If you're a fan of sweet and savory flavors, Orange Peel Chicken might just become your new favorite dish. Clocking in at around 450 calories per serving, it's a hearty meal that won't leave you feeling guilty.
This dish is made with juicy chicken breast, stir-fried with flavorful ingredients like garlic, ginger, and of course, orange peel. The tangy and slightly bitter taste of the peel provides a unique twist on your typical stir-fry.
Whether you're cooking for a family or a solo dinner, Orange Peel Chicken is sure to impress. Here's everything you need to know to make it just right.
What is Orange Peel Chicken?
Orange Peel Chicken is a flavorful Asian-inspired dish that combines juicy chicken with sautéed vegetables and a tangy sauce. The star ingredient, as the name suggests, is orange peel. This dish is a balance of sweet, salty, and slightly bitter flavors, making it a perfect option for anyone who loves a good flavor combo. The texture of the chicken is tender and juicy, and the sauce is slightly sticky, coating each bite in flavor.
What are the Ingredients in Orange Peel Chicken?
To make Orange Peel Chicken, you will need the following ingredients: - 1 pound boneless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces - 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice wine (for marinade), 2 tablespoons oil (for cooking), 1 tablespoon minced garlic, 1 tablespoon minced ginger, 2 red chili peppers, 1/4 cup chicken broth, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup orange juice, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons sugar, 1 tablespoon grated orange zest, and green onions for garnish.
How to Cook Orange Peel Chicken?
1. In a bowl, mix together cornstarch, soy sauce, and rice wine. Add chicken pieces and toss to coat. Let sit for 30 minutes. 2. Heat oil in a wok over high heat. Add chicken and stir-fry for 5 minutes. Remove chicken from wok and set aside. 3. In the same wok, add garlic, ginger, and chili peppers. Stir-fry for 1 minute. Add chicken broth, soy sauce, orange juice, rice vinegar, sugar, and orange zest. Stir-fry for 2 minutes.
What are the Nutritional Facts of Orange Peel Chicken?
A serving of Orange Peel Chicken (approximately 1 cup) contains: - calories: 431 - Fat: 19g, Sodium: 1114mg, Carbohydrates: 29g, Protein: 34g.
What are the Health Benefits of Orange Peel Chicken?
Orange Peel Chicken contains a variety of health-promoting ingredients. Some of the key benefits include: - Chicken is high in protein, which can help with weight loss and muscle building. - Orange peel is a good source of vitamin C and antioxidants, which can boost your immune system and fight off disease.
How Many Calories are in Orange Peel Chicken?
A serving of Orange Peel Chicken contains approximately 431 calories.
What are the Side Dishes that go well with Orange Peel Chicken?
Some delicious side dishes that can be served with Orange Peel Chicken include: - Steamed rice - Stir-fried vegetables
What are the Alternatives for Orange Peel Chicken?
If you don't have all the ingredients for Orange Peel Chicken or are looking for something slightly different, here are a few alternatives: - Swap out the chicken for shrimp or tofu to make it a seafood or vegetarian dish. - Use lemon zest instead of orange for a different citrus flavor.
Can Orange Peel Chicken be made Healthier?
While Orange Peel Chicken is already a relatively healthy dish, there are a few modifications you can make to boost its nutritional value even more: - Use less sugar in the sauce to reduce overall calories. - Serve with steamed vegetables instead of rice for a lower-carb option.
What are the Different Recipes for Orange Peel Chicken?
If you love Orange Peel Chicken and want to mix things up a bit, here are a few different recipe variations to try: - Orange Peel Chicken Stir Fry with Broccoli and Carrots - Slow Cooker Orange Peel Chicken
5 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Orange Peel Chicken
1. What is Orange Peel Chicken?
Orange Peel Chicken is a popular Chinese dish made with crispy fried chicken pieces tossed in a savory and sweet orange-flavored sauce. The dish gets its name from the addition of dried orange peel, which gives it a unique flavor and aroma.
2. How many calories are in a serving of Orange Peel Chicken?
A serving of Orange Peel Chicken typically contains around 450 calories, but this may vary depending on the recipe and serving size. It is considered a high-calorie dish, so it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
3. What are the ingredients used in Orange Peel Chicken?
The main ingredients used in Orange Peel Chicken include chicken breast pieces, cornstarch, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, green onions, red pepper flakes, and dried orange peel. Some recipes may also include additional spices and flavorings.
4. How is Orange Peel Chicken prepared?
To prepare Orange Peel Chicken, the chicken breast pieces are first coated in a mixture of cornstarch and spices, then fried until crispy. The sauce is prepared separately by cooking together soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, and other seasonings. Once the sauce has thickened, the fried chicken pieces and dried orange peel are tossed in and coated evenly with the sauce.
5. Can Orange Peel Chicken be made healthier?
Yes, there are ways to make Orange Peel Chicken healthier by making some modifications to the recipe. For example, you can use skinless chicken breast and bake it instead of frying, and use less oil and sugar in the sauce. You can also add more vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli to increase the fiber and nutrient content of the dish.