Imagine yourself sitting in a cozy booth at Applebee’s, surrounded by the comforting buzz of conversation and the tantalizing aroma of sizzling food. You take a bite of their famous Crispy Orange Chicken Bowl and are instantly transported to a world of sweet and savory flavors, perfectly balanced with a crispy crunch. Now, imagine being able to recreate that same delicious dish in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Tastes Just Like the Original
This homemade version of Applebee’s Crispy Orange Chicken Bowl tastes just like the original, with juicy chicken pieces coated in a sticky orange sauce and served over a bed of fluffy rice. The best part? You can customize it to your liking, adding extra veggies or adjusting the spice level to suit your taste.
Reasons to Make This Dish
- It’s a crowd-pleaser: Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this dish is sure to impress.
- Easy to make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, even beginner cooks can master this recipe.
- Budget-friendly: Skip the takeout and save money by making this restaurant favorite at home.
Why My Family Loves This Meal
Every time I make Applebee’s Crispy Orange Chicken Bowl for my family, it’s like a special occasion. The combination of flavors and textures never fails to delight our taste buds, and we always end up going back for seconds. Plus, it’s a dish that brings us together around the dinner table, creating lasting memories with each bite.
Ingredients
- Chicken breast: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Cornstarch: 1/2 cup, for coating the chicken
- Vegetable oil: 1/4 cup, for frying the chicken
- Orange juice: 1 cup, freshly squeezed
- Soy sauce: 1/4 cup
- Brown sugar: 1/4 cup
- Rice vinegar: 2 tablespoons
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Ginger: 1 tablespoon, grated
- Orange zest: 1 tablespoon
- Green onions: for garnish
Preparing the Ingredients
Before you start cooking, make sure to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go. This will help you move quickly through the recipe and ensure that everything comes together smoothly.
Cutting Techniques
When cutting the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces, make sure to use a sharp knife and cut against the grain. This will help the chicken cook evenly and stay tender. For the garlic and ginger, mince them finely to release their flavors into the sauce.
Kitchen Tools Required
To make Applebee’s Crispy Orange Chicken Bowl, you will need the following kitchen tools:
- Large skillet or wok: for frying the chicken and making the sauce
- Tongs: for flipping the chicken pieces while frying
- Measuring cups and spoons: for accurate ingredient measurements
- Grater: for grating the ginger
Common Issues and Solutions
If your sauce is too thin, you can thicken it by mixing a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of water and stirring it into the sauce. If your chicken is not crispy enough, try frying it in smaller batches to prevent overcrowding in the pan.
Instructions
- Coat the chicken: Toss the chicken pieces in cornstarch until evenly coated.
- Fry the chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and fry the chicken until golden brown and crispy.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, combine orange juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and orange zest. Cook until the sauce thickens.
- Combine: Add the fried chicken to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
- Serve: Serve the Crispy Orange Chicken over a bed of rice and garnish with sliced green onions.
Tips for Perfect Results
To achieve the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, taste the sauce as you go and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or a splash of sesame oil for extra depth of flavor.
Alternative Ways to Change the Recipe
If you’re looking to change things up, you can try using shrimp or tofu instead of chicken for a different twist on this dish. You can also add your favorite veggies, such as bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas, to make it a more colorful and nutritious meal.
Final Thoughts
Making Applebee’s Crispy Orange Chicken Bowl at home is a rewarding experience that allows you to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal without leaving your kitchen. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can recreate this beloved dish and impress your family and friends. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to savor every bite of this delicious homemade meal.
