Ingredients

1 egg, beaten

2 skinless chicken breasts

Pinch of ground white pepper

6 heaped tbsp self-raising flour

4 heaped tbsp cornflour

2-3 tbsp vegetable oil

1 orange, sliced then quartered or halved

Shredded iceberg lettuce, to serve

Steamed basmati rice, to serve

Finely chopped spring onions, to serve

2 tsp cornflour (for sauce)

4 tbsp double-strength orange cordial

Salt, to taste

150ml water (plus up to 50ml extra if needed)

Instructions

Step 1: In a bowl, mix the beaten egg with a pinch of salt and the ground white pepper. Cut each chicken breast in half lengthwise to create thin fillets and toss them in the egg mixture until well coated.

Step 2: Combine the self-raising flour and cornflour with a pinch of salt on a plate. Remove the chicken from the egg, letting excess drip off, then coat each fillet thoroughly in the flour mixture. Set aside on a plate.

Step 3: Heat the vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium heat, enough to coat the bottom of the pan, until shimmering. Fry the coated chicken fillets for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. You may need to cook in batches. Drain the cooked chicken on a wire rack over kitchen paper.

Step 4: To prepare the sauce, mix 2 tsp cornflour with 2 tsp water to create a smooth paste. In a medium saucepan, combine the orange cordial and 150ml water, then whisk in the cornflour paste. Heat gently while whisking until the sauce thickens and becomes translucent. Adjust thickness and flavor with extra water or cordial if needed.

Step 5: Slice the fried chicken into strips about 1.5–2cm wide. Arrange shredded iceberg lettuce on a serving plate, scatter the chicken strips on top, and add the orange pieces. Pour over the orange sauce, garnish with chopped spring onions, and serve alongside hot steamed basmati rice.

Tips & Variations

For extra crispiness, fry the chicken fillets a day ahead and reheat in a hot oven (200°C/180°C fan/gas 6) for 8-10 minutes before serving.

Adjust the orange sauce sweetness by gradually adding cordial, tasting as you go to suit your preference.

Try adding a small minced garlic clove or fresh ginger to the sauce for added depth of flavor.

FAQs

Can I use regular orange juice instead of orange cordial?

You can use freshly squeezed orange juice, but you may need to add some sugar and reduce the amount of water to maintain the right sweetness and thickness of the sauce.

What can I serve with orange chicken besides rice?

Orange chicken pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables, noodles, or even a simple green salad for a lighter option.