Chef Karen's Orange Chicken

Ingredients:

• 10 small chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 5 tablespoons of Chef Gone Mad Season My Seasoning With Seasoning
• 1 egg white
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1/3 cup cornstarch
• Vegetable oil (enough to cover half of the chicken)

Directions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

   • Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with 5 tablespoons of Chef Gone Mad Season My Seasoning WithSeasoning and mix well.
   • Add 1 egg white to the seasoned chicken and mix until the pieces are evenly coated.
   • Combine 1/2 cup flour and 1/3 cup cornstarch. Add this mixture to the chicken, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated.

2. Fry the Chicken:

   • Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, ensuring there's enough oil to cover half of the chicken pieces.
   • Once the oil is hot, add the coated chicken pieces in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the skillet.
   • Fry until the bottom half of each piece is golden brown, then flip and continue frying until fully cooked and golden on all sides.
   • Remove the chicken from the oil and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Orange Sauce:

1. Ingredients:

   • 1/2 cup soy sauce
   • 1/2 cup vinegar
   • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
   • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
   • 1 tablespoon orange zest
   • 1/3 cup orange juice
   • 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
   • 6 tablespoons honey
   • 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with water to form a slurry (for thickening)
   • Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
   • Chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)

   Directions:

   1. Prepare the Sauce:

      • In a medium skillet over medium-low heat, combine 1/3 cup orange juice, 1/2 cup soy sauce, 1 tablespoon minced ginger, and 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes. Stir well.
      • Add 1/2 cup vinegar and 1 tablespoon minced garlic to the mixture. Stir and bring to a gentle boil.

   2. Thicken the Sauce:

      • Once boiling, add the cornstarch slurry to the skillet, stirring continuously to prevent lumps.
      • Allow the sauce to simmer until it thickens to your desired consistency.

   3. Finalize the Sauce:

      • Stir in 6 tablespoons honey and 1 tablespoon orange zest, mixing thoroughly to combine all flavors.
      • Taste the sauce and adjust sweetness or acidity as needed.

   4. Combine Chicken and Sauce:

      • Add the fried chicken pieces to the skillet with the orange sauce.
      • Toss the chicken in the sauce until each piece is well coated and heated through.

   Serving:

   • Transfer the orange chicken to a serving dish.
   • Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired.
   • Serve hot over steamed rice or alongside your favorite side dishes.
   * Feel free to recreate this recipe.  adding your own touch. Also feel free to leave comments, tips, and ask questions below in the comment section. Thank you.