orange spicy chicken recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
orange spicy chicken recipe
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The Best orange spicy chicken recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my favorite orange spicy chicken recipe. This dish has been a staple in our household for years, and it’s perfect for any occasion – whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a special weekend gathering.

The combination of tangy orange sauce and spicy kick from the red pepper flakes is absolutely addictive, and my kids love helping me in the kitchen to prepare it. I’ve experimented with various cooking techniques over the years, but the key to this recipe is in the way we cook the chicken – by marinating it in a mixture of soy sauce, brown sugar, and spices before breading and frying it to perfection.

It’s truly a game-changer for anyone looking to elevate their home cooking skills. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal ingredients – making it a great option for busy families or individuals on-the-go.

My family always requests this dish when we have guests over, and I’m sure yours will too once you try it! One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility – we love serving it with steamed vegetables or a side of rice for a well-rounded meal.

And let’s not forget about the leftovers – this recipe freezes beautifully and reheats perfectly for a quick and easy lunch or dinner. I could go on and on about how much I adore this recipe, but I think it’s time to get into the nitty-gritty details so we can all enjoy this deliciousness together!

The history of orange chicken is fascinating – it originated in China as ‘orange beef’ before evolving into various forms around the world. Today, we enjoy many different variations of orange chicken recipes, each with its unique twist on traditional Chinese flavors.

Orange Spicy Chicken

Orange Spicy Chicken

4.9 from 1739 votes

Crispy chicken pieces are coated in a glossy, spicy orange sauce that balances sweetness and heat. This dish comes together quickly and makes a bold, flavorful dinner.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 380 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Chicken

1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 large eggs, beaten
Vegetable oil for frying

For the Orange Spicy Sauce

3/4 cup fresh orange juice
2 tablespoons orange zest
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a shallow bowl, whisk together cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper.
2Place beaten eggs in a separate bowl.
3Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 350°F.
4Dip each chicken piece into the egg, then dredge in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
5Fry chicken in batches without crowding the pan, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes per batch.
6Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
7In a small bowl, whisk together orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sriracha, garlic, and ginger.
8Pour the mixture into the same skillet (remove excess oil, leaving about 1 tablespoon).
9Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
10Stir the cornstarch slurry into the sauce and continue cooking until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, about 1 to 2 minutes.
11Return the fried chicken to the skillet and toss to coat evenly.
12Cook for an additional 1 minute until the chicken is heated through and glazed.
13Transfer the orange spicy chicken to a serving platter.
14Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
15Serve immediately over steamed rice.

🔧Equipment

Large skillet or wok
Mixing bowls
Whisk
Tongs
Paper towels
Serving platter

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 380 kcal🧈Total Fat: 16g💛Saturated Fat: 3g❤️Cholesterol: 145mg🧂Sodium: 820mg🌾Total Carbs: 38g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 20g🥩Protein: 22g

📝Notes

For extra heat, add more sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes. To make it less spicy, reduce sriracha to 1 tablespoon. Fresh orange juice provides the best flavor, but bottled juice can be used in a pinch.

Watch Video Of How Orange Spicy Chicken Works

This orange spicy chicken recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether it’s a family gathering or a casual weeknight dinner. The leftovers freeze beautifully and reheats perfectly for a quick lunch or dinner on-the-go.

For storage ideas, consider portioning out individual servings into containers or ziplock bags for easy reheating. When reheating, make sure to heat it until hot throughout to maintain food safety standards.

And don’t forget about serving suggestions – pair with steamed vegetables like broccoli or carrots for added nutrition.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Orange Spicy Chicken

Q: What makes this orange spicy chicken recipe so special?

This recipe stands out from others due to its unique balance of sweet, sour, salty, and umami flavors.

Q: Can I adjust the level of spiciness to suit my family’s taste?

Absolutely! You can reduce or increase the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians or vegans?

No, as it contains chicken and uses chicken broth.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance, but cook and serve within 2 hours for optimal flavor.

Q: Are there any substitutions or variations I can make?

Feel free to swap out the chicken with shrimp or tofu for a vegetarian option.

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