Orange Chicken

INGREDIENTS:

CHICKEN:

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 2-inch cubes
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 2 tablespoons oil or butter

SAUCE:

• 1 1/2 cups water
• 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
• 1/3 cup rice vinegar
• 2 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon finely minced ginger
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons green onion
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/4 cup water

DIRECTIONS:

1. Heat oven to 350. In a shallow dish combine the flour, garlic powder and pepper. Dip each piece of chicken in flour mixture and coat evenly.
2. Pour oil (or melt butter and pour) in a shallow baking dish, large enough to accommodate chicken in a single layer. Arrange chicken in pan and bake uncovered for 30 minutes at 350 degrees.
3. Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan combine water, fresh orange juice, rice vinegar, soy sauce, orange zest and whisk over medium heat for a few minutes. Then stir in brown sugar, ginger, garlic, and green onion and let it come to a boil. Combine cornstarch with water and let it dissolve and add it to the sauce until thickened.
4. After chicken has baked the 30 minutes, turn each piece over and pour 1/2 sauce mixture evenly over chicken. Bake another 30 to 40 minutes basting frequently.
5. Serve chicken over rice with extra sauce on the side

FROM: Mel's Kitchen Cafe