Sichuan Orange Chicken Americas Test Kitchen Recipes

ORANGE-FLAVORED CHICKEN

Steps:

• FOR THE MARINADE AND SAUCE: Place chicken in 1-gallon zipper-lock bag; set aside.
• Combine chicken broth, orange juice, grated zest, vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, garlic, ginger, and cayenne in large saucepan (with at least 3-quart capacity); whisk until sugar is fully dissolved.
• Measure out 3/4 cup mixture and pour into bag with chicken; press out as much air as possible and seal bag, making sure that all pieces are coated with marinade.
• Refrigerate 30 to 60 minutes, but no longer.
• Bring remaining mixture in saucepan to boil over high heat.
• In small bowl, stir together cornstarch and cold water; whisk cornstarch mixture into sauce.
• Simmer sauce, stirring occasionally, until thick and translucent, about 1 minute.
• Off heat, stir in orange peel and chiles (sauce should measure 1 1/2 cups); set sauce aside.
• FOR THE COATING: Place egg whites in pie plate; using fork, beat until frothy. In second pie plate, whisk cornstarch, cayenne, and baking soda until combined.
• Drain chicken in colander or large mesh strainer; thoroughly pat chicken dry with paper towels.
• Place half of chicken pieces in egg whites and turn to coat; transfer pieces to cornstarch mixture and coat thoroughly.
• Place dredged chicken pieces on wire rack set over baking sheet; repeat with remaining chicken.
• TO FRY THE CHICKEN: Heat oil in 11- to 12-inch Dutch oven or straight-sided sauté pan with at least 3-quart capacity over high heat until oil registers 350 degrees on instant-read or deep-fry thermometer.
• Carefully place half of chicken in oil one piece at a time; fry until golden brown, about 5 minutes, turning each piece with tongs halfway through cooking.
• Transfer chicken to large plate lined with paper towels.
• Return oil to 350 degrees and repeat with remaining chicken.
• TO SERVE: Reheat sauce over medium heat until simmering, about 2 minutes.
• Add chicken and gently toss until evenly coated and heated through.
• Serve immediately.