How to Make Sweet and Sour Orange Chicken - A Step-by-Step Guide

When it comes to Chinese cuisine, one of the most beloved dishes is sweet and sour chicken. This dish features tender pieces of chicken coated in a flavorful sauce that combines the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. While the traditional version of this dish uses pineapple, we've decided to put a unique spin on it by using fresh oranges. The result is a refreshing and vibrant take on a classic favorite that is sure to impress your friends and family.

The key to making the pe...

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup ice water
  • 1 egg
  • ¼ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour, divided
  • 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
  • vegetable oil for frying
  • 4 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 3 tablespoons water
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • ½ cup ketchup
  • ½ cup white vinegar
  • ½ cup water
  • ½ cup orange marmalade
  • ½ cup chopped fresh pineapple (Optional)
  • 2 tablespoons pineapple juice
  • 2 teaspoons soy sauce
  • 1 ½ teaspoons minced fresh ginger root
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Information

  • Prep Time: 25 mins
  • Cook Time: 15 mins
  • Total Time: 40 mins
  • Servings: 8
  • Yield: 8 servings

  • Beat ice water and egg together in a bowl using a whisk or a fork. Add baking soda and salt and mix to combine. Add 1 cup flour to water mixture; mix until blended but lumpy.
  • Place remaining 1 cup flour in a separate bowl. Cover each piece of chicken in flour, then move to egg mixture and cover, letting excess batter drip off.
  • Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large, deep frying pan over medium heat until a drop of water crackles when placed into oil.
  • Place chicken into the hot oil and fry, flipping if needed, until no longer pink in the center and golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes. Set aside and keep warm.
  • Combine cornstarch and 3 tablespoons water in a small bowl.
  • Combine sugar, ketchup, vinegar, 1/2 cup water, orange marmalade, pineapple, pineapple juice, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil; add cornstarch mixture. Reduce heat and let simmer, stirring frequently, until desired thickness is reached.
  • Pour sauce over chicken and serve.
  • Nutrition

    455 cal.

    • Total Fat: 12g
    • Saturated Fat: 2g
    • Cholesterol: 56mg
    • Sodium: 481mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 75g
    • Dietary Fiber: 1g
    • Total Sugars: 42g
    • Protein: 14g
    • Vitamin C: 9mg
    • Calcium: 31mg
    • Iron: 2mg
    • Potassium: 208mg