Introduction
Orange chicken is a popular dish that has been enjoyed by many for years. It is a classic Chinese-American recipe that features crispy fried chicken coated in a sweet and tangy orange sauce. However, we wanted to put a twist on the classic recipe by adding a homemade marmalade BBQ sauce. The result is a mouth-watering dish that is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
The ingredients needed for this recipe are:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup orange marmalade
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp water
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
Follow these steps to make the orange chicken with marmalade BBQ sauce:
Step 1: Preparing the Chicken
Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and set aside. In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper. In another shallow dish, whisk together the egg and milk. In a third shallow dish, place the breadcrumbs.
Step 2: Breading the Chicken
Dip each piece of chicken into the flour mixture, then the egg mixture, and finally, the breadcrumbs. Set aside on a plate.
Step 3: Frying the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the skillet. Fry for 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy. Remove from the skillet and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 4: Making the Sauce
In a small saucepan, whisk together the orange marmalade, BBQ sauce, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Heat over medium heat until the mixture comes to a simmer. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water. Add the cornstarch mixture to the saucepan and whisk until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
Step 5: Tossing the Chicken in the Sauce
Add the fried chicken to the saucepan and toss to coat each piece evenly in the sauce. Serve hot with your favorite side dishes.
Tips for Success
To make sure your orange chicken with marmalade BBQ sauce turns out perfectly, follow these tips:
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the chicken. If the oil is not hot enough, the chicken will absorb too much oil and become soggy.
- Use a thermometer to check the temperature of the oil. It should be around 350°F.
- Don't overcrowd the skillet when frying the chicken. This will cause the temperature of the oil to drop and the chicken will not cook evenly.
- Make sure the sauce thickens enough before adding the chicken. If it is too thin, it will not stick to the chicken.
- For a spicier version, add more cayenne pepper to the flour mixture or the sauce.
Conclusion
Orange chicken with marmalade BBQ sauce is a delicious twist on a classic dish that is sure to impress your friends and family. With a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can make a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home. So why not give this recipe a try and see for yourself how delicious it can be?