Best Orange Chicken Recipe - 5 Variations (2024)

When one thinks about iconic Chinese-American dishes, the mind often lands on the delightful combination of sweet, spicy, and tangy known as Orange Chicken. It's a fan favorite, drawing people to establishments like Panda Express for a quick taste. Yet, there's a certain joy to be found in a homemade meal, especially when it allows you to cater to your taste buds.

Our recipe today – Orange Chicken with Candied Walnuts – is a twist on this classic, combining the crispiness of orange chicken with the subtly sweet crunch of candied walnuts. The result is a dish that hits all the notes: sweet, savory, tangy, and crispy. It's truly better than takeout, and the best part? You can easily make it at home.

So, how to make orange chicken with candied walnuts? Whether you're an orange chicken beginner or an expert, our step-by-step recipe is designed to guide you through every stage of this mouthwatering process.

The Perfect Orange Chicken: Sweet, Tangy and Crispy

The key to the best orange chicken recipe is balance. Too sweet, and it feels like dessert; too tangy, and the orange is overpowering. The goal is a blend where you can taste each component, from the crispy chicken to the sweet and savory sauce, perfectly harmonized.

Candied Walnuts: The Unexpected Twist

But our recipe today isn't just any orange chicken. It's orange chicken with candied walnuts. If you've never tried this combination before, you're in for a treat. The candied walnuts add a delightful crunch and an additional layer of sweetness that complements the tangy orange chicken exceptionally well.

Let's get started with this easy, homemade dish that promises to be better than your usual takeout.

The History of Orange Chicken:

Orange chicken, or "Cheng Du Ji" as it's known in China, has a rich and vibrant history. It's a classic dish in the American Chinese culinary repertoire and boasts an interesting journey from East to West.

While many people associate orange chicken with a takeout box and a fortune cookie, the origins of this dish are rooted in the Hunan province of China, a region known for its sour and spicy flavors. The original Hunanese dish, however, did not contain any oranges. Rather, it was a spicy, sour dish made from dried orange or tangerine peels and chicken.

But as the dish traveled across the Pacific and reached the United States, it underwent an evolution to cater to the American palate. The spicy, sour sauce was transformed into a sweet, sticky, and tangy sauce that bears little resemblance to its ancestor from Hunan.

The version we know and love today is often attributed to Chef Andy Kao, who in 1987, while working at a Panda Express in Hawaii, developed the sweet and tangy 'Orange Chicken' in an attempt to produce a dish that was both innovative and appealing to western tastes. This dish, with its deep-fried crispy chicken chunks coated in a bright orange sauce, became an instant hit. It was a far cry from the original Hunanese dish, but its appeal was undeniable.

Interestingly, while the dish is a staple in American Chinese restaurants, it's virtually unknown in China. Ask for orange chicken in Beijing, and you might receive some puzzled looks!

Today, orange chicken continues to be a favorite. Its sweet and savory profile makes it a crowd-pleaser, and the addition of candied walnuts adds a crunchy, nutty flavor that elevates the dish to a whole new level. From traditional Hunanese cooking to American Chinese takeout to our homemade Orange Chicken with Candied Walnuts, this dish certainly has a fascinating story to tell.

So, the next time you enjoy this delicious meal, remember the journey it's taken. And who knows, maybe your homemade version is the next step in the evolution of this beloved dish!

Ingredients For Orange Chicken Recipe:

Chicken Ingredients:

1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

3 large eggs

1 cup corn starch

1 cup all-purpose flour

2 teaspoon garlic powder

2 teaspoon salt

2 cups oil for frying

Sauce Ingredients:

¾ cup orange juice

¼ cup soy sauce

½ cup sugar

2 tbs rice vinegar

1 tbs toasted sesame oil

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

1 tbs corn starch plus 1 tbs water

Sliced green onions

Candied Walnuts Ingredients:

1 cup walnuts

¼ cup sugar

1 tbs unsalted butter

½ teaspoon cinnamon

Directions for Making Orange Chicken with Candied Walnuts:

Once you've got all your ingredients, let's get cooking. Here are the steps for the best orange chicken recipe that's sure to taste like your favorite Panda Express meal, but even better.

