Sticky Orange Chicken Bites

$- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1/2 cup cornstarch - 1/4 cup all-purpose flour - 2 large eggs, lightly beaten - 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying) - 1/2 cup fresh orange juice - 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce - 1/4 cup honey - 2 tablespoons rice vinegar - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening the sauce) - Chopped green onions (for garnish) - Sesame seeds (for garnish) For this recipe, I use chicken breast. It cooks fast and stays juicy. The cornstarch and flour help create a crisp coating. Eggs help the dry mix stick to the chicken. The sauce is the star of this dish. Fresh orange juice gives it a bright flavor. Honey adds sweetness, and soy sauce adds saltiness. Rice vinegar brings a nice tang. Ginger and garlic give the sauce depth. The sesame oil adds a rich, nutty taste. I like to garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. They add color and crunch. This simple list of ingredients makes sticky orange chicken bites a fun dish for everyone! {{ingredient_image_2}} First, gather your ingredients for the breading. You need cornstarch and all-purpose flour. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of cornstarch and 1/4 cup of flour. This mix gives the chicken a nice crunch. In a separate bowl, beat two large eggs until well mixed. Set both bowls aside for dipping the chicken. Take a piece of chicken and dip it into the eggs. Make sure to let any extra egg drip off. Then, roll the chicken in the cornstarch and flour mix. Ensure that each piece is well coated. This step is key for a crispy texture. Now it’s time to fry the chicken. Heat 1 cup of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Wait until the oil shimmers before adding the chicken. Fry the chicken pieces in small batches for about 4-5 minutes. They should turn a golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken and let it drain on paper towels. While the chicken is frying, let’s make the orange sauce. In a medium saucepan, mix together 1/2 cup of fresh orange juice, 1/4 cup of low-sodium soy sauce, and 1/4 cup of honey. Add 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon of minced ginger, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Heat this mixture over medium heat until it simmers gently. To thicken the sauce, stir in 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens, which takes about 2-3 minutes. Once it reaches the right consistency, remove it from the heat. Now, add the fried chicken bites to the saucepan with the orange sauce. Gently toss the chicken until it is well coated. The sauce should stick nicely, making the chicken look glossy and delicious. Plate the sticky orange chicken bites right away. For a beautiful touch, garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. For extra flavor, serve lime wedges on the side. Enjoy your meal! To get crispy chicken, start with dry pieces. Pat the chicken with paper towels. The coating sticks better when it's dry. Use a mix of cornstarch and flour for the breading. This blend gives a nice crunch. Fry in hot oil, about 350°F. If the oil isn’t hot enough, the chicken absorbs too much oil and gets soggy. Fry in small batches to keep the oil temperature steady. A good sauce has sweet, salty, and tangy notes. Use fresh orange juice for sweetness. Honey adds more sweetness, but be careful not to overpower it. The soy sauce brings saltiness. Add rice vinegar for a tangy kick. Ginger and garlic add depth. Taste the sauce as you cook. Adjust the flavors to your liking. If it’s too sweet, add more vinegar. If it’s too salty, a bit more orange juice can help. One mistake is not coating the chicken well. Make sure each piece is fully covered with the breading mix. Another error is not letting the chicken rest after frying. This helps it stay crispy. Avoid cooking too many pieces at once. This lowers the oil temperature. Finally, don’t rush the sauce. Let it simmer and thicken properly for the best texture. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh orange juice and ginger to enhance the flavor of the sauce significantly. Control the Oil Temperature: Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying the chicken to achieve a crispy texture. A temperature of around 350°F (175°C) is ideal. Coat Evenly: Make sure each piece of chicken is well-coated in the flour and cornstarch mixture to ensure a crispy exterior. Garnish for Flavor: Don’t skip the green onions and sesame seeds! They add a delightful crunch and additional flavor to the dish. {{image_4}} You can swap chicken for other meats. Try shrimp or pork for a tasty twist. Both cook quickly and absorb the sauce well. For beef, choose tender cuts like sirloin. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces. Adjust cooking times as needed. Shrimp may need only 3-4 minutes, while pork or beef will take longer. For a vegan version, use tofu or tempeh. These options soak up flavors well and add texture. Press tofu to remove extra moisture before cooking. Cut it into cubes and fry until golden. You could also use cauliflower florets for a veggie-packed choice. Coat them just like the chicken for the same crunch. You can tweak the sauce to fit your taste. For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes or sriracha. If you want it sweeter, increase the honey or add maple syrup. For a tangy twist, try adding lime juice or zest. Each change can make a unique dish while keeping that sticky goodness. To store leftovers, wait until the chicken cools. Place it in an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. To reheat, use an oven for the best texture. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes. This keeps it crispy. You can also use a microwave. Heat in short bursts, checking often. For freezing, let the chicken cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible. It can stay fresh for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat as mentioned above for best results. To make the chicken less oily, try these steps: - Use a smaller amount of oil for frying. - Ensure the oil is hot enough before adding chicken pieces. - Drain the fried chicken on paper towels to absorb excess oil. These tips help keep your bites crispy and reduce oiliness. Yes, you can use store-bought orange juice. However, fresh orange juice has a brighter flavor and more freshness. If you use store-bought juice, pick one without added sugars for a better taste. Pairing side dishes with sticky orange chicken bites can enhance your meal. Here are some great options: - Steamed jasmine rice - Fried rice with vegetables - Roasted broccoli or green beans - A fresh cucumber salad These sides add balance and color to your plate. To make the sauce spicier, consider these ideas: - Add red pepper flakes or chili paste to the sauce. - Incorporate minced fresh chili peppers. - Use a spicy soy sauce or add sriracha. Start with a small amount, then adjust to your taste. Yes, you can bake the chicken bites instead of frying them. Follow these steps for baking: 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). 2. Arrange the coated chicken on a baking sheet. 3. Spray lightly with cooking oil. 4. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, turning halfway. Baking gives you a healthier option while still keeping the bites tasty. This blog post explored making delicious sticky orange chicken bites. We covered key ingredients like chicken, breading, and sauce. I shared step-by-step instructions, tips for crispy chicken, and fun variations. You can even find storage and reheating tips for leftovers. Enjoy this dish with sides you love. Remember, cooking is fun and rewarding. Now, you can create your own tasty orange chicken at home!$

Sticky Orange Chicken Bites

Indulge in these Sticky Orange Chicken Bites, the perfect blend of flavors for any meal! This easy orange chicken recipe features crispy fried chicken bites coated in a delicious orange chicken sauce that will have everyone coming back for more. Ideal for a quick dinner or party appetizer, these bites are sure to impress! Try this chicken bites recipe and savor the taste today! #StickyOrangeChicken #EasyOrangeChicken #FriedChickenBites #ChickenBitesRecipe

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Ingredients

1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

1/2 cup cornstarch

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

2 large eggs, lightly beaten

1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)

1/2 cup fresh orange juice

1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce

1/4 cup honey

2 tablespoons rice vinegar

1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon sesame oil

1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening the sauce)

Chopped green onions (for garnish)

Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions

Prepare the Breading: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and all-purpose flour. In a separate bowl, place the lightly beaten eggs. Set both bowls aside for dipping the chicken.

Coat the Chicken: Take each chicken piece and first dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off. Then, roll the chicken in the cornstarch and flour mixture, ensuring every piece is evenly coated.

Fry the Chicken: In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Working in batches, add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil. Fry them for about 4-5 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and let them drain on paper towels.

Make the Sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine the fresh orange juice, low-sodium soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced ginger, minced garlic, and sesame oil. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Thicken the Sauce: Once the sauce is simmering, stir in the cornstarch-water mixture. Continue cooking while stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, approximately 2-3 minutes. Once thickened, remove the saucepan from heat.

Combine Chicken and Sauce: Add the fried chicken bites to the saucepan with the sticky orange sauce. Gently toss the chicken until it is well coated with the delicious, glossy sauce.

Serve: Plate the sticky orange chicken bites immediately. Garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an appealing finish.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Presentation Tips: Serve the chicken bites on a large platter, drizzling extra sauce over the top, with lime wedges on the side for a vibrant touch. Enjoy!