Orange Chilli Chicken

Orange Chilli Chicken - Simrun Chopra

This is one of my favourites, because it's different from the usual. It is quick, can easily be made into a vegetarian or vegan version. I tried this in the U.S and loved it. That one had deep fried chicken. I changed that for daily use. Food we enjoy doesn't have to be reserved for a special occasion. I love my Chinese and love experimenting, I hope you do too. 

 

If you use this, do tag me on instagram and use the hashtag #nourishwithsim


Serves : 2
Level : Easy
 
INGREDIENTS
 
CHICKEN : 
1 tablespoon cornflour / arrowroot
4 egg whites
4 boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
Salt and pepper to taste 
Dash of finely chopped garlic
 
SAUCE : 
1/2 cup fresh orange juice
Half an orange rind (optional)
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp honey
1 tbsp vinegar
1/4 teaspoon sesame oil/ olive oil / cooking oil
Salt to taste
Chilli flakes / plain chilli sauce / red chilli paste to taste
1 clove garlic, chopped small
A little grated or minced ginger
Handfull of spring onions


 

METHOD
For the chicken: 
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the cornflour and egg whites with a fork until almost frothy. 
  • Add the chicken to the mixture and allow to sit for 5 to 10 minutes.
For the sauce:
  • Add the oil to a non stick  pan.
  • Add the chopped garlic to the cold oil and allow to brown a bit.
  • Put the orange juice, orange rind, soy sauce, vinegar, salt, chilli paste, spring onions and ginger into the pan and mix. Cook it until it starts to bubble and thicken, about 5 minutes.
  • Whisk together the cornflour and 1/4 cup water in a small bowl and add 1 to 2 tablespoons of the cornflour mixture to the sauce. Mix in and thicken for a minute.
  • In another non stick pan add a little oil and place the chicken pieces on it to cook on high. Turn once it starts to brown, takes about 5 mins. ( you could also do this in an airfryer or oven)
  •  Add the chicken and honey to the sauce and toss till the chicken is evenly covered.
  • Top with spring onions and serve hot.
 
NOTES
  1. Honey should be added in the end as it is not advisable to heat honey
  2. Boneless thigh pieces work best, you can use chicken breast for a leaner option
  3. Chilli Paste : Boil 5 to 7 dried red chillies in a little water till soft. Then grind to a smoothe paste.
  4. Adjust the chilli and honey as per personal preference
  5. Orange juice : Taste to ensure it is sweet and not bitter. 
  6. Vegetarian version : you can substitute the chicken for paneer or tofu. The precoating is optional
 


1 comment

  • Carmelita XAVIER

    This was an amazing recipe! It was yummy. thank you Simrun for this fantastic recipe. We loved it.


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