1. Candied Walnuts: Start by making the candied walnuts. In a skillet over medium-high heat, combine walnuts, sugar, butter, and cinnamon. Stir continuously for about 5 minutes until the sugar melts. Once the sugar melts, place the mixture onto parchment or a silicone mat. Quickly separate the walnuts using two knives to prevent them from clumping. Set aside.
2. Fried Chicken: Begin by cutting the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. In a medium-sized bowl, combine flour, corn starch, salt, and garlic powder. In another bowl, whisk the eggs. Dip each chicken piece into the eggs, then coat in the flour and corn starch mixture. Repeat until all chicken pieces are well coated.
3. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken pieces for about 3-4 minutes per side until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove the chicken and place it on a wire rack or a plate lined with paper towels.
4. Orange Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, and a mixture of cornstarch and water. Pour this sauce mixture into a saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir until the sauce begins to thicken, which should take about 8 minutes.
5. Add the fried chicken pieces and sliced green onions into the sauce, stirring well to ensure the chicken is fully coated.
6. Serve the orange chicken over steamed rice, and top it with the candied walnuts you prepared earlier.

Congratulations, you have made a delicious, homemade orange chicken with candied walnuts that's better than takeout!

Tips for Perfect Orange Chicken with Candied Walnuts:

Here are some handy tips to ensure your Orange Chicken with Candied Walnuts turns out perfectly every time:

Chicken Preparation: When cutting your chicken into pieces, try to make them as uniform as possible. This will ensure even cooking.

Coating: Double coat the chicken for extra crispiness. After the first coat of egg and flour, let it rest for a few minutes, then dip it back in the egg and flour mixture.

Frying: Make sure your oil is hot enough before you start frying the chicken. The chicken should sizzle as soon as it hits the oil. Don't overcrowd the pan as it can lower the oil temperature and result in less crispy chicken.

Sauce: The orange sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. If it's too thin, it won't stick well to the chicken. If it's too thick, it can become overly sweet and overpowering.

Candied Walnuts: Stir the walnuts continuously while making them to prevent the sugar from burning. And work quickly to separate them once off the heat, as they harden and clump together as they cool.

Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh orange juice if possible. It gives the dish a brighter, fresher flavor compared to store-bought orange juice.

Serving: To maintain the crispness of the chicken, toss the chicken in the sauce just before serving. This will keep it crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.

Leftovers: If you have leftovers, store the chicken and sauce separately to keep the chicken crispy. Reheat the chicken in the oven to maintain its texture.

Keep these tips in mind when you're making Orange Chicken with Candied Walnuts, and you'll have a dish that's better than takeout. Enjoy this delicious, sweet, and savory twist on a classic Chinese dish!

Variations of the Dish:

Every great dish lends itself to a myriad of delightful variations, and the Orange Chicken with Candied Walnuts is no different. Let's explore a few of them that offer exciting takes on the traditional recipe, appealing to different tastes and dietary preferences:

1. Spicy Orange Chicken:

If you're a fan of heat, consider adding more red pepper flakes, or a splash of sriracha or hot chili oil to your orange sauce. This will give your dish a kick and enhance the savory flavors of the chicken.

2. Orange Tofu with Candied Walnuts:

For vegetarians or those seeking to reduce their meat intake, tofu is a fantastic alternative. Extra-firm tofu can be prepared in the same manner as the chicken. Make sure to press the tofu first to remove excess water and help it crisp up nicely.

3. Gluten-Free Orange Chicken:

Make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free flour for coating the chicken and ensuring your soy sauce is gluten-free too. Don't forget to also use a gluten-free substitute for the cornstarch in the orange sauce.

4. Orange Shrimp with Candied Walnuts:

Substitute the chicken with shrimp for a pescatarian twist on the classic dish. The shrimp's naturally sweet flavor pairs wonderfully with the orange sauce.

