Orange Chicken

Ingredients

• 1½ lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• ½ cup cornstarch
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 egg
• 3 cup vegetable oil
• ¾ cup orange juice
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 tbsp ginger
• 2 clove garlic
• 1 tsp orange zest
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 2 green onions (optional)
• 1 tsp sesame seeds (optional)

Steps

1. Cut chicken into 1-inch pieces. In a bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup cornstarch, flour, and egg.
2. Toss chicken in the batter until fully coated. Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C).
3. Fry chicken in batches for 4-6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and drain on a wire rack.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, remaining 1/4 cup cornstarch, ginger, garlic, orange zest, and red pepper flakes (if using) to create the sauce.
5. Drain all but 1 tablespoon of oil from the pot. Pour in the sauce and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened.
6. Add the fried chicken to the sauce and toss to coat. Stir in sesame oil.
7. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, if desired. Serve immediately, perhaps with steamed rice.