Orange Chicken!

I have tried a few different recipes that claim to be as good or better than the Orange Chicken at Panda Express (which really couldn't be that hard to beat could it?). Well folks, look no further! Here it is! Not only is it delicious it is made with minimally processed foods. It's so good! Takes a little time the first time, but once you know what you are doing it goes by pretty quick. I actually prep most of it during nap time and then throw it together and then let it cook. Enjoy!



picture taken from: http://www.melskitchencafe.com/fabulous-orange-chicken/

Fabulous Orange Chicken

Ingredients

Chicken:
• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 2-inch cubes
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 2 tablespoons oil or butter
Sauce:
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
• 1/3 cup rice vinegar
• 2 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon finely minced ginger
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons green onion
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/4 cup water

Directions

1. Heat oven to 350. In a shallow dish combine the flour, garlic powder and pepper. Dip each piece of chicken in flour mixture and coat evenly.
2. Pour oil (or melt butter and pour) in a shallow baking dish, large enough to accommodate chicken in a single layer. Arrange chicken in pan and bake uncovered for 30 minutes at 350 degrees.
3. Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan combine water, fresh orange juice, rice vinegar, soy sauce, orange zest and whisk over medium heat for a few minutes. Then stir in brown sugar, ginger, garlic, and green onion and let it come to a boil. Combine cornstarch with water and let it dissolve and add it to the sauce until thickened.
4. After chicken has baked the 30 minutes, turn each piece over and pour 1/2 sauce mixture evenly over chicken. Bake another 30 to 40 minutes basting frequently.
5. Serve chicken over rice with extra sauce on the side