Gourmet Chinese Orange Chicken

This Daring Gourmet version rivals your favorite Chinese take-out. Full of flavor with an accompanying kick.

Ingredients

• 2 chicken breasts, cut into ½ inch pieces (vegetarian/vegan: see instructions below recipe box and picture)
• 2 egg whites (vegetarian/vegan: omit and follow instructions below recipe box and picture)
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons sherry or rice vinegar
• ¼ teaspoon baking powder
• ⅛ teaspoon baking soda
• For the sauce:
• 1½ cup strong chicken broth (vegetarian/vegan: use vegetable broth)
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 2½ tablespoons soy sauce
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
• ⅓ cup rice vinegar
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 red chiles, broken up and seeds discarded (or ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes)
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• ½ teaspoon sesame oil
• ¼ cup green onions, chopped
• Fresh orange slices (optional)

Instructions

1. Combine the egg whites, cornstarch, salt, sherry, baking powder and baking soda in a medium bowl and stir to combine. Pour over chicken in a sealable plastic bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Remove the chicken pieces from the bag, shake off the excess liquid, and give them another roll in some cornstarch.
2. Heat about a teaspoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat in a large saucepan or wok. Saute the ginger and garlic for 30 seconds, then add all remaining ingredients, except for the green onions. Bring the sauce to a boil. Decrease the heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Set aside.
3. Next prepare the chicken (or tofu if using). If you prefer a thicker coating, remove the chicken pieces from the baggie and roll them in some extra cornstarch. Heat some vegetable or peanut oil on high in a wok, deep fryer, or heavy skillet and carefully lower the chicken into the oil. Fry until crispy golden brown on all sides. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the chicken pieces to paper towels to absorb the oil.
4. Add the chicken pieces (or prepared tofu) and green onions to the sauce, stir to coat, and bring the sauce to a low simmer and cook for 5 minutes. Serve immediately with steamed rice and fresh orange slices (optional).