Chinese is one of our favorite types of take-out, but when you start learning about what's in the food you eat, you begin to realize that most Chinese take-out has bad things in it, like MSG. So I decided to try and create our absolute favorite at home. I had great luck with egg rolls, so why not orange chicken too?! This recipe has a long ingredient list, but it is all things that we keep in the house on a regular basis, so I was cool with that. This recipe is perfect for 2 with a little bit leftover, so if you are feeding a crowd, you'll need to double or triple accordingly. This recipe comes together very quickly, and is super tasty!
Sauce*:
1/2 c OJ
12 tbsp Brown Sugar
4 tbsp Sugar
4 tbsp Soy Sauce (which is about 8 take-out packets)
6 tbsp White Vinegar
1 tsp Onion Powder
1/2 tsp Worchestershire Sauce
2 tsp Ginger Powder
4 tbsp Water
2 tbsp Cornstarch
Chicken:
2-3 Chicken Breasts, cut into small chunks
1-2 Eggs, beaten
Salt and Pepper
Paprika, a couple shakes
1 c Flour
Olive Oil
Cooked Rice (We used Jasmine)
1.) Mix together the water and cornstarch and set aside. Combine the remaining sauce ingredients in a sauce pan, and heat over medium high heat until it reaches a gentle boil.
2.) While the sauce is cooking, mix together, eggs, salt and pepper, and paprika in a shallow bowl. Place the flour in another shallow bowl. Heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Dredge chicken pieces in egg, then flour, and then fry in oil until crispy brown. Remove the done chicken pieces to a towel-lined plate to drain.
3.) When sauce is boiling, add the water/cornstarch mixture slowly, while stirring. Boil this mixture to your desired consistency, and then remove from heat. Watch it carefully, because it takes no time at all to thicken.
4.) Serve chicken and sauce over rice. Refrigerate any leftovers.
*You can add red pepper flakes to the sauce as well if you like things a little spicy. We added about 1/8 tsp, and it was just right for us. You can also sprinkle them on top of your personal serving, if you are the only heat-lover in your household.
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