Orange Chicken Recipe with Orange Marmalade

Orange chicken is a beloved dish that marries crispy chicken with a sticky, sweet sauce that dances on the taste buds. But what makes this recipe even more special is the use of orange marmalade, which infuses the sauce with a delightful balance of sweetness and tanginess. Have you ever wondered how to make this popular takeout dish right in your own kitchen? In this blog post, we’ll explore a mouthwatering orange chicken recipe using orange marmalade that will have you hooked from the very first bite!

Ingredients List

For this delicious orange chicken recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs, if preferred)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil for frying

For the Orange Marmalade Sauce:

• 1/2 cup orange marmalade
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 tbsp orange juice (freshly squeezed if possible)
• 1 tbsp honey (optional for extra sweetness)
• 1/2 tsp ginger (freshly grated)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water (for thickening)

Optional Garnish:

• 1 tbsp sesame seeds
• 2 green onions (sliced)

Substitution Ideas:

• If you don’t have orange marmalade, you can substitute with another type of fruit preserve, like apricot or peach marmalade.
• For a healthier alternative, use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil for frying.
• If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, substitute the flour and soy sauce with gluten-free alternatives.

Timing

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

This orange chicken recipe can be whipped up in about 35 minutes, which is 20% less time than the average homemade Chinese takeout recipe! So, whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner or preparing for a weekend treat, this recipe fits perfectly into any busy schedule.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Cut the Chicken: Begin by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes. Pat them dry with paper towels to ensure they fry up crisp.
2. Coat the Chicken: In a shallow bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. In another bowl, whisk the egg and water together.
3. Dredge the Chicken: Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture, then coat it in the dry flour mixture. Shake off excess flour before frying.

Step 2: Fry the Chicken

1. Heat the Oil: Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. You need enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan and fry the chicken evenly.
2. Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the chicken pieces into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 5-7 minutes, turning the chicken halfway through until golden and crispy.
3. Drain the Chicken: Remove the fried chicken from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 3: Prepare the Orange Marmalade Sauce

1. Cook the Sauce: In a separate saucepan, combine the orange marmalade, soy sauce, rice vinegar, orange juice, honey, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Stir to combine, and cook over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
2. Thicken the Sauce: Mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry, then stir it into the sauce. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Step 4: Toss the Chicken with the Sauce

1. Coat the Chicken: Add the fried chicken pieces to the saucepan with the orange marmalade sauce. Gently toss the chicken in the sauce until it’s evenly coated. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes for the sauce to cling to the chicken.
2. Serve: Transfer the coated chicken to a serving platter. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for added flavor and presentation.

Nutritional Information

Here is the nutritional breakdown for a single serving (1/4 of the recipe):

• Calories: 410 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Protein: 28g
• Fat: 21g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Sugar: 15g

This orange chicken recipe offers a satisfying balance of protein, carbohydrates, and a sweet, savory sauce. It’s a bit indulgent, but when served in moderation, it’s a tasty treat!

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Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

Looking to make your orange chicken recipe healthier without compromising flavor? Here are a few options:

1. Baking Instead of Frying: Instead of frying the chicken, bake it at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through. This cuts down on oil and calories.
2. Use a Sugar-Free Marmalade: Opt for sugar-free orange marmalade or reduce the honey to lower the sugar content.
3. Go Low-Sodium: Swap the soy sauce with a low-sodium version to reduce the amount of salt in your dish.
4. Substitute Chicken with Tofu: For a vegetarian or plant-based option, swap the chicken with firm tofu. Simply press and cube the tofu, then bake or pan-fry it before tossing in the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Orange chicken pairs perfectly with various sides. Here are some creative ways to serve it:

• Steamed Jasmine Rice: A classic pairing, the fragrant jasmine rice balances the bold flavors of the orange chicken.
• Stir-Fried Vegetables: Add some stir-fried bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots for an extra nutritional boost.
• Noodles: If you’re in the mood for something different, serve the chicken over cooked noodles—lo mein or rice noodles work wonderfully.
• Salad: A light side salad with a tangy vinaigrette can be a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcrowding the Pan: When frying the chicken, avoid overcrowding the pan. This can result in soggy chicken. Fry in batches for the best results.
2. Not Letting the Chicken Drain: After frying, ensure the chicken drains properly on paper towels. This removes excess oil and helps keep the coating crispy.
3. Using Too Much Sauce: While the orange marmalade sauce is delicious, don’t drown the chicken in it. Coat it lightly so the crispy texture remains intact.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

If you have leftovers, store them properly to preserve freshness and flavor:

1. In the Refrigerator: Store the cooked orange chicken in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain the crispiness.
2. Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, reheat in the oven from frozen, or pan-fry again to restore crispiness.

Preparing in Advance:

• You can prepare the orange marmalade sauce a day ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just reheat before tossing with the chicken.
• The chicken can be prepped by coating it in the flour mixture and storing it in the fridge for up to a day before frying.

Conclusion

This homemade orange chicken recipe is the perfect way to enjoy a popular dish with a twist, using orange marmalade to bring out the best flavors. With its sweet and tangy sauce, crispy chicken, and easy preparation, it’s bound to be a hit at your dinner table.

Call to Action: Try this recipe out and let us know what you think in the comments below! If you loved it, be sure to share your results and subscribe to our blog for more delicious recipes and cooking tips!

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but be sure to thaw it completely before cooking. Frozen chicken may also take a little longer to fry.

2. How can I make the sauce spicier?

To add a spicy kick to the sauce, consider adding some red chili flakes or a dash of sriracha sauce.

3. Can I make this recipe without orange marmalade?

If you don’t have orange marmalade, you can use orange juice and add some sugar or honey to create a similar flavor. However, the texture of the sauce will be slightly different.

4. How do I keep the chicken crispy when storing leftovers?

To maintain crispiness, reheat the chicken in an oven or air fryer rather than microwaving it.