Articles, Recipes, Seafood

Quick and Easy Orange Sauce Chicken Recipe

 

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

  • 2 chicken breasts, sliced

Batter:

  • 1 egg
  • 3/4 cup flour
  • 1/3 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper

For the Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1/2 cup orange marmalade
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce

Additional Ingredients:

  • 1 cup pineapple slices
  • 1/2 bell pepper, sliced
  • 1/2 onion, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon oil (for stir-frying)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Chicken:
    • In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg, flour, water, cornstarch, salt, and pepper until smooth.
    • Add the sliced chicken to the batter, ensuring each piece is well coated.
  2. Fry the Chicken:
    • Heat oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
    • Fry the battered chicken pieces until they are golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
  3. Make the Sauce:
    • In a bowl, combine BBQ sauce, orange marmalade, and soy sauce. Mix well and set aside.
  4. Stir-Fry Vegetables:
    • In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil if needed.
    • Stir-fry the sliced onions, bell pepper, and pineapple slices until they are slightly softened and aromatic, about 3-4 minutes.
  5. Combine and Simmer:
    • Return the fried chicken to the pan with the stir-fried vegetables.
    • Pour the prepared orange sauce over the chicken and vegetables.
  6. Simmer and Serve:
    • Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and everything is heated through.
    • Serve the orange sauce chicken over a bed of rice or noodles.
  7. Enjoy!
    • Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
    • Serve hot and enjoy this delicious, quick, and easy orange sauce chicken!

This recipe yields a flavorful dish with a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a delightful weekend meal.

Here are some helpful tips to make your Quick and Easy Orange Sauce Chicken even more delightful:

  1. Marinate the Chicken: Before battering and frying, marinate the chicken slices in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for 15-30 minutes. This enhances the flavor and tenderizes the chicken.
  2. Adjust Sweetness: Depending on your preference, adjust the amount of orange marmalade used in the sauce. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a bit more marmalade. For a more balanced flavor, you can reduce the amount slightly.
  3. Add Fresh Citrus Zest: Grate some fresh orange zest into the sauce for an extra burst of citrus flavor. This adds a bright and fresh note to the dish.
  4. Use Fresh Pineapple: If possible, use fresh pineapple slices instead of canned. Fresh pineapple will add a juicier and more vibrant flavor to the dish.
  5. Double the Sauce: If you prefer your chicken with extra sauce for drizzling over rice or noodles, double the amount of sauce ingredients. Simmer the chicken and vegetables in the doubled sauce until it thickens to your desired consistency.
  6. Garnish Creatively: Sprinkle chopped green onions, cilantro, or toasted sesame seeds over the finished dish for added freshness and texture.
  7. Serve with Fresh Vegetables: Alongside the stir-fried bell peppers and onions, consider adding other fresh vegetables like snap peas, broccoli, or baby corn for added color, texture, and nutrition.
  8. Pair with Rice or Noodles: Serve the orange sauce chicken over jasmine rice, brown rice, or noodles. The sauce pairs beautifully with these starches and helps soak up the flavors.
  9. Make it Spicy: For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of Sriracha sauce to the orange sauce mixture. Adjust the amount to your taste preference.
  10. Prep Ahead: You can prepare the batter, sauce, and slice the vegetables ahead of time to streamline cooking. This makes it easier to quickly fry the chicken and assemble the dish when ready to eat.

By incorporating these tips, you can elevate the flavors and presentation of your Quick and Easy Orange Sauce Chicken, making it even more delightful and satisfying for yourself and your guests. Enjoy cooking!

Here are some key secrets to help you master this dish:

  1. Properly Coat and Fry the Chicken:
    • Ensure the chicken slices are evenly coated in the batter. This helps create a crispy exterior when frying.
    • Heat the oil to the right temperature (around 350°F or 175°C) before frying the chicken. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and gets crispy without absorbing too much oil.
  2. Balance Sweet and Savory Flavors:
    • Adjust the proportions of orange marmalade, BBQ sauce, and soy sauce to achieve a balanced flavor profile. Taste the sauce before adding it to the chicken to ensure it’s to your liking.
  3. Simmer to Infuse Flavors:
    • After combining the chicken, vegetables, and sauce in the pan, let them simmer together for a few minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to slightly thicken, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
  4. Use Fresh Ingredients:
    • Whenever possible, use fresh ingredients like freshly squeezed orange juice for the marmalade, fresh pineapple slices, and crisp bell peppers and onions. Fresh ingredients contribute to better flavor and texture.
  5. Don’t Overcook the Vegetables:
    • Stir-fry the vegetables until they are just tender-crisp. Overcooked vegetables can become mushy and lose their vibrant colors and flavors.
  6. Garnish for Visual Appeal:
    • Garnish the finished dish with fresh herbs like chopped cilantro or green onions, or sprinkle toasted sesame seeds for added texture and visual appeal.
  7. Preparation and Organization:
    • Prepare all your ingredients and have them organized before you start cooking. This ensures a smooth cooking process and prevents overcooking or burning while you search for ingredients.
  8. Serve Immediately:
    • Serve the orange sauce chicken immediately after cooking to enjoy it at its best. This dish is best served hot, with the chicken still crispy and the sauce freshly simmered.

By following these secrets and techniques, you can create a perfect Quick and Easy Orange Sauce Chicken that is flavorful, balanced, and visually appealing. Adjust the ingredients and methods to suit your preferences, and enjoy this delicious dish with family and friends!

Here are 10 popular questions and answers related to the Quick and Easy Orange Sauce Chicken recipe:

  1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
    • Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts in this recipe. Adjust the cooking time accordingly as thighs may take slightly longer to cook.
  2. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
    • Yes, you can use gluten-free flour and ensure the BBQ sauce and soy sauce are gluten-free certified. Cornstarch is naturally gluten-free.
  3. What can I substitute for orange marmalade if I don’t have any?
    • You can use orange juice concentrate mixed with a little honey or maple syrup as a substitute for orange marmalade.
  4. Can I make the orange sauce ahead of time?
    • Yes, you can prepare the orange sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before adding to the chicken and vegetables.
  5. How can I make the dish less sweet?
    • Reduce the amount of orange marmalade used in the sauce or increase the amount of BBQ sauce and soy sauce to balance the sweetness.
  6. What is the best way to store leftovers?
    • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
  7. Can I freeze this dish?
    • It’s not recommended to freeze this dish as the texture of the vegetables and chicken may change upon thawing and reheating.
  8. What are some side dishes that go well with orange sauce chicken?
    • Rice (white, brown, or jasmine), noodles (such as lo mein or rice noodles), steamed vegetables, or a fresh green salad make excellent side dishes.
  9. Can I use other meats instead of chicken?
    • Yes, you can use thinly sliced pork tenderloin or even shrimp in place of chicken for a variation on this recipe.
  10. How can I make this dish spicier?
    • Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the orange sauce mixture to increase the spiciness according to your taste.

These questions and answers cover a range of common inquiries about making Quick and Easy Orange Sauce Chicken, helping to troubleshoot potential issues and customize the recipe to personal preferences.