Better Than Takeout Orange Chicken (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Chicken Coating

01 - 2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite sized pieces
02 - 2 tsp sesame oil
03 - 1 egg
04 - 1/3 cup corn starch
05 - 3 tbsp soy sauce
06 - Canola oil for frying

→ Orange Sauce

07 - 1 1/2 tsp fresh orange zest
08 - 2 tbsp fresh orange juice
09 - 3 tbsp soy sauce
10 - 3 tbsp water
11 - 1/3 cup sugar
12 - 1/3 cup rice wine vinegar or dry sherry
13 - 1/3 cup chicken broth
14 - 2 tbsp corn starch

→ Aromatics

15 - 1 tsp canola oil
16 - 1 1/2 tsp minced ginger
17 - 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
18 - pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

→ Garnish

19 - sliced green onions
20 - orange slices

# Instructions:

01 - Pour 1 to 2 inches of canola oil in a small deep fryer or heavy bottomed pot and heat to 375 degrees F.
02 - In a large bowl combine the sesame oil, egg, 3 tbsp soy sauce and 1/3 cup corn starch until a thin batter forms. Toss in the chicken pieces and let sit for a few minutes while the oil heats up.
03 - Fry the chicken in batches and drain on a paper towel lined plate.
04 - Combine the orange zest, orange juice, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 3 tbsp water, 1/3 cup sugar, 1/3 cup rice wine vinegar (or dry sherry), 1/3 cup chicken broth and 2 tbsp corn starch in a bowl and set aside.
05 - Once chicken is finished cooking, heat 1 tsp canola oil in a large wok or skillet over medium high heat. Toss in the ginger, garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and stir until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
06 - Pour in the sauce and cook over medium heat until thickened, stirring occasionally. Once thickened (about 3 to 4 minutes) add the chicken to the wok and stir to coat with sauce.
07 - Garnish with sliced green onions and orange slices and serve over hot steamed rice if desired. Enjoy!

# Notes:

01 - Can use skillet with high edges if deep fryer not available
02 - Adjust red pepper flakes to control spice level
03 - Best served immediately while chicken is crispy