How To Make Orange Chicken | Orange Chicken Copycat Recipe #MrMakeItHappen #OrangeChicken

chicken

🥗Healthier: tofu

💰Cheaper: chicken thighs

Tofu is lower in calories and suitable for vegetarians; chicken thighs are more affordable than breasts.

sugar

🥗Healthier: honey

💰Cheaper: brown sugar

Honey is a natural sweetener; brown sugar is often cheaper and adds a different flavor.

Start with the sauce: combine 3/4 cup white sugar, 3/4 cup vinegar, and 3/4 cup soy sauce in a saucepan over medium-low heat.

Add 1/4 cup water and stir to mix.

Bring the mixture to a simmer and reduce it while stirring occasionally.

Add the zest of 1 orange and the juice of 1 orange, ensuring no seeds get into the sauce.

Whisk to combine all ingredients and simmer for about 15 minutes to reduce.

Dice 1 fresno chili and set aside until needed.

After 15 minutes, add 1 tablespoon ginger paste and 1 tablespoon garlic paste to the sauce and mix well.

Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and taste for seasoning.

Make a slurry with 1-2 tablespoons cold water and 1-2 tablespoons corn starch, then add it to the sauce to thicken.

Add 1-2 tablespoons honey to balance the flavors and mix well.

Add the diced fresno chili to the sauce and stir to combine.

Prepare the chicken by trimming fat from boneless skinless chicken thighs and cutting them into bite-sized pieces.

Season the cornstarch with all-purpose seasoning (salt, pepper, garlic, onion powder).

Pour 1 quart of buttermilk over the chicken pieces and mix to coat.

In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup cornstarch and 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, then season with all-purpose seasoning.

Drain excess buttermilk from the chicken and coat the pieces in the seasoned cornstarch mixture.

Place the coated chicken on an aluminum foil-lined baking sheet and let it sit for about 15 minutes.

Heat oil to 350 degrees Fahrenheit in a fryer or deep pan.

Fry the chicken pieces in the hot oil for about 5-6 minutes until golden brown and they reach an internal temperature of 175 degrees Fahrenheit.

Remove the chicken and place it on a wire rack to drain excess oil.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens