Ingredients:

  • 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) soy sauce, low sodium
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) Shaoxing rice wine (or dry sherry)
  • 1 teaspoon (5ml) grated fresh ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) white pepper
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 3/4 cup (90g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup (60g) cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon (5ml) baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) salt
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) fresh orange juice
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) rice vinegar
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) soy sauce, low sodium
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) honey
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) orange zest
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) red pepper flakes (or to taste)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon (5ml) grated fresh ginger
  • Vegetable oil or canola oil, for deep frying (approx. 4 cups / 1 liter)
  • Sesame seeds (Optional)
  • Chopped green onions (Optional)

Instructions:

  1. Combine marinade ingredients in a bowl, add chicken, toss to coat, and marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt in a shallow dish.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together orange juice, rice vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, honey, orange zest, cornstarch, and red pepper flakes. Set aside. Mince garlic and ginger, keep separated for a later step.
  4. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to ensure accurate temperature.
  5. Dredge each piece of marinated chicken in the flour mixture, ensuring it is fully coated.
  6. Carefully add the coated chicken to the hot oil in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 3-4 minutes per batch, or until golden brown and cooked through. Internal temp 165F.
  7. Remove the fried chicken with a slotted spoon and place it on a wire rack to drain excess oil.
  8. Drain all but 1 tbsp of oil from the pan. Add garlic and ginger and saute 1 minute until fragrant.
  9. Pour the orange sauce into the pan with the sauteed aromatics. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens (about 2-3 minutes).
  10. Add the fried chicken to the pan with the orange sauce and toss to coat evenly. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions (optional). Serve immediately.