Introduction:

Orange chicken is a beloved dish in many households, known for its delightful blend of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors. This recipe takes it up a notch by experimenting with a unique marinade using Fanta soda, which imparts a subtle sweetness and tenderness to the chicken. Combined with a homemade orange sauce, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you prefer the modern sous vide method or the traditional deep-frying technique, this orange chicken recipe offers versatility and flavor in every bite.

Ingredients:

For the Sauce:

• 2 tbsp neutral, high smoke point oil
• 2 cloves garlic, grated
• 1.5” piece ginger, grated
• 4 tbsp scallions, chopped
• 1/2 cup chicken stock
• 1/4 cup mirin
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tsp sesame oil
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1.5 tbsp rice vinegar
• Juice of 1 large orange
• 1 tsp orange zest
• 2 tsp cornstarch
• Cornstarch slurry if needed (3/4 tsp cornstarch mixed into 2 tsp water)

For the Chicken:

• 2 chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• Black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt (to taste)
• Fanta soda (for marinating)
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• Water (to make batter)
• Vegetable oil (for deep-frying)
• Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions:

Prepare the Sauce:

1. Heat the Oil: In a skillet over medium heat, heat 2 tbsp of neutral oil.
2. Cook Garlic and Ginger: Add the grated garlic and ginger. Cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
3. Add Scallions: Stir in the scallions and cook for another minute.
4. Combine Ingredients: Add the chicken stock, mirin, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, rice vinegar, orange juice, and orange zest. Stir well.
5. Simmer: Let the mixture simmer and reduce slightly, about 5-7 minutes.
6. Thicken the Sauce: If needed, thicken with a cornstarch slurry. Mix 3/4 tsp cornstarch with 2 tsp water and add to the sauce. Stir until the sauce reaches the desired thickness. Set aside.

For the Fanta Chicken Experiment:

1. Marinate the Chicken:
   • Place the chicken cubes in a bowl. Season with black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt.
   • Pour enough Fanta over the chicken to cover it. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Sous Vide Method:
   • Preheat your sous vide to 149°F. Place the marinated chicken in a vacuum-sealed bag or a zip-lock bag using the water displacement method. Sous vide for 45 minutes.
   • Remove the chicken from the bag and pat dry with paper towels.
   • Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F. Deep-fry the chicken until golden brown and crispy.

Traditional Method:

1. Prepare the Batter:
   • In a bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, and baking soda. Add enough water to make a thick batter.
2. Coat the Chicken:
   • Season the chicken cubes with black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt.
   • Dip each piece of chicken into the batter, ensuring it is fully coated.
3. Deep-Fry the Chicken:
   • Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F.
   • Deep-fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Drain on paper towels.

Final Steps:

1. Toss in Sauce:
   • Toss both the sous vide Fanta chicken and the traditional fried chicken in the prepared orange sauce until well coated.
2. Serve:
   • Transfer the sauced chicken to a serving platter. Sprinkle with sesame seeds on top for garnish.
   • Serve immediately with steamed rice or your favorite side dish.

Cooking Tips:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh garlic, ginger, and orange juice.
• Check Oil Temperature: Maintain the oil temperature at 350°F to ensure the chicken cooks evenly and becomes crispy.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the chicken in batches to avoid lowering the oil temperature, which can make the chicken soggy.
• Customize the Sauce: Adjust the sweetness or tanginess of the sauce by varying the amount of sugar and rice vinegar.

Nutritional Facts (per serving):

• Calories: 420 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 90mg
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 18g

Possible Questions:

1. Can I use another type of soda for marinating the chicken?
   • Yes, you can use other sodas like Sprite or Coke, but they will impart different flavors.
2. What if I don’t have a sous vide machine?
   • You can follow the traditional method for equally delicious results.
3. Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts?
   • Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add more flavor and tenderness to the dish.
4. Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for mirin?
   • You can use a mixture of water, sugar, and a bit of vinegar as a substitute for mirin.
5. Can I make the sauce in advance?
   • Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Conclusion:

This orange chicken recipe is a delightful combination of tender, juicy chicken and a flavorful, tangy sauce. The unique addition of Fanta in the marinade experiment adds an unexpected twist that enhances the overall taste and texture of the chicken. Whether you opt for the sous vide method or the traditional deep-frying technique, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Serve it with steamed rice or your favorite side dish for a complete meal that’s bursting with flavor. Enjoy this delicious homemade take on a classic dish that’s better than takeout!