Crispy fried chicken bites are coated in a sticky, tangy-sweet orange sauce for a restaurant-quality meal made right at home! This quick and flavorful dish is perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or 3 chicken breasts
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 large egg
- 1 ¼ cups water
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (plus more for frying)
Sauce
- Juice and zest of 1 large orange
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- ¼ cup rice vinegar or white vinegar
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 garlic cloves, minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water
Optional Garnishes
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
- Red pepper flakes
Instructions
For the Chicken
- Cut the chicken into 1-inch cubes.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, egg, oil, and water until smooth.
- Add the chicken to the batter, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 10 minutes (or up to 30 minutes).
- Heat 2 inches of oil in a medium saucepan or deep fryer to 350˚F (177˚C).
- Fry chicken in batches of 10-15 pieces for 2-3 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and crispy. Place cooked chicken on a paper towel-lined plate and cover to keep warm.
For the Sauce
- Combine orange juice, zest, soy sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, and garlic in a medium saucepan.
- Bring the mixture to a low boil over medium heat. Taste and adjust sugar, soy sauce, or vinegar to your liking.
- Add the cornstarch slurry and stir until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Add fried chicken to the sauce, tossing to coat thoroughly.
To Serve
- Garnish with sesame seeds, green onions, and red pepper flakes if desired.
- Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.
Notes
- Chicken Options: Chicken thighs are juicier, but chicken breasts also work.
- Crispy Chicken Tips: Maintain an oil temperature of 350˚F. Avoid overcrowding the pot to keep the oil at the correct temperature.
- Make-Ahead Option: This dish can be prepared a day in advance and reheated in the microwave.
Nutrition Information (Per 6 oz Serving)
- Calories: 445 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 61g
- Protein: 27g
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
- Sodium: 547mg
- Potassium: 457mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 31g
- Vitamin C: 25mg (30% DV)
- Iron: 3mg (17% DV)
Leave a Reply