I have always been a fan of Asian cuisine, and there is one dish that has stolen my heart: Spicy Orange Chicken. The combination of sweet, tangy orange flavor with a spicy kick makes this dish irresistible. I remember the first time I tried it at a local restaurant. The explosion of flavors left me craving more, and I knew I had to recreate it at home. After many attempts and tweaks, I am excited to share my Spicy Orange Chicken Recipe with you.
Ingredients for Spicy Orange Chicken Recipe
Chicken Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1-2 cups vegetable oil for frying
- Salt and pepper to taste
Orange Sauce Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh orange juice
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1-2 tablespoons Sriracha (adjust based on your spice preference)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry for thickening)
How to Make Spicy Orange Chicken Recipe
The first step in making my Spicy Orange Chicken is to prepare the chicken. I prefer using chicken thighs because they tend to be juicier and more flavorful.
- Season Chicken: Start by seasoning the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
- Coat with Cornstarch: Next, place the cornstarch in a bowl. Coat each piece of chicken in the cornstarch, shaking off any excess. This will give the chicken a crispy texture when fried.
Frying the Chicken
Frying the chicken is the most exciting part. It’s where the magic happens!
- Heat Oil: In a large pan, pour enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom. Heat it over medium-high heat.
- Fry Chicken: Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken pieces in batches. Fry them for about 4-5 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Drain Excess Oil: Remove the chicken and let it drain on paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
Making the Orange Sauce
While the chicken is frying, it’s time to make the delicious orange sauce. This sauce is the star of the dish.
- Combine Ingredients: In a saucepan, combine the fresh orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, honey, Sriracha, garlic, and ginger.
- Heat and Thicken: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Slowly add the cornstarch slurry while stirring continuously. This will thicken the sauce nicely.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust the spice level by adding more Sriracha if needed.
Coating the Chicken
Now comes the fun part: coating the crispy chicken in the spicy orange sauce!
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: In a large bowl, add the fried chicken pieces. Pour the hot orange sauce over the chicken.
- Toss to Coat: Gently toss the chicken until it is well coated in the sauce. The crispy exterior will soak up the zesty flavors.
Serving Spicy Orange Chicken
Presentation is key when serving Spicy Orange Chicken. Here are some ideas to make your dish look as good as it tastes:
- Serve over a bed of steamed jasmine rice or fried rice for a complete meal.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor and crunch.
- Pair with a side of sautéed vegetables or a light Asian salad for balance.
Variations of Spicy Orange Chicken Recipe
If you want to mix things up, here are a few variations of my Spicy Orange Chicken:
- Add Vegetables: Toss in some bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas to the orange sauce for added nutrition and color.
- Make it Sweet and Spicy: If you prefer a sweeter flavor, add more honey to the sauce. For extra heat, include red pepper flakes or chili paste.
- Use Different Proteins: This recipe also works well with shrimp, tofu, or even pork. Adjust cooking times based on the protein you choose.
Meal Prep and Storage
I love making extra servings of Spicy Orange Chicken because it reheats well. Here’s how to store and reheat it:
- Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: To reheat, warm it in a pan over medium heat until heated through. You may need to add a splash of water or orange juice to keep it moist.
Why You Will Love Spicy Orange Chicken Recipe
There are so many reasons to love this Spicy Orange Chicken Recipe.
- Quick and Easy: It takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors will satisfy your taste buds.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the spice level and add your favorite vegetables.
Cooking has always been a passion of mine, and sharing recipes like this Spicy Orange Chicken fills me with joy. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and make it your own. Whether you are cooking for family or friends, this dish will surely impress.