Orange Chicken Recipe: How To Make Restaurant-style Orange Chicken Using

Craving the tantalizing flavors of orange chicken without the hassle of marinating and frying? Look no further! This innovative guide will unveil the culinary secrets of transforming humble chicken nuggets into a delectable orange chicken masterpiece.

Ingredients

• 1 package (12 ounces) frozen chicken nuggets
• 1 cup orange juice
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Instructions

1. Prepare the Nuggets

• Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Spread the chicken nuggets on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.

2. Make the Sauce

• In a medium saucepan, whisk together the orange juice, soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, cornstarch, ginger, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
• Bring the sauce to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
• Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.

3. Combine the Nuggets and Sauce

• Add the baked chicken nuggets to the saucepan with the sauce.
• Stir gently to coat the nuggets in the sauce.

4. Cook and Serve

• Continue to cook over low heat for 5-7 minutes, or until the nuggets are heated through and the sauce is bubbling.
• Serve immediately over rice or noodles, garnished with green onions or sesame seeds.

Tips for Success

• Use high-quality chicken nuggets for the best flavor and texture.
• Do not overcook the nuggets in the oven, as they will become tough.
• If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little more orange juice or water.
• For a spicier orange chicken, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• Experiment with different seasonings, such as orange zest or Sriracha, to customize the flavor.

Variations

Air Fryer Orange Chicken

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
• Place the chicken nuggets in the air fryer basket and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown.
• Follow the same steps as above to make the sauce and combine it with the nuggets.

Slow Cooker Orange Chicken

• Place the chicken nuggets in a slow cooker.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the orange juice, soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, cornstarch, ginger, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
• Pour the sauce over the chicken nuggets.
• Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the nuggets are heated through and the sauce has thickened.

Wrap-Up: A Culinary Transformation

With this simple yet ingenious recipe, you can now enjoy the vibrant flavors of orange chicken without the complexities of traditional preparation. Your taste buds will dance with delight as the sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors of this culinary masterpiece tantalize your palate.

Basics You Wanted To Know

Q: Can I use fresh chicken instead of chicken nuggets?
A: Yes, you can use fresh chicken breasts or thighs cut into bite-sized pieces. Marinate the chicken in a mixture of orange juice, soy sauce, honey, ginger, and garlic for at least 30 minutes before cooking.

Q: What can I serve with orange chicken?
A: Orange chicken pairs well with rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables.

Q: Can I freeze orange chicken?
A: Yes, you can freeze orange chicken for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before freezing in an airtight container. When ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat over medium heat until warmed through.