Chinese Orange Chicken is a popular dish loved by many across the globe. The dish is known for its crispy deep-fried chicken coated in a tangy orange sauce, making it a sweet yet savory delight. But have you ever wondered what the dish is called in China and how it originated?
This article aims to answer these questions and provide insight into the history of Chinese Orange Chicken. Whether you are a food enthusiast or simply curious about the origins of this popular dish, this article will provide you with all the information you need to know about it. So sit back, relax, and prepare to delve into the world of Chinese Orange Chicken.
The Origins of Chinese Orange Chicken
Chinese Orange Chicken has become a staple in Chinese-American cuisine, but its origins are still a mystery to many. The dish is said to have been popularized in the 1980s by Panda Express, a popular fast-food chain that serves American-Chinese cuisine. However, the history of the dish can be traced back much further than that.
Some believe that Chinese Orange Chicken hails from Hunan province in China, where oranges are plentiful. In this region, chefs have been known to incorporate the sweet and tangy fruit into their cooking for centuries. Others speculate that the dish was created in the United States, where chefs adapted traditional Chinese recipes to appeal to Western palates.
Despite its uncertain origins, Chinese Orange Chicken has become a beloved dish for many, thanks to its flavorful combination of crispy fried chicken, sweet and savory orange sauce, and aromatic spices. It has even taken on new variations, with some chefs adding different vegetables, fruits, and spices to create their own unique versions of the dish.
Key Ingredients in Chinese Orange Chicken Recipe
Chinese Orange Chicken is a dish that originated in the Hunan province of China and has become a popular staple of Chinese cuisine across the world. The dish is known for its sweet and tangy flavor and juicy chicken pieces that are fried until crispy. The key ingredients used in the recipe vary with different regions and chefs, but there are some common ingredients that are essential for the traditional preparation of Chinese Orange Chicken.
Chicken is the main protein used in the dish, which is cut into small cubes or strips and coated in a batter made of cornstarch, egg, and spices. The sauce that gives the dish its signature flavor is made of orange juice, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, garlic, ginger, and red chilies. These ingredients provide the perfect balance of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors that make Chinese Orange Chicken so delicious. Sesame oil and green onions are also added as a finishing touch to enhance the flavor and aroma of the dish.
The Difference between Americanized Orange Chicken and Authentic Chinese Dish
Americanized Orange Chicken is a popular dish in Western countries that is inspired by Chinese cuisine but has been adapted to suit local palates. The dish is typically made with deep-fried chicken pieces that are coated in a sticky orange-flavored sauce, which may contain soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and sugar. Despite its name, there is no actual orange used in the sauce, and the orange flavor comes from orange peel or orange juice concentrate.
On the other hand, authentic Chinese orange chicken is a completely different dish called “陈皮鸡” (chēn pí jī) or “Dried Mandarin Peels Chicken”. The dish is a specialty in southern China and is made by simmering chicken pieces with dried mandarin peels, ginger, and other spices until they are tender and flavorful. The resulting dish has a complex blend of sweet, sour, and savory flavors and a fragrant, citrusy aroma that comes from the dried mandarin peels. Overall, the Americanized version of orange chicken is a fusion dish that is much sweeter and less nuanced than the authentic Chinese version.
How to Make Chinese Orange Chicken at Home
Making Chinese orange chicken at home is a great way to enjoy this popular dish without having to go to a restaurant. To get started, you will need boneless, skinless chicken breast, cornstarch, salt, pepper, and oil for frying. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and then coat them in a mixture of cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Heat up the oil in a pan or wok until it’s hot and then add the chicken. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and crispy.
Next, make the orange sauce by combining chicken broth, soy sauce, orange juice, orange zest, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil and then let it simmer for a few minutes until it thickens. Once the sauce is ready, combine it with the fried chicken in a large bowl and mix well. Serve with steamed rice and garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds. With these simple steps, you can easily make Chinese orange chicken at home and enjoy delicious, restaurant-quality cuisine in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Best Restaurants to Try Chinese Orange Chicken
If you’re a foodie who loves to explore new flavors and cuisines, you must try Chinese Orange Chicken. This dish is a perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors, making it a favorite for many. If you’re wondering where to find the best Chinese Orange Chicken, here are some restaurants that you must visit.
Panda Express is a popular fast-food chain that serves Chinese Orange Chicken. The dish got so popular that it accounts for 70% of the chain’s sales. Their Orange Chicken is sweet, spicy, and crispy, making it a crowd favorite. If you’re looking for an affordable yet flavorful Orange Chicken, Panda Express is your go-to place. Other top restaurants that you must try are P.F. Chang’s, Pick Up Stix, and Din Tai Fung. They serve their Orange Chicken with their signature sauces and flavors, taking the dish up a notch.
Health Benefits of Orange Chicken and Nutrition Facts
Health Benefits of Orange Chicken:
Orange chicken, if prepared the right way, can provide numerous health benefits. Chicken is an excellent source of protein, which helps in building and repairing muscle tissues. The orange sauce in this dish contains vitamin C, which boosts the immune system and protects the body from harmful free radicals. The garlic and ginger used in the recipe also provide anti-inflammatory properties, making the dish an excellent option for those suffering from inflammation-related health issues.
Nutrition Facts:
The nutritional value of orange chicken can vary based on how it is prepared. A standard serving size of 200 grams of orange chicken contains around 300-400 calories, 20-25 grams of carbohydrates, 16-20 grams of protein, and 10-14 grams of fats. However, this dish can be made healthier by choosing to bake or grill the chicken instead of deep-frying it and by limiting the amount of sugar used in the sauce. Overall, orange chicken can be a tasty and nutritious addition to a balanced diet when made with healthy ingredients and consumed in moderation.
Variations of Orange Chicken Across Different Regions of China.
One of the fascinating aspects of Chinese cuisine is its diversity. Orange chicken is no exception, and it varies in taste, seasoning, and texture across different regions of China. Each locality has its take on this delectable dish, and one of the things that they have in common is that they all use oranges.
In southern China, orange chicken is known as “Chen Pi Ji,” which means dried orange peel chicken, while in the Guangxi province, it is called “Jian Shui Jiao,” which involves boiling the chicken in the orange juice. Other variations in other regions of China include using tangerine instead of orange, or adding garlic, ginger, and other spices to the recipe. Regardless of the region, this popular dish continues to entice the taste buds of both locals and tourists around the world.
Final Verdict
Chinese orange chicken is a popular dish that is enjoyed by many, both in China and around the world. While there are different versions of the dish, it typically features battered and fried chicken pieces that are coated in a sweet and tangy orange sauce. Chinese orange chicken can be found in many Chinese-American restaurants and is also a common dish in Chinese banquets and celebrations.
Whether you call it Chinese orange chicken, tangerine chicken, or some other variation, this dish is a delicious and satisfying meal that is enjoyed by many. With its crispy exterior and flavorful sauce, it is easy to see why it has become one of the most popular dishes in Chinese cuisine. So the next time you are looking for a tasty and filling meal, consider trying this beloved dish and savoring the flavors of China.