Description
Anda Express Orange Chicken is a quick and flavorful homemade version of a classic Chinese-American favorite. Tender chicken pieces are breaded and fried to a golden crisp, then tossed in a tangy and sweet orange sauce bursting with fresh orange juice, zest, garlic, and ginger. This recipe serves as a perfect weeknight dinner option with a beautiful balance of savory and citrusy flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Breading
- 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Orange Sauce
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Cut the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and easy eating.
- Set up breading station: Place the all-purpose flour in one bowl and beaten eggs in another bowl. This setup will make it easy to coat the chicken properly.
- Bread the chicken: Dip each chicken piece first into the beaten eggs and then thoroughly coat it with flour, ensuring an even layer on all sides.
- Heat the oil: In a skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until hot enough for frying. Proper oil temperature is key to achieving a crispy coating.
- Fry the chicken: Carefully add the breaded chicken pieces to the hot oil and fry them for about 5-7 minutes until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. Drain the fried chicken on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Prepare the orange sauce: In a saucepan, combine fresh orange juice, orange zest, low-sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it bubbles and the sugar dissolves, creating a rich, flavorful sauce.
- Toss chicken in sauce: Add the fried chicken pieces to the saucepan and toss them in the hot orange sauce until they are evenly coated with the glossy, tangy glaze.
Notes
- Use fresh orange juice and zest for the best citrus flavor.
- Ensure the oil is hot before frying to avoid soggy coating.
- Drain chicken well after frying to keep it crispy before adding the sauce.
- This dish pairs well with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables.
- Adjust brown sugar quantity to taste for sweetness preference.
