If you're looking for a bold and flavorful Chinese dish, Orange Peel Chicken is a must-try! This entree is packed with 400 calories per serving, perfect for a hearty meal. The tangy and spicy flavors of the sauce are perfectly balanced with the tender chicken pieces.

In addition to its delicious taste, Orange Peel Chicken also has some nutritional benefits. The chicken provides protein, while the orange peel adds vitamin C and fiber. However, keep in mind that the sauce may have high sodium or sugar content depending on the recipe.

In this article, we'll share everything you need to know about Orange Peel Chicken: from its origins to popular variations, health benefits and preparation tips, to where you can find it and fun facts. Let's get started!

Ingredients and Nutritional Value

To make Orange Peel Chicken, you will need boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cornstarch, oil, and a sauce made of soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar or honey, orange zest, garlic and ginger. Some recipes may also include chili flakes, sesame oil or seeds, or green onions for garnish. The nutritional value of Orange Peel Chicken can vary depending on the recipe and serving size. On average, a cup of Orange Peel Chicken contains approximately 400 calories, 21g of fat, 28g of protein, 25g of carbohydrates, 1g of fiber, and 675mg of sodium. It also provides a good source of vitamin C and iron. If you're looking for a healthier option, you can try baking instead of frying the chicken, using less sugar or substitution like honey or stevia, and reducing sodium by using low-sodium soy sauce or salt alternatives.

How to Cook Orange Peel Chicken

Cooking Orange Peel Chicken is not as complicated as it may sound. The key is to first coat the chicken in cornstarch and fry it until golden brown and crispy. Then, prepare the sauce by mixing all the ingredients in a pan and stir-frying until thickened. Finally, toss the chicken in the sauce until coated and garnish with orange zest and green onions if desired. However, it's important to be careful when handling hot oil and to cook the chicken thoroughly to avoid any foodborne illness. Make sure to also use a good quality orange peel for the best flavor. If you're not comfortable cooking Orange Peel Chicken at home, you can also look for it in Chinese restaurants or order takeout.

The Origin of Orange Peel Chicken

The exact origins of Orange Peel Chicken are unknown, but it is believed to be a modern Chinese-American creation that emerged in the 1980s or 1990s. It is a fusion of traditional Chinese flavors and American tastes, featuring crispy chicken and a sweet and sour sauce with orange zest. Some people also associate Orange Peel Chicken with Hunan or Szechuan cuisine, where orange peel is commonly used as a seasoning for dishes like dry-fried beef or fish. However, these dishes are usually much spicier and less sweet than the American version.

Popular Variations of Orange Peel Chicken

Orange Peel Chicken is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit different tastes and preferences. Some popular variations include: - Spicy Orange Chicken: adding extra chili flakes, sriracha or hot sauce to the sauce to give it more heat - Crispy Orange Beef: swapping the chicken for beef strips and frying them until crispy

Pairing Orange Peel Chicken with Sides

Orange Peel Chicken can be served with a variety of sides to complete your meal. Some popular options include: - White or brown rice: to balance out the flavors and absorb the sauce - Steamed or stir-fried vegetables: such as broccoli, snow peas, or bell peppers for some extra vitamins and crunch.

Health Benefits of Orange Peel Chicken

Orange Peel Chicken can offer some health benefits when consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. For example: - Protein: chicken is a good source of lean protein, which can help build and repair muscles and keep you feeling full - Vitamin C: orange peel contains a high level of vitamin C, which is an antioxidant that can boost your immune system and promote skin health.

Tips for Preparing Orange Peel Chicken

To ensure your Orange Peel Chicken turns out perfectly every time, here are some tips to keep in mind: - Use a deep fryer or a heavy-bottomed pan for best results and to minimize oil splatter - Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels before coating them in cornstarch to help it stick better

Famous Places to Try Orange Peel Chicken

If you're not in the mood for cooking, you can also try Orange Peel Chicken at various Chinese restaurants or takeout places around the world. Some famous places to try it include: - Panda Express: a fast-food chain that offers Orange Chicken as one of its signature dishes - Din Tai Fung: a Michelin-starred chain famous for its xiaolongbao soup dumplings and Orange Chicken

Fun Facts about Orange Peel Chicken

To wrap up our article, here are some fun facts and trivia about Orange Peel Chicken: - Orange peel is actually the outermost layer of the orange skin, which is usually discarded but can add a citrusy aroma and flavor to dishes - The famous Chinese-American chef, Martin Yan, is often credited with popularizing Orange Chicken in the US through his restaurant, Yan Can Cook

Orange Peel Chicken vs. General Tso's Chicken

Orange Peel Chicken and General Tso's Chicken are two popular Chinese-American dishes that may seem similar at first glance, but have some differences in taste and origin. - General Tso's Chicken originated in the late 19th century in Hunan province, while Orange Peel Chicken is a more recent creation in the US - General Tso's Chicken is typically sweeter and spicier than Orange Peel Chicken, and may also have a thicker and stickier sauce.