Orange chicken is a dish that’s universally loved, and when you’re looking for a recipe that’s sure to be a hit, The Pioneer Woman never disappoints. Ree Drummond’s approach to home cooking is all about delicious, approachable meals that bring families together. This orange chicken recipe embodies that spirit, offering a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.
This recipe is designed to feed a family, but you can easily adjust the quantities to suit your needs. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend gathering, Pioneer Woman Orange Chicken is a fantastic choice.
Prep Time Note: You can prep the chicken and sauce components in advance to streamline the cooking process, making it perfect for busy days.
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup water
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Orange Sauce:
- 1 cup orange juice, fresh squeezed is best
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup rice vinegar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons orange zest
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)
Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Orange Chicken
INSTRUCTIONS:
First, prepare the chicken. Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces, ensuring they are roughly the same size for even cooking.
Preparing Chicken for Orange Chicken
In a bowl, combine flour, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, whisk together cornstarch, egg, and water until smooth. This batter will give the chicken a crispy coating.
*Housewife Hint: Using a combination of flour and cornstarch helps achieve a light yet crispy texture that holds up well to the sauce.
Battering Chicken for Frying
Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, then dip it into the cornstarch batter, making sure it’s fully coated. This double coating is key to the perfect crispy orange chicken.
Coating Chicken Pieces
Now, let’s get started on the flavorful orange sauce. Zest two oranges, being careful to only zest the orange part of the peel and avoid the bitter white pith underneath. The fresh orange zest is crucial for that vibrant citrus flavor.
Zesting Oranges for Orange Sauce
Juice the zested oranges. Freshly squeezed orange juice will make a big difference in the brightness of the sauce compared to store-bought juice.
Juicing Oranges for Sauce
You should aim for about one cup of fresh orange juice. The fresh juice is the heart of the orange flavor in this dish.
Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice
In a separate bowl, whisk together orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, honey, orange zest, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). This mixture is the base of our delicious orange sauce.
Mixing Orange Sauce Ingredients
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the battered chicken pieces in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.
Frying Chicken in Skillet
Fry the chicken for about 3-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the cooked chicken and place it on a wire rack to drain excess oil, keeping it crispy.
Frying Chicken Pieces Until Golden
In a separate small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water to create a cornstarch slurry. This will help thicken the orange sauce to the perfect consistency.
Preparing Cornstarch Slurry
Pour the orange sauce mixture into a large skillet or wok. Bring it to a simmer over medium heat.
Simmering Orange Sauce
Once simmering, slowly pour in the cornstarch slurry while stirring continuously. This will thicken the sauce as it cooks.
Thickening Orange Sauce with Slurry
Continue to simmer the sauce for a few minutes, until it has thickened to your desired consistency. It should be glossy and able to coat the back of a spoon.
Thickened and Glossy Orange Sauce
Add the fried chicken to the skillet with the orange sauce. Toss to coat all the chicken pieces evenly in the luscious sauce.
Coating Chicken with Orange Sauce
Serve the Pioneer Woman orange chicken immediately over rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired for added flavor and visual appeal. Enjoy this delightful and family-friendly meal!
Serving Pioneer Woman Orange Chicken
Enjoy this Pioneer Woman inspired Orange Chicken recipe! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings the warmth and comfort of home cooking to your table.
Cook with love and enjoy!
Your Pioneer Foodie
