Ever wondered what makes the La Choy Orange Chicken Recipe so special? It’s not just about the chicken or the orange. It’s about the perfect blend of ingredients, the precise cooking technique, and the love poured into every bite. In this guide, we’ll unravel the secrets behind this dish, offering insights, tips, and a step-by-step recipe that will make your taste buds dance with joy.
Discover the secrets behind the mouth-watering La Choy Orange Chicken Recipe and embark on a culinary journey that promises a burst of flavors.
Ryan Yates
Ingredients For Authentic La Choy Orange Chicken
The heart of this dish lies in its ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Chicken breast: Preferably free-range organic, sliced into thin strips.
- Orange Sauce: A blend of freshly pressed orange juice, rice wine vinegar, wheat-free soy sauce, and a hint of orange zest.
- Vegetable oil & Sesame oil: For that perfect stir-fry.
- Spices: A mix of yellow curry powder, cayenne pepper, paprika, and red pepper flakes to spice things up.
- Sweeteners: Coconut palm sugar for a touch of sweetness.
- Others: Arrowroot powder (acts like cornstarch), minced garlic, and green onions for garnishing.
Directions
- Preparation: Marinate the chicken pieces in a mixture of soy sauce, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let it sit for about 30 minutes.
- Cooking the Chicken: In a wok or large skillet, heat the vegetable oil and a splash of sesame oil. Add the chicken pieces and stir-fry until they’re golden brown.
- Preparing the Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix the orange juice, rice wine vinegar, soy sauce, coconut palm sugar, and spices. Stir well until combined.
- Combining: Pour the sauce over the cooked chicken and let it simmer until the chicken is well-coated and the sauce thickens.
- Garnishing: Sprinkle some sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a restaurant-like presentation.
Ingredient Substitutions
Finding some ingredients can be a challenge. Here are some easy swaps:
- Coconut palm sugar: Can be replaced with brown sugar or honey.
- Wheat-free soy sauce: Regular soy sauce or tamari can be used.
- Arrowroot powder: Cornstarch is a great alternative.
Authentic La Choy Orange Chicken Recipe
To cook the La Choy Orange Chicken Recipe, you’ll marinate chicken strips, stir-fry them to golden perfection, and simmer in a tangy orange sauce. For a detailed step-by-step guide and expert tips, dive into the article below!

La Choy Orange Chicken Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- whisk
- Wok or Large Skillet
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and Cutting Board
- Spatula or Cooking Tongs
- Serving Dish
- Stove
- Small Bowl (for making slurry if needed)
Ingredients
- 18 oz Chicken breast free-range organic: sliced into thin strips 500 grams
- 1 Cup Freshly pressed orange juice
- 2 Tbsp Rice wine vinegar
- 3 Tbsp Wheat-free soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp Coconut palm sugar
- Orange zest: from 1 orange
- 2 Tbsp Vegetable oil
- 1 Tbsp Sesame oil
- 1 tsp Yellow curry powder
- 1/4 tsp Cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp Paprika
- 1/4 tsp Red pepper flakes adjust to taste
- 2 Tbsp Arrowroot powder or cornstarch
- 2 cloves Minced garlic
- 4 Green onions thinly sliced for garnishing
- 1 Tbsp Sesame seeds for garnishing
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Marination:
- In a mixing bowl, combine chicken strips, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well and let it marinate for about 30 minutes.
Preparing the Sauce:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together orange juice, rice wine vinegar, the remaining soy sauce, coconut palm sugar, curry powder, cayenne pepper, paprika, and orange zest. Set aside.
Cooking the Chicken:
- Heat vegetable oil and a splash of sesame oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken pieces. Stir-fry until they’re golden brown and fully cooked.
Adding the Sauce:
- Reduce the heat to medium and pour the prepared sauce over the cooked chicken. Let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.
Thickening the Sauce:
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix arrowroot powder with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Add this to the wok and stir continuously until the sauce thickens.
Garnishing and Serving:
- Transfer the orange chicken to a serving dish. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.
Notes
If you don’t have wheat-free soy sauce, you can use regular soy sauce or tamari.
Arrowroot powder can be replaced with cornstarch as a thickening agent.
Why is La Choy Orange Chicken Recipe a Must-Try?
Key Highlights of the Recipe
- Fusion of Flavors: The blend of tangy oranges and succulent chicken creates a taste that’s both refreshing and hearty.
- Savory Sauce: The sauce, a mix of sweet, sour, and umami, elevates the dish, making every bite a delightful experience.
- Versatility: This recipe can be tweaked to suit various palates, from spicy to mild, ensuring it caters to a wide audience.
