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:
- Combine marinade ingredients in a bowl, add chicken, toss to coat, and marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
- Whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt in a shallow dish.
- 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.
- 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.
- Dredge each piece of marinated chicken in the flour mixture, ensuring it is fully coated.
- 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.
- Remove the fried chicken with a slotted spoon and place it on a wire rack to drain excess oil.
- Drain all but 1 tbsp of oil from the pan. Add garlic and ginger and saute 1 minute until fragrant.
- 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).
- 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.