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Prep Time: 30 Minutes Cook Time: 0 Minutes |
Ready In: 30 Minutes Servings: 4 |
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Based on the orange chicken served at our local Chinese restaurant, this is a sweet and spicy dish. We have made it lower fat by using an oven-frying technique to prepare the chicken. Ingredients:
1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, trimmed and cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces |
3/4 cup low sodium chicken broth |
3/4 cup orange juice, fresh-squeezed |
1 1/2 teaspoons orange zest, grated |
8 slices orange peel |
6 tablespoons distilled white vinegar |
1/2 cup dark brown sugar, firmly packed |
1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce |
1 tablespoon garlic, minced |
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated |
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper |
1 tablespoon cornstarch |
2 tablespoons cold water |
8 small dried red chilies, whole (optional) |
3 large egg whites |
1 cup cornstarch |
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper |
1 teaspoon baking soda |
cooking spray |
Directions:
1. Place chicken in 1-gallon zipper-lock bag; set aside.
2. Combine chicken broth, orange juice, grated zest, vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, garlic, ginger, and cayenne in large saucepan (with at least 3-quart capacity); whisk until sugar is fully dissolved.
3. Measure out 3/4 cup mixture and pour into bag with chicken; press out as much air as possible and seal bag, making sure that all pieces are coated with marinade. Refrigerate 30 to 60 minutes, but no longer.
4. Bring remaining mixture in saucepan to boil over high heat. In small bowl, stir together cornstarch and cold water; whisk cornstarch mixture into sauce. Simmer sauce, stirring occasionally, until thick and translucent, about 1 minute. Off heat, stir in orange peel and chiles (sauce should measure 1 1/2 cups); set sauce aside.
5. Place egg whites in pie plate; using fork, beat until frothy. In second pie plate, whisk cornstarch, cayenne, and baking soda until combined. Drain chicken in colander or large mesh strainer; thoroughly pat chicken dry with paper towels.
6. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
7. Place half of chicken pieces in egg whites and turn to coat; transfer pieces to cornstarch mixture and coat thoroughly. Place dredged chicken pieces on wire rack set over baking sheet; repeat with remaining chicken.
8. Arrange chicken pieces on baking sheet lined with non-stick foil. Spray with cooking oil spray. Bake for 30-45 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
9. Reheat sauce over medium heat until simmering, about 2 minutes. Add chicken and gently toss until evenly coated and heated through. Serve immediately.
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