Savoury Asian Cuisine Orange Chicken For Quick Lunch Recipes
If you’re looking for a quick and delectable lunch option, look no further than this Savoury Asian Cuisine Orange Chicken recipe. This dish is not only rich in flavor but also incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for those busy workdays or weekends when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. With its zesty orange sauce and crispy chicken, this meal is sure to satisfy your cravings.
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp grated ginger
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening)
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish
- Cooked jasmine rice, for serving
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Coat each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, ensuring they are well covered.
- In a large skillet or frying pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the coated chicken pieces in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.
- Fry the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the orange juice, soy sauce, granulated sugar, rice vinegar, grated ginger, and sesame oil until combined.
- In the same skillet, remove excess oil, leaving about 1 tablespoon. Pour in the orange sauce mixture and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Once simmering, add the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to the sauce, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
- Return the fried chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat each piece in the luscious orange sauce.
- Remove from heat and let it sit for a minute to absorb the flavors.
- Serve the orange chicken over a bed of cooked jasmine rice, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
This Savoury Asian Cuisine Orange Chicken is perfect for quick lunch recipes, whether you’re meal prepping for the week or need a speedy dish for a last-minute get-together. The bright orange sauce brings a refreshing taste that feels like a burst of sunshine on your plate. Plus, the crispy chicken adds a satisfying texture that complements the sauce perfectly.
Tips for Perfect Orange Chicken
For those looking to enhance their cooking skills, here are some tips to make your orange chicken even more delightful:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh orange juice and ginger will elevate the flavors significantly compared to bottled alternatives.
- Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the amount of sugar in the sauce.
- Add Vegetables: Feel free to toss in some bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for added nutrition and color.
- Make it Spicy: For those who enjoy a kick, adding red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha can spice things up.
Meal Prep and Storage
This orange chicken is ideal for meal prep. You can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply microwave or sauté in a pan until heated through. The chicken may lose its crispiness, but the flavor will still be amazing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but be sure to thaw it completely before cutting and cooking. This ensures even cooking and proper texture.
What can I substitute for soy sauce?
If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can substitute soy sauce with tamari. Alternatively, coconut aminos can also be a great substitute.
How spicy is this dish?
This orange chicken is not inherently spicy. However, you can easily adjust the heat level by adding red pepper flakes or sriracha, based on your preference.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and orange sauce in advance. Just store them separately, and combine them when you’re ready to eat. This will help maintain the chicken’s crispiness.
With its delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors, this Savoury Asian Cuisine Orange Chicken is not only a quick lunch recipe but also a dish that can be enjoyed any time of the day. Perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or simply a satisfying meal for yourself, this recipe is bound to become a favorite in your household.
Don’t hesitate to experiment with the recipe to make it your own! Whether you prefer it with extra vegetables or a spicier twist, this dish is versatile and easily adaptable to suit your tastes.
Enjoy your cooking adventure and savor every bite of this wonderful orange chicken dish. Happy cooking!
