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To make Sesame Orange Chicken, you'll need the following items: - 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1/4 cup cornstarch - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 1/4 cup vegetable oil (for frying) - 1/2 cup fresh orange juice - Zest of 1 orange - 3 tablespoons soy sauce - 2 tablespoons honey - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 2 tablespoons sesame seeds - 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish) You can swap some ingredients if needed: - Chicken thighs: Use chicken breast for a leaner option. - Cornstarch: Potato starch works well too. - Honey: Maple syrup can replace honey for a vegan option. - Soy sauce: Use tamari for a gluten-free choice. - Rice vinegar: Apple cider vinegar is a good substitute. - Fresh ginger: Ground ginger can be used, but use less. This dish serves four. Here’s a rough breakdown of the calories per serving: - Calories: 350 - Protein: 25g - Carbohydrates: 30g - Fat: 15g This meal gives you protein and flavor without too many carbs. Enjoy it with rice for a balanced meal! First, gather your ingredients. You need chicken thighs, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, mix the cornstarch, salt, and black pepper. Toss the chicken pieces in this mix. Make sure they are fully coated. This step helps the chicken get crispy when cooked. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken in batches. Do not crowd the pan. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to take them out. Place the chicken on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb extra oil. This keeps your chicken crispy and not soggy. In the same skillet, leave about one tablespoon of oil. Add minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Next, pour in fresh orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Stir everything well. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens a little. Finally, add the crispy chicken back to the skillet. Toss it in the orange sauce to coat well. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat through. Before serving, sprinkle sesame seeds on top and garnish with chopped green onions. To get the best chicken, use boneless, skinless thighs. They stay juicy and tender. Cut them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking. Coat the chicken well with cornstarch, salt, and pepper. This helps create a crispy crust. Fry the chicken in batches. This prevents overcrowding and keeps it crispy. To thicken your sauce, let it simmer. Simmering allows the flavors to blend and the sauce to reduce. If you want it thicker, mix a bit of cornstarch with water. Add this mix to your sauce while stirring. This will help the sauce become glossy and thick. Serving your sesame orange chicken well makes it look great. Start by placing the chicken over a bed of steamed rice or fluffy quinoa. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top for a nice crunch. Add chopped green onions for a pop of color. A slice of orange on the side adds a fresh touch. {{image_2}} You can easily spice up your Sesame Orange Chicken. To make it spicy, add red pepper flakes or hot sauce. I suggest adding one teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the sauce. This small change makes a big impact. You can adjust the heat level to your taste. If you love heat, go for more! The spicy version still keeps the sweet orange flavor. Adding vegetables boosts the dish's health and color. Try bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli. Chop them into bite-sized pieces to make them easy to eat. You can sauté the veggies after cooking the chicken. Just add them to the pan for a few minutes until they are tender. They soak up the sauce well and add a nice crunch. You can switch the chicken for other proteins. Tofu is a great option for a vegetarian dish. Use firm or extra-firm tofu and cut it into cubes. You can also try shrimp or pork if you want variety. The cooking time may change based on the protein you choose. Always ensure your protein is cooked well for safety and flavor. After enjoying your Sesame Orange Chicken, you may have some left. To store it, let the chicken cool to room temperature. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps the flavors fresh. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to save it longer, consider freezing. To reheat, take the chicken out of the fridge. Place it in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or orange juice to keep it moist. Stir until heated through. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Avoid the microwave if you can. It may make the chicken dry. If you want to freeze your Sesame Orange Chicken, follow these steps. First, let it cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing. Label the bag with the date. You can freeze it for up to three months. To use, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can use chicken breast. Chicken breast is leaner and cooks faster. Keep an eye on cooking time. It may dry out if overcooked. If you choose breast, slice it into bite-sized pieces. This will help it cook evenly. If you need a soy sauce substitute, try tamari or coconut aminos. Both options have a similar taste. Tamari is gluten-free, while coconut aminos are lower in sodium. You can also mix equal parts of balsamic vinegar and water for a different flavor. To make this dish gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Make sure the cornstarch is pure and does not contain gluten. Check all labels carefully when choosing ingredients. This way, you can enjoy the same great taste without gluten. This article covered everything you need for a tasty dish. We explored the ingredients, substitutions, and nutritional facts. I shared step-by-step instructions for preparing the chicken and making the orange sauce. You learned tips for perfecting your dish and ideas for fun variations. Finally, I provided smart ways to store and reheat leftovers. With these insights, you can create a delicious meal that impresses everyone. Try these ideas and enjoy cooking!

Sesame Orange Chicken

Savor the flavors of Sesame Orange Chicken with this easy and delicious recipe! Perfectly crispy chicken pieces are tossed in a tangy orange sauce that will have everyone requesting seconds. In just 30 minutes, you can create a meal that’s not only tasty but visually stunning when served over rice or quinoa. Click through to explore the full recipe and transform your dinner tonight!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

1/4 cup cornstarch

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 cup vegetable oil (for frying)

1/2 cup fresh orange juice

Zest of 1 orange

3 tablespoons soy sauce

2 tablespoons honey

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated

1 tablespoon sesame oil

2 tablespoons sesame seeds

2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

In a mixing bowl, combine cornstarch, salt, and black pepper. Toss in the chicken pieces until they are evenly coated.

    In a large skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the battered chicken pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken and place it on a paper towel-lined plate.

      In the same skillet, drain excess oil, leaving about 1 tablespoon. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

        Add the fresh orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil to the skillet. Stir well and let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.

          Return the crispy chicken to the skillet, tossing it in the orange sauce until well-coated. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.

            Sprinkle sesame seeds over the chicken before serving, and garnish with chopped green onions.

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

                - Presentation Tips: Serve the Sesame Orange Chicken over a bed of steamed rice or fluffy quinoa. Garnish with additional sesame seeds and a slice of orange for a vibrant finish.