Orange Chicken
A sweet, tangy, crispy Chinese-American classic that’s easy to make at home.
## Ingredients
### **Chicken**
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 egg
- 1 cup cornstarch
- Salt & pepper
- Oil for frying
### **Orange Sauce**
- 1 cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tbsp orange zest
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 3 tbsp sugar (or honey)
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
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## Steps
1. **Prepare the chicken**
Season chicken with salt and pepper, mix with egg, then coat evenly in cornstarch.
2. **Deep fry**
Heat oil and fry chicken pieces until golden and crispy. Set aside.
3. **Make the sauce**
In a pan, sauté garlic and ginger.
Add orange juice, zest, soy sauce, sugar, and vinegar. Simmer.
4. **Thicken the sauce**
Add the cornstarch slurry and stir until the sauce becomes glossy.
5. **Combine**
Add the crispy chicken to the sauce, toss to coat evenly.
6. **Serve**
Enjoy with white rice or noodles
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## Tips
- Use **chicken thighs** for juicier texture
- Add **chilies** for a spicy version
- Air-fry option: 375°F (190°C) for 12–14 minutes