"ORANGE CHICKEN"

Some people (especially children!) like dishes with sweet sauces,, or meats coated with glaze. One dish that is well-enjoyed in Chinese restaurants' menu list is "Orange Chicken".

I made my "Orange Chicken" recipe a simple and easy one, but still enough to satisfy my craving for the sweet-tangy taste of the famous Chinese dish.

I thought of adding in sweet bell peppers for an extra "crunch" and color to my dish, AND for more Vit C as well! (Remember, the bell pepper is an excellent source of Vit C.)

But of course adding the peppers is optional, it's up to you if you want to add anything else to your "Orange Chicken". Some enjoy it simply with white rice...or even with fried rice! :-)

- CHICHAY

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"ORANGE CHICKEN"

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, trimmed of fat
• 1 1/2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1/2 cup unsweetened orange juice (freshly-squeezed or store-bought)
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1/2 tsp ground pepper
• 1 tsp cornstarch (mixed with 3 tbsp water)
• 1 tsp soy sauce
• 1/2 cup cubed yellow/green bell peppers (optional)

Prep:

-Cut chicken crosswise into 3/4-inch-wide strips.

-Whisk together mustard, orange juice, honey, sesame oil and pepper in a medium bowl until smooth.

-Add the chicken and toss to combine.

-Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least half an hour.

[CHICHAY TIP: This can be stored in the freezer as ready-to-cook meat.Just thaw before cooking]

-Meanwhile, prepare grill or preheat the broiler.
Lightly oil rack or coat with nonstick cooking spray.

How To:

-Drain the marinade from the chicken strips (and keep the marinade for the sauce to be cooked later). Season this with salt.

-Grill or broil for 2 to 3 minutes per side.

-Set aside.

-In a small saucepan, simmer the marinade (drained from the chicken earlier) for a minute stirring continuously.

-Then add the constarch mix and soy sauce, continue stirring for a few more minutes.

-Add in the bell peppers , cover and let cook for 2-3 minutes.

-Then mix in the chicken pieces, turn off heat.

-Make sure all the pieces of chicken are coated with the sauce, and transfer to a serving dish and serve immediately.