Easy Homemade Copy Cat Mandarin Orange Chicken Recipe

If you’re a fan of takeaways, chances are you’ve tried the classic orange chicken. This dish is a favourite for many and can be made in a variety of ways. However, this easy homemade copycat Mandarin orange chicken recipe is sure to impress you.

To make this dish, you’ll need to follow three simple steps: batter, sauce, and fry. Although this may sound daunting, it’s actually much simpler than it seems. By breaking down each step, you’ll be able to create a delicious chicken masterpiece in no time.

Why You’ll Love This Orange Chicken Recipe

• This easy homemade copycat Mandarin orange chicken recipe is sure to impress.
• The three simple steps to creating this dish are batter, sauce, and fry.
• By breaking down each step, you’ll be able to create a delicious chicken masterpiece in no time.

Copy Cat Mandarin Orange Chicken Takeaway Recipe

Ingredients

To make this easy homemade copycat Mandarin Orange Chicken recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

• 4 chicken thighs or 2 chicken breasts, diced
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1 egg white
• 1/4 cup water (add more 1 tbsp at a time)
• 1 tsp each of salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika

For the sauce, you will need:

• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred but not required)
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• Orange zest
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2-3 tbsp cornstarch mixed in 1/4 cup water (slurry)

For frying, you will need:

• 1 cup preferred frying oil such as vegetable or canola.

Instructions

To make the batter:

1. In a mixing bowl, add flour, cornstarch, egg white, water, and seasonings. Mix until a thick batter forms.
2. If the batter needs thinning out, add additional water 1 tbsp at a time.
3. Toss in your diced chicken and evenly coat. Let this sit while we make the sauce.

Make the sauce:

1. In a pan, add soy sauce, sesame oil, orange juice, orange zest, brown sugar, and slurry.
2. Simmer this on low until the sauce is nice and thick.

Fry the chicken:

1. Add your oil into a non-stick pan and fry your chicken.
2. Remove your cooked chicken from the pan.
3. Once your chicken is cooked, remove the oil and crisp up your chicken in the same pan, adding your orange sauce.
4. Serve over white rice and top with green onion.

This easy homemade copycat Mandarin Orange Chicken recipe is a delicious and simple way to enjoy a classic Chinese takeout dish at home.

Batter

To achieve crispy chicken, the right batter is crucial for the dish. For this recipe, the batter is made by combining 1/2 cup of flour and 1/4 cup of corn-starch in a bowl. Add 1 egg white and approximately 1/4 cup of water to the mixture.

If the batter is too thick, add more water 1 tbsp at a time until the desired consistency is achieved. To season the batter, add your preferred seasonings. The suggested seasonings are salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.

Add cubed chicken to the batter and stir until the chicken is coated. Let the chicken sit while the sauce is being prepared. The first step of the recipe is now complete.

Sauce

To make a delicious sauce, start by adding 1/2 cup of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, 1 cup of orange juice, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, and 2-3 tablespoons of corn-starch mixed with 1/4 cup of water to a saucepan. Whisk the ingredients thoroughly and let them simmer.

The corn-starch and sugar will create a thick, glaze-like texture. For an extra burst of fresh orange flavour, add a bit of orange zest to your sauce. This sauce strikes the perfect balance of freshness and sweetness and is perfect for any dish.

Fry

To fry the chicken, take a shallow non-stick pan and fill it with about 1/2 inch oil or roughly 1 cup. Heat the pan on medium to high heat and add your chicken pieces. Since they are smaller, they won’t take long to cook. Once the chicken is done, remove it from the frying pan and set it aside.

Next, pour out the remaining oil and add the chicken back into the pan for one last time to crisp up the outside. Then, add the thick sauce and mix it well, making sure to coat all the chicken pieces evenly.

Finally, serve your chicken with fluffy white rice and top it with some green onion for added flavour.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Create a Crispy Coating for Homemade Mandarin Orange Chicken?

To create a crispy coating for homemade Mandarin orange chicken, you can use a mixture of cornstarch and flour. Dip the chicken pieces in the mixture, then fry them in hot oil until they turn golden brown.

What are the Essential Ingredients for a Mandarin Orange Sauce?

The essential ingredients for a Mandarin orange sauce include fresh orange juice, soy sauce, sugar, garlic, seasonings, and cornstarch. Mix these ingredients together and cook them over medium heat until the sauce thickens.

Could You Provide a Recipe for a Healthier Version of Mandarin Orange Chicken?

Yes, you can make a healthier version of Mandarin orange chicken by baking or air frying the chicken instead of frying it. Use skinless chicken breasts and coat them with a mixture of cornstarch and spices. Bake the chicken in the oven until it is cooked through, then serve it with a homemade Mandarin orange sauce.

What Distinguishes Mandarin Chicken from the Classic Orange Chicken Dish?

Mandarin chicken is a Chinese dish that originated in the Guangdong province of China. It is typically made with boneless chicken pieces that are coated in a crispy batter and then tossed in a sweet and tangy Mandarin orange sauce. Orange chicken, on the other hand, is an Americanized version of the dish that is often sweeter and more heavily breaded.

Is There a Simple Recipe for Mandarin Orange Chicken That Mimics the Trader Joe’s Version?

Yes, you can make a simple recipe for Mandarin orange chicken that mimics the Trader Joe’s version by using a mixture of cornstarch and flour to coat the chicken, then tossing it in a homemade Mandarin orange sauce. You can also add some sliced green onions and sesame seeds for extra flavour.