Orange Chicken

This is again something which I had cooked when my parents were visiting us. I had previously made an orange-mustard chicken that didn’t go down too well with the family (except my sis who loves everything I cook). I was hoping to redeem myself with this version of orange chicken. But even though everyone did say they liked it, I have a feeling that they were not completely truthful. The husband did put it subtly that it was a tad sweet for his taste. The parents, being parents, didn’t put forward any such critique. Oh, Deta had said, “I loved your chicken in cheese sauce.” Now why would he say that, I wonder?

Anyways, since I had clicked pictures of the chicken, I might as well put up the recipe. Maybe someone somewhere in this world would someday stumble upon this recipe, cook it and actually like it. I live in hope.

Orange Chicken

Ingredients:

8 chicken drumsticks
1 onion, finely chopped (optional)
1 teaspoon garlic, minced
2 green chillies, chopped
¾ cup orange juice, unsweetened
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
2 tablespoons lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
Refined oil for cooking

Method:

Marinate the chicken drumsticks in salt, pepper and 1 tablespoon lemon juice for around an hour. Meanwhile, combine the orange juice, oyster sauce and the remaining lemon juice. Keep aside.

Now, heat a little oil in a wok or kadai and sauté the chopped onion, green chilies and minced garlic. Next, tip in the chicken drumsticks and cook till they are almost done. 

Now, pour in the orange juice mixture and stir well. Let the sauce bubble up and thicken. Check the seasoning and add salt and pepper if required. Orange chicken is ready to be served.

So, that’s how I made my orange chicken. Simple? Yes. Delicious? Well, you decide! 

This is the second time that I made orange chicken which did not meet whole-hearted approval. I know of another recipe that I used to make quite frequently before marriage. I think I will try my luck again with that recipe. I will not give up till orange chicken gets its due in my household.

Maybe you could tell me your favourite recipe for orange chicken and make me ‘third time lucky’?