Crispy Orange Chicken

Crispy Orange Chicken Recipe - Easy and Delicious!

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 50-60 minutes | Servings: 4-6

Introduction

Crispy Orange Chicken is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the tangy taste of orange with the crunchiness of cereal-coated chicken. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion, as it is sure to impress your guests with its unique flavor profile.

History

The origins of Crispy Orange Chicken can be traced back to Chinese cuisine, where orange chicken is a popular dish that is typically deep-fried and coated in a sweet and tangy orange sauce. This recipe puts a healthier twist on the traditional dish by baking the chicken instead of frying it, making it a lighter and more nutritious option.

Ingredients

1 beaten egg
1 tbsp orange juice
1-2 tsp orange peel
3 cups crushed oat circles (such as cheerios, to make 1.5 cups)
2.5 to 3 lb (1.36 kg) skinned chicken pieces
2 tbsp melted margarine or butter

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 375°F (191°C).
In a shallow dish, combine the egg, orange juice, and orange peel.
Dip the chicken pieces in the egg mixture, then roll them in the cereal to coat.
Place the chicken in a single layer on a rack in a shallow baking pan.
Drizzle with margarine.
Bake for 50 to 60 minutes until the meat is no longer pink.

Variations

You can use cornflakes or breadcrumbs instead of cheerios for the coating.
Add some honey or soy sauce to the egg mixture for extra flavor.
For a spicy kick, add some red pepper flakes or sriracha to the coating mixture.

Notes

Cook Time: About 80 minutes total
Serves: 6

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to crush the cheerios finely to ensure a crispy coating on the chicken.

- Use fresh orange juice and orange peel for the best flavor.

- For extra crunch, you can add some chopped nuts or sesame seeds to the cereal coating.

- Serve the chicken with a side of steamed vegetables or rice for a complete meal.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Crispy Orange Chicken with a side of steamed broccoli and white rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the chicken instead of frying it makes this dish healthier and reduces the amount of oil used in the recipe.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have cheerios, you can use cornflakes or breadcrumbs as a coating for the chicken. You can also use orange extract instead of fresh orange juice and orange peel.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the chicken up to the coating step ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. This makes it a great option for meal prep.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Crispy Orange Chicken on a platter garnished with orange slices and fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Crispy Orange Chicken with a side of steamed vegetables and a glass of white wine for a delicious and balanced meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Crispy Orange Chicken contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Crispy Orange Chicken contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Crispy Orange Chicken contains approximately 12 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Crispy Orange Chicken contains approximately 30 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Crispy Orange Chicken is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin B6, and niacin.

Alergens

This recipe contains wheat (cheerios) and eggs.

Summary

Crispy Orange Chicken is a balanced meal that provides a good amount of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious choice for a family dinner.

Summary

Crispy Orange Chicken is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is sure to become a family favorite. With its crispy coating and tangy orange flavor, this recipe is a delicious twist on a classic Chinese dish. Enjoy this dish for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, and impress your guests with its unique taste and presentation.

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the feeling of curiosity that overcame me when I found this recipe for Crispy Orange Chicken. It was a sunny day, just like any other day, when I stumbled upon this hidden gem in an old cookbook that I had forgotten about. As I flipped through the pages, my eyes landed on the recipe and my taste buds tingled with excitement.

Growing up, I was always fascinated by the art of cooking. My mother was my first teacher, showing me the ropes in the kitchen and instilling in me a love for creating delicious meals from scratch. As I got older, I started to experiment with different recipes, trying my hand at various cuisines and flavors.

But there was something special about this recipe for Crispy Orange Chicken that caught my attention. The combination of tangy orange flavors with crispy, golden chicken sounded like a match made in culinary heaven. I knew I had to give it a try.

I gathered all the ingredients I needed – chicken thighs, orange juice, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a few other key ingredients – and got to work. The process of marinating the chicken in a delicious orange sauce, then coating it in a crispy batter and frying it to perfection was both challenging and rewarding.

As the aroma of the sizzling chicken filled the kitchen, I couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. The crispy orange chicken turned out even better than I had imagined – the perfect balance of sweet and savory, with a crunchy coating that was simply irresistible.

I served the dish to my family that night, and their faces lit up with delight as they took their first bite. The flavors danced on their taste buds, and they couldn't stop raving about how delicious it was. I felt a sense of pride knowing that I had mastered yet another recipe to add to my repertoire.

Over the years, I continued to make Crispy Orange Chicken for special occasions and family gatherings. Each time, it was met with the same level of enthusiasm and appreciation. It became a signature dish of mine, a recipe that I was known for among my friends and loved ones.

I often wonder about the origins of this recipe and how it came to be. Did it come from a far-off land, passed down through generations of talented cooks? Or was it created by a culinary genius who stumbled upon the perfect combination of ingredients by accident?

Regardless of its origins, I am grateful for the day that I found this recipe for Crispy Orange Chicken. It has brought me joy, satisfaction, and a sense of connection to the culinary world. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, and this recipe has only deepened my love for the art of food.

As I sit here reminiscing about the first time I made Crispy Orange Chicken, I can't help but smile. The memories of that day are etched in my mind, a reminder of the joy and fulfillment that cooking brings to my life. And who knows – perhaps one day, I will pass this recipe down to the next generation, sharing with them the same sense of wonder and excitement that I felt when I first discovered it.