Craving that delicious orange chicken from your favorite takeout place but don't want the hefty price tag or questionable ingredients? Then you're in luck! This recipe recreates the vibrant flavors of Walmart's popular orange chicken, allowing you to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal entirely from the comfort of your own kitchen. It’s a quick dinner idea, perfect for busy weeknights, and surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner cooks. Get ready to experience homemade cooking at its finest!
Ingredients:
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, many of which you can likely find at your local Walmart.
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For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ginger powder
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For the Orange Sauce:
- 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed is best!)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
Instructions:
Let's get cooking! This easy recipe comes together quickly.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
In a medium bowl, combine the cornstarch, flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and ginger powder. Add the chicken pieces and toss until evenly coated.
Step 2: Fry the Chicken
Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (a drop of batter should sizzle immediately), carefully add the chicken in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 3: Make the Orange Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the orange juice, chicken broth, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, cornstarch, and vegetable oil. Stir in the grated ginger and red pepper flakes (if using).
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Pour the orange sauce into the same skillet you used to fry the chicken. Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens. Add the cooked chicken to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Serve immediately over rice or noodles.
Tips for Success:
- Don't overcrowd the pan when frying the chicken. This will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken instead of crispy chicken.
- Freshly squeezed orange juice makes a big difference in the flavor of the sauce.
- Adjust the sweetness and spiciness to your liking by adding more or less honey and red pepper flakes.
- For a thicker sauce, increase the amount of cornstarch slightly.
Variations:
- Add vegetables: Broccoli florets, bell peppers, or snap peas would be delicious additions to this dish. Add them to the skillet with the chicken during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Use different protein: Substitute the chicken with shrimp, tofu, or pork for a variation on this healthy meal.
- Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free soy sauce and cornstarch to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 400-450 Protein: 30-35g Fat: 15-20g Carbohydrates: 30-35g
This Walmart orange chicken recipe is a delicious and easy way to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home. It’s a fantastic option for quick dinner ideas, and it's sure to become a new family favorite. Enjoy!