Introduction
Craving a vibrant and flavorful meal that’s also relatively quick and easy to prepare? Look no further than zesty orange chicken with stir-fried veggies! This dish delivers a delightful combination of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors, perfectly balanced with a medley of crisp and tender vegetables. It’s a healthier and tastier alternative to takeout, allowing you to control the ingredients and adjust the spice level to your liking. This recipe will guide you through creating a restaurant-quality orange chicken dish right in your own kitchen.
Zesty Orange Chicken: A Step-by-Step Guide
Preparing the Chicken
The key to tender and flavorful orange chicken lies in properly preparing the chicken. Here’s how:
- Cut the chicken: Start by cutting about 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized pieces (around 1-inch cubes). Thighs tend to be more forgiving and remain juicier, but breasts are a leaner option.
- Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon of grated ginger, and a pinch of white pepper. This marinade tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with flavor. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to an hour in the refrigerator.
- Coat the chicken: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Dredge each piece of chicken in the cornstarch mixture, ensuring it’s evenly coated. This creates a crispy exterior when fried.
Making the Zesty Orange Sauce
The orange sauce is the star of the show! This recipe creates a balanced and flavorful sauce that perfectly complements the chicken and vegetables.
- Combine the sauce ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of freshly squeezed orange juice, 1/4 cup of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons of honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option), 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of orange zest, 1 teaspoon of grated ginger, 1 teaspoon of minced garlic, 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional, for heat), and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch.
- Cook the sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring constantly. The cornstarch will thicken the sauce as it heats. Continue to simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce is glossy and slightly thickened. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may want to add a touch more honey for sweetness or soy sauce for saltiness.
Stir-Frying the Vegetables
The stir-fried vegetables add color, texture, and nutritional value to the dish. Choose your favorite vegetables and adjust the cooking time to your preferred level of crispness.
- Prepare the vegetables: Chop approximately 2 cups of your favorite stir-fry vegetables. Good options include broccoli florets, sliced bell peppers (red, yellow, and orange for visual appeal), sliced carrots, snap peas, snow peas, sliced mushrooms, and chopped onions.
- Stir-fry the vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil (vegetable or peanut oil works well) in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the vegetables and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, or until they are tender-crisp. Add a splash of soy sauce for added flavor.
Putting It All Together
Now comes the fun part: combining the chicken, sauce, and vegetables!
- Fry the chicken: Heat about 1 inch of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat (around 350°F or 175°C). Working in batches, carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil. Fry for 3-4 minutes per batch, or until golden brown and cooked through. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan, as this will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken.
- Combine and serve: Drain the fried chicken on a wire rack lined with paper towels to remove excess oil. Add the fried chicken to the wok or skillet with the stir-fried vegetables. Pour the orange sauce over the chicken and vegetables and stir to coat everything evenly. Cook for another minute or two, until the sauce is heated through. Serve immediately over cooked rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired.
Conclusion
Zesty orange chicken with stir-fried veggies is a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. By following this recipe, you can easily create a flavorful and healthier alternative to takeout that the whole family will enjoy. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables and adjust the sauce to your preferred level of sweetness and spice. Enjoy your homemade orange chicken!
