Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Orange Chicken and Vegetables


My husband loves Chinese food. I think he would choose take out every night if he had the choice. I also like Chinese food but always feel like I've eaten a ton of grease afterwards. This recipe satisfied both of our Chinese food desires. The chicken was nice and juicy and had a nice, light breading. The sauce was great and I loved all of the vegetables. This will definitely show back up on our menu soon.

Orange Chicken & Vegetables
adapted from Mommy's Kitchen

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
3/4 cup flour
1/4 tsp salt
3 Tbsp olive oil
5 large carrots, julienned
1 small onion, cut
1 green bell pepper, cut into chunks
4 stalks celery, sliced
salt and pepper to taste

Orange Sauce:
3/4 cup fresh orange juice
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/2 tsp ginger
2 tsp rice vinegar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 tsp sesame oil
pinch of red pepper flakes
2 Tbsp corn starch
1 cup chicken broth

Cut the chicken breasts up into 1 inch cubes. Combine the flour and the 1/4 teaspoon of salt in a small bowl or large zip lock bag. Coat the chicken with the flour. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil into a large skillet or wok and add half the chicken. Once it is cooked add the second half.

Cook your chicken until it is golden all over. (About 10 minutes) While your chicken is cooking, cut up your vegetables. Make sure they are about the same size. When the chicken is golden brown place it on a plate lined with a paper towel. Add another tablespoon of oil into the hot skillet. Add your vegetables and cook over medium high heat until crisp tender, about another 10 minutes.

While your vegetables are cooking add all of the orange sauce ingredients into a medium saucepan. Whisk them together until combined. Bring to a boil. Keep cooking until it thickens. When your vegetables are done add the sauce and chicken into the pan. Stir the mixture to combine. Serve over rice or Chinese noodles.