Prep: Coat the chicken with cornstarch and store it in the fridge. - Sauce Prep: Mix the orange sauce and keep it in a sealed container. - Frying: Fry the chicken fresh for the best crispiness. This way, you can cut down on cooking time later! Minute Crispy Orange Chicken pairs well with many sides. Here are some suggestions: - Rice: Serve it over white or brown rice. - Vegetables: Steamed broccoli or stir-fried veggies work great. - Salad: A fresh salad adds a nice crunch. These sides balance the flavors and make a complete meal! You can make this dish healthier with a few simple swaps: - Chicken: Use skinless chicken breast instead of thighs. - Cornstarch: Substitute with whole wheat flour for a fiber boost. - Sauce: Reduce honey to cut down on sugar. These changes keep the taste while making it more nutritious. This recipe for Minute Crispy Orange Chicken offers simple ingredients and steps. You learn to make a tasty sauce and fry chicken to perfection. Tips on keeping it crispy and serving ideas enhance the dish. Now you can try different meats and cooking methods. Don’t forget about storage tips to enjoy leftovers. Explore options to add flavor and make it fit your taste. With this guide, you can impress anyone with your cooking skills. Enjoy making this dish!

Minute Crispy Orange Chicken

A quick and delicious recipe for crispy orange chicken with a flavorful sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Chinese
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 0.5 cup cornstarch
  • 1 cup orange juice
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon green onions, finely chopped (for garnish)
  • sesame seeds (for garnish)
  • vegetable oil (for frying)

Instructions
 

  • In a mixing bowl, coat the chicken pieces evenly with cornstarch. Make sure they are well covered for a crispy texture.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the orange juice, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, and rice vinegar until fully combined. Set aside.
  • Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the coated chicken pieces in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove the chicken and let it drain on paper towels.
  • In the same pan, drain excess oil, leaving just 1 tablespoon. Pour in the orange sauce and let it heat up for a minute. Add the fried chicken pieces, tossing to coat them well in the sauce for about 2 minutes.
  • Once the chicken is well glazed with the sauce, remove from heat.
  • Plate the crispy orange chicken and garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

Notes

Ensure the chicken is well coated with cornstarch for maximum crispiness.
Keyword chicken, crispy, orange, quick