Spicy Orange Chicken Recipe

When it comes to a dish that combines tangy citrus with a spicy kick, Spicy Orange Chicken is a standout choice. This recipe transforms ordinary chicken into an extraordinary meal with vibrant flavors and a delightful balance of heat and sweetness. In this guide, we’ll walk you through every step of creating this flavorful dish, from selecting the right ingredients to perfecting the cooking technique. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen newbie, you’ll find this recipe easy to follow and incredibly rewarding.

Step-by-Step Recipe

Marinating the Chicken

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, combine orange juice, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Adjust the amount of honey and Sriracha to balance the sweetness and spiciness according to your preference.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and add them to the marinade. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes. For best results, marinate overnight in the refrigerator.

Preparing the Orange Sauce

1. Simmer the Sauce: In a saucepan, combine additional orange juice, soy sauce, and a splash of rice vinegar. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
2. Thicken the Sauce: Add a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to thicken the sauce. Stir constantly until the sauce reaches a syrupy consistency. Adjust seasoning as needed.

Cooking the Chicken

1. Heat the Skillet: Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of oil.
2. Cook the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook until golden brown and crispy on the outside and fully cooked on the inside. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate lined with paper towels.

Combining Chicken and Sauce

1. Mix Chicken and Sauce: Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and pour the prepared orange sauce over it. Stir to coat the chicken evenly and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld together.

Tips for Perfect Orange Chicken

• Choosing the Right Chicken: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for a tender and juicy result.
• Balancing the Spice Level: Adjust the amount of Sriracha to control the heat. For a milder version, use less hot sauce or omit it entirely.
• Ensuring Crispy Chicken: Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the chicken, and avoid overcrowding the pan to achieve a crispy texture.

Serving Suggestions

• Side Dishes That Complement Spicy Orange Chicken:
  • Steamed jasmine rice
  • Stir-fried vegetables
  • Fried rice
• Garnishes and Presentation Ideas:
  • Sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top for added texture and flavor.
  • Serve with a side of pickled vegetables to balance the spiciness.

Storage and Reheating

• How to Store Leftovers: Store any leftover Spicy Orange Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Best Methods for Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to retain the crispy texture, or use the microwave for a quicker option.

Nutritional Information

• Caloric Content: Approximately 350 calories per serving
• Macronutrient Breakdown: High in protein, moderate in carbohydrates, and low in fat

Variations of Spicy Orange Chicken

• Healthier Substitutes: Use chicken breast instead of thighs for a leaner option and substitute honey with agave nectar.
• Vegetarian or Vegan Options: Replace chicken with tofu or tempeh, and adjust the marinade and sauce to suit plant-based diets.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the Chicken: Ensure the chicken is cooked through but not dry. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
• Incorrect Spice Measurements: Measure spices accurately to avoid overpowering the dish.

Pairing Drinks with Spicy Orange Chicken

• Beverage Suggestions: Light beers, iced tea, or citrus-flavored sodas pair well with the spicy and tangy flavors.
• Wine Pairings: A chilled Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc complements the sweetness and spiciness of the dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make Spicy Orange Chicken ahead of time?
   • Yes, you can prepare and cook the chicken ahead of time. Reheat before serving.
2. Can I freeze Spicy Orange Chicken?
   • Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
3. What can I use instead of Sriracha?
   • You can substitute Sriracha with any hot sauce or chili paste of your choice.
4. Can I make the sauce without honey?
   • Yes, you can use maple syrup or agave nectar as alternatives to honey.
5. How do I adjust the spice level for kids?
   • Reduce the amount of Sriracha and add a little extra honey to balance the heat.

Conclusion

Spicy Orange Chicken is a versatile and flavorful dish that combines the best of sweet and spicy. With this comprehensive guide, you’ll be able to create a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to impress. Enjoy the delicious balance of tangy orange and fiery spice in every bite!

Yield: 4

Spicy Orange Chicken Recipe

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When it comes to a dish that combines tangy citrus with a spicy kick, Spicy Orange Chicken is a standout choice. This recipe transforms ordinary chicken into an extraordinary meal with vibrant flavors and a delightful balance of heat and sweetness. In this guide, we'll walk you through every step of creating this flavorful dish, from selecting the right ingredients to perfecting the cooking technique. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a kitchen newbie, you'll find this recipe easy to follow and incredibly rewarding.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Chicken:
• 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
• For the Orange Sauce:
• 1 cup orange juice (preferably freshly squeezed)
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 2 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste for spice level)
• 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening)
• For Garnish:
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   In a large bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, salt, and black pepper.
   Dip the chicken pieces in the beaten egg, then coat them with the flour mixture, pressing lightly to adhere.
   
2. Fry the Chicken:
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
   Add the chicken pieces in batches, frying them until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per side. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
   
3. Make the Orange Sauce:
   In a medium saucepan, combine the orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, hoisin sauce, sriracha, grated ginger, and minced garlic.
   Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
   Once the sauce starts to simmer, whisk in the cornstarch-water mixture. Continue to cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.
   
4. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
   Add the fried chicken pieces to the saucepan with the orange sauce. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce.
   
5. Serve:
   Transfer the spicy orange chicken to a serving dish.
   Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.
   
6. Enjoy:
   Serve the spicy orange chicken over steamed rice or noodles.

Notes

Adjust the amount of sriracha to control the heat level according to your preference.

For extra crunch, you can double fry the chicken by letting it rest for a few minutes between the first and second fry.

Freshly squeezed orange juice enhances the flavor of the sauce, but store-bought juice works fine too.