5. Low-Sugar Orange Chicken:

For those watching their sugar intake, consider reducing the sugar in the sauce or using a sugar substitute. You can also make the candied walnuts with a sugar alternative.

These variations highlight the versatility of the Orange Chicken with Candied Walnuts recipe. Whether you like it spicy, are catering to specific dietary needs, or simply want to experiment, you can easily adjust this recipe to create your own signature dish. After all, the best orange chicken recipe is the one that suits your personal tastes!

Pairing Suggestions for Orange Chicken with Candied Walnuts:

Orange Chicken with Candied Walnuts is a delectable dish that stands out on its own. But to create a complete meal, consider pairing it with these complementary dishes and beverages. Whether you're aiming for a casual dinner or a more elaborate spread, these suggestions will help you design the perfect menu.

Side Dishes:

Steamed Jasmine Rice: A classic pair with any Chinese stir-fry, steamed Jasmine rice is subtly fragrant and helps balance the strong, vibrant flavors of the orange chicken. It also provides a perfect base to soak up the sweet and savory sauce.

Chow Mein or Lo Mein: Another staple of Chinese cuisine, these stir-fried noodles add a delightful contrast to the orange chicken. You can opt for vegetable or chicken chow mein or lo mein.

Steamed or Stir-fried Vegetables: Enhance the nutritional profile of your meal with a side of steamed broccoli, bok choy, or a stir-fry of bell peppers, snap peas, and carrots. The crunch and freshness of the vegetables will complement the rich taste of the orange chicken.

Beverages:

Tea: Green tea or Jasmine tea pairs well with the orange chicken, providing a light, soothing contrast to the rich flavors of the dish.

White Wine: If you prefer wine, opt for a Riesling or a Sauvignon Blanc. Their light, fruity notes are a good match for the sweet and savory profiles of the orange chicken.

Craft Beer: For beer enthusiasts, a crisp lager or a citrus-infused wheat beer can be an excellent choice.

Desserts:

Mango Pudding: This is a classic Chinese dessert that will provide a refreshing and sweet end to your meal. Its light, fruity flavors are a perfect match for the bold taste of the orange chicken.

Fortune Cookies: Keep with the Chinese-American tradition and finish your meal with a crunchy fortune cookie. It adds a fun element to the end of the meal, and who knows, you might get a fortune you love!

These are just a few pairing suggestions for your Orange Chicken with Candied Walnuts. Feel free to mix and match or come up with your own favorite pairings!

Frequently Asked Questions about Orange Chicken with Candied Walnuts:

We've gathered some of the most frequently asked questions about making Orange Chicken with Candied Walnuts. Here are the answers to help you perfect this sweet and savory dish.

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can! While thighs are traditionally used for their juiciness and flavor, you can substitute them with chicken breasts. Ensure not to overcook the breasts as they can become dry.

2. Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Absolutely. You can fry the chicken and prepare the sauce a day in advance. However, to maintain the crispiness of the chicken, it's recommended to toss the chicken in the sauce just before serving.

3. What if I don't have fresh oranges for juice?

If you don't have fresh oranges, you can use store-bought orange juice. Ensure it's 100% orange juice with no added sugars.

4. Can I use other nuts instead of walnuts for the candied nuts?

Definitely! Almonds or pecans would be excellent substitutes for walnuts in this recipe. The process for candy-coating them remains the same.

5. Can this dish be made vegan?

Yes, it can. Substitute chicken with firm tofu or a plant-based chicken alternative. For the egg wash, you can use a mixture of plant-based milk and cornstarch.

6. How can I adjust the sweetness or tanginess of the sauce?

You can adjust the sweetness by increasing or reducing the amount of sugar. For tanginess, you can adjust the quantity of orange juice or vinegar.

7. Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes. Store the chicken and sauce separately in air-tight containers. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove, combining the chicken and sauce at the last minute to maintain the crispness of the chicken.

We hope these FAQs help you while you're cooking this dish. Remember, the best orange chicken recipe is the one that suits your taste buds! So don't hesitate to experiment and make it your own.

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