Deep Dive into Its Components
- Oranges: Not just for the tang but also for the burst of Vitamin C they bring. Oranges in Asian cuisine often symbolize luck and prosperity.
- Chicken: Chosen for its tender meat that absorbs flavors beautifully. In many Asian cultures, chicken dishes are a staple at celebratory events.
- Savory Sauce: The heart of the La Choy Orange Chicken Recipe. It’s a blend of traditional ingredients, each adding depth and character to the dish.
A Dish with a Story
Every ingredient and every step in the La Choy Orange Chicken Recip has a tale to tell. From the oranges symbolizing happiness to the chicken representing togetherness, this dish is more than just food; it’s a narrative of culture, traditions, and shared memories.
For those seeking to explore the vast and flavorful world of Asian cuisine, the La Choy Orange Chicken Recipe is a perfect starting point. Its rich flavors, cultural significance, and the sheer joy it brings to the table make it a must-try for every food enthusiast.
Variations of the La Choy Orange Chicken Recipe
The La Choy Orange Chicken Recipe is a versatile dish that can be adapted to cater to various tastes and dietary preferences. While the traditional version is undeniably delicious, experimenting with different variations can lead to delightful culinary discoveries.
The Classic vs. Contemporary:
- Classic: The timeless recipe that has won hearts with its perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and savory.
- Contemporary: Modern takes that infuse new flavors and techniques, making the dish even more exciting.
Spicy Version: Turn Up the Heat
For those who like their food with a kick.
- Ingredients: Add red chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the orange sauce.
- Serving Suggestion: Garnish with sliced red chilies and serve with a cooling side, like cucumber salad.
- Why Try: The spiciness contrasts beautifully with the sweet and tangy orange sauce, offering a multi-layered taste experience.
Vegetarian Alternative: Meat-Free Magic
Transform the La Choy Orange Chicken Recipe into a vegetarian masterpiece.
- Ingredients: Swap chicken with tofu or tempeh. Ensure the tofu is pressed well to absorb the flavors.
- Cooking Tip: Marinate the tofu or tempeh in the orange sauce for at least an hour before cooking for maximum flavor infusion.
- Benefits: A great way to enjoy the classic flavors of the dish while adhering to a vegetarian diet.
Other Fun Variations to Consider:
- Tropical Twist: Add pineapple chunks for a sweet and tangy variation.
- Nutty Note: Sprinkle toasted cashews or almonds for added crunch and flavor.
- Herb Infusion: Garnish with fresh cilantro or basil for a refreshing herbal touch.
The La Choy Orange Chicken Recipe is like a canvas, waiting for culinary artists to paint it with their unique flavors and styles. Whether you stick to the classic or venture into new variations, the essence of the dish remains—a celebration of taste and tradition.\
FAQ‘s On La Choy Orange Chicken
Fresh is always best, but in a pinch, frozen works too. Just watch out for added sugars.
Absolutely! Swap out the chicken for tofu or tempeh.
Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Steamed rice or noodles complement the flavors beautifully.
Yes, refrigerate in an airtight container and consume within 3 days.
Arrowroot is a natural thickener and is gluten-free, making it a great alternative to cornstarch.
Conclusion
The La Choy Orange Chicken Recipe is not merely a combination of ingredients resulting in a dish; it’s an emblem of culinary heritage, a testament to the rich tapestry of flavors that Asian cuisine offers. Each bite tells a story, each flavor evokes a memory, and each serving brings people closer.
The origins of the La Choy Orange Chicken Recipe trace back to traditional Asian kitchens, where recipes were passed down through generations. It’s a blend of age-old techniques with ingredients that have stood the test of time.
The tang of the oranges, the umami of the soy sauce, the sweetness of the palm sugar, and the savory chicken come together in a harmonious melody that dances on the palate. It’s a dish that resonates with both the young and old, making it timeless.
The La Choy Orange Chicken Recipe is more than food; it’s an experience, a journey through the annals of culinary history. It beckons every food lover to embrace the joy of cooking, to relish the flavors, and to create memories around the dining table. So, as you embark on this culinary adventure, remember that it’s not just about the end dish but the love, passion, and tradition that goes into making it.
This article was reviewed and published by Ryan Yates, Culinary Expert with over 15 years of experience in elevated cooking techniques. This process was tested in a working commercial kitchen that Ryan manages as a Professional Chef.
Note: This article was crafted with the primary intent of educating and assisting our readers. We ensure that our content is backed by research and expertise. For more culinary insights, stay tuned to the Authentic Hospitality blog.
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