Orange chicken

Orange chicken (16018067800)

Orange chicken is a popular dish in American Chinese cuisine. It consists of battered and fried pieces of chicken that are coated in a sweet orange-flavored sauce. The dish is known for its tangy and sweet flavor profile, which is achieved through the use of orange juice, zest, and other ingredients.

History

The origins of orange chicken are somewhat unclear, but it is widely believed to have been popularized by Panda Express, a fast-food restaurant chain in the United States. The dish was created by Chef Andy Kao in 1987 and has since become one of the chain's signature dishes.

Ingredients

The main ingredients in orange chicken include:

• Chicken (usually boneless, skinless chicken breast or thigh)
• Cornstarch or flour (for battering)
• Egg (for battering)
• Orange juice
• Orange zest
• Soy sauce
• Vinegar
• Sugar
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Preparation

The preparation of orange chicken involves several steps: 1. Battering and frying the chicken: The chicken pieces are coated in a mixture of cornstarch or flour and egg, then deep-fried until golden brown. 2. Making the sauce: The sauce is made by combining orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, garlic, and ginger in a pan. The mixture is cooked until it thickens. 3. Coating the chicken: The fried chicken pieces are then tossed in the orange sauce until they are well-coated.

Variations

There are several variations of orange chicken, including:

• Spicy orange chicken: This version includes red pepper flakes or chili paste to add heat.
• Healthier orange chicken: Baked or air-fried chicken is used instead of deep-fried to reduce the calorie content.
• Vegetarian orange chicken: Made with tofu or other meat substitutes instead of chicken.

Related Dishes

Orange chicken is often compared to other dishes in American Chinese cuisine, such as:

• General Tso's chicken
• Sesame chicken
• Sweet and sour chicken

See Also

• American Chinese cuisine
• Panda Express
• General Tso's chicken
• Sesame chicken
• Sweet and sour chicken

External Links

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