Description
This citrus-glazed chicken thighs recipe brings zesty Mediterranean flavors to your dinner table. Orange and lemon juices create a tangy glaze that elevates simple chicken into a memorable meal you’ll want to savor again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6–8 boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 oranges (juice and zest)
- ¾ cup (180 ml) flour
- 2 tbsps (30 ml) cornstarch
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) cornstarch (for glaze)
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 5 tbsps (75 ml) sugar
- 5 tbsps (75 ml) soy sauce
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) rice vinegar
- ⅓ cup (80 ml) cold water (additional as needed)
- 4 tbsps (60 ml) cold water (for cornstarch mixture)
- 1 tsp ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Batter Preparation: Blend flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a mixing bowl. Gradually introduce cold water to form a smooth, fluid consistency that will adhere perfectly to chicken thighs.
- Egg Integration: Whisk an egg into the batter, creating a light, silky mixture that ensures complete coverage of the chicken pieces.
- Chicken Coating: Meticulously dredge each chicken thigh, guaranteeing total immersion in the batter for a comprehensive, even coating.
- Oil Heating: Warm oil in a deep frying pan to precisely 350°F, maintaining a consistent temperature for optimal frying conditions.
- Frying Process: Carefully submerge battered chicken thighs into hot oil, cooking until they transform into a rich golden-brown exterior. Utilize a meat thermometer to verify complete internal cooking.
- Citrus Glaze Creation: Simultaneously construct a vibrant glaze by combining orange juice, zest, sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and ginger in a separate saucepan. Simmer over medium heat, stirring consistently to marry flavors and prevent burning.
- Glaze Refinement: Thicken the sauce with a cornstarch mixture, fine-tuning seasonings to elevate the flavor profile. Introduce the crispy fried chicken thighs directly into the prepared glaze, gently tossing to ensure comprehensive coating.
- Final Finishing: Allow chicken to bathe in the glaze for 2-3 minutes, enabling flavor infusion and creating a lustrous, appetizing exterior that promises a tantalizing culinary experience.
Notes
- Perfect Batter Consistency: Gradually add cold water to create a smooth, fluid texture that will evenly coat chicken thighs without clumping.
- Oil Temperature Control: Maintain a steady 350°F heat to ensure crispy, golden-brown exterior without burning or undercooking the chicken.
- Glaze Simmering Technique: Stir continuously while simmering to blend flavors and prevent burning, creating a vibrant and glossy coating.
- Coating and Finishing: Toss chicken immediately in glaze after frying to lock in crispiness and maximize flavor absorption for a restaurant-quality result.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg