Zesty Hot Orange Chicken Recipe: A Sweet & Spicy Delight

Crispy golden chicken sings with vibrant hot orange sauce that dances between sweet and spicy notes.

Zesty citrus transforms ordinary poultry into an extraordinary culinary adventure.

Bright tangerine flavors burst through each tender bite, promising excitement for your taste buds.

Mediterranean kitchens inspire this delectable dish with bold, punchy ingredients.

Succulent meat absorbs rich marinades, creating layers of complex flavor profiles.

Colorful presentations make this recipe a stunning centerpiece that impresses everyone around the table.

You’ll want to grab your apron and start cooking right now.

Why Hot Orange Chicken Turns Up the Flavor

• Crunch into Flavor: This hot orange chicken delivers an irresistible crispy texture with a perfect golden-brown exterior that guarantees a satisfying bite every single time.
• Master International Cuisine: Learn an impressive restaurant-style dish that brings restaurant-quality cooking right into your home kitchen without needing professional chef skills.
• Customize Your Spice Level: Control the heat by adjusting red chili flakes, making this recipe adaptable for both spice lovers and those preferring milder flavors.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Prepare a delicious meal in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients that are likely already in your pantry, solving dinner dilemmas with minimal effort.

What You’ll Need for a Sweet & Spicy Glaze

• Cornstarch: Helps create a crispy coating for the chicken.
• Flour: Provides a base for the chicken's crunchy exterior.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
• Black Pepper: Adds a mild, warming spice to the chicken coating.
• Garlic Powder: Contributes a savory and aromatic flavor.
• Onion Powder: Provides a subtle, sweet undertone to the coating.

• Egg: Helps the dry coating adhere to the chicken pieces.
• Vegetable Oil: Used for frying the chicken to achieve a golden brown color.
• Orange Juice: Creates the base for the tangy sauce.
• Soy Sauce: Adds depth and umami flavor to the sauce.
• Rice Vinegar: Brings a subtle acidic balance to the sauce.

• Sugar: Balances the tanginess and adds a touch of sweetness.
• Ginger: Provides a warm, spicy kick to the sauce.
• Red Chili Flakes: Adds a hint of heat and complexity.
• Green Onions: Offers a fresh, mild onion flavor as a garnish.
• Water: Used to create a cornstarch slurry for thickening the sauce.

Stir-Fry Steps to Sizzle Your Chicken Right

Step 1: Prepare Zesty Coating Mix

• Cornstarch
• All-purpose flour
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder

Whisk these dry ingredients until perfectly blended.

Step 2: Dunk and Dress Chicken Pieces

Take each chicken piece and first dip it into beaten egg, ensuring complete coverage.

Next, roll the egg-covered chicken through the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to create a thick, even coating.

Step 3: Sizzle the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat vegetable oil in a spacious skillet or wok over medium-high temperature.

Carefully place coated chicken pieces into the hot oil. Fry each side until they transform into a gorgeous golden brown and develop an irresistibly crispy exterior, approximately 4-5 minutes per side.

Transfer fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 4: Craft Vibrant Citrus Sauce

• Fresh orange juice
• Soy sauce
• Granulated sugar
• Rice vinegar
• Freshly grated ginger
• Red chili flakes

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

Create a quick cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch with water in a small bowl. Pour this into the simmering sauce, whisking continuously until the sauce transforms into a glossy, thick consistency.

Step 6: Marry Chicken and Sauce

Pour the hot, vibrant sauce over the crispy chicken pieces. Gently toss to ensure each piece gets a luxurious coating of the zesty sauce.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Transfer the saucy chicken to a serving platter. Accompany with steamed rice and sprinkle with freshly sliced green onions for an extra pop of flavor and color.

Tips for That Tangy Orange Zing

• Achieve extra crispiness by letting coated chicken rest for 10 minutes before frying, allowing the coating to adhere better.
• Maintain consistent oil temperature around 350°F to prevent soggy chicken and ensure even golden-brown exterior.
• Adjust spice levels by increasing or reducing red chili flakes according to personal heat tolerance.
• Use fresh orange juice for more vibrant, authentic citrus flavor compared to store-bought bottled versions.
• Pat chicken pieces dry before coating to help flour mixture stick perfectly and create crunchier texture.

Fun Takes on the Classic Orange Sauce

• Spicy Mango Chicken: Replace orange juice with fresh mango puree and add habanero peppers for an intense tropical heat kick.
• Korean-Inspired Chicken: Swap orange juice for gochujang sauce, add sesame oil, and sprinkle toasted sesame seeds for an authentic Korean flavor profile.
• Honey Lime Chicken: Use honey and lime juice instead of orange juice, incorporate lime zest, and add a touch of cilantro for a bright, zesty variation.
• Tangy Pineapple Chicken: Substitute orange juice with pineapple juice, include crushed pineapple chunks in the sauce, and garnish with toasted coconut flakes for a Hawaiian-style experience.

What to Pair with This Zesty Chicken Dish

• Pair Sparkling Citrus Cocktail: Craft a zesty orange margarita with fresh orange juice, tequila, and a chili salt rim to complement the chicken's spicy-sweet profile.
• Complement Crisp Asian Slaw: Create a tangy coleslaw with rice vinegar, sesame oil, and julienned vegetables to balance the chicken's rich, crispy texture.
• Enhance Jasmine Rice Pilaf: Prepare fragrant jasmine rice with toasted sesame seeds and chopped cilantro to absorb the vibrant orange sauce and provide a subtle, aromatic base.
• Match Cool Cucumber Raita: Whip up a refreshing yogurt-based side with diced cucumber, mint, and a hint of lime to cool down the chicken's spicy undertones.

Store and Reheat to Keep That Coating Crisp

• Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days maximum.
• Freeze: Place cooled chicken in freezer-safe containers or ziplock bags. Seal tightly, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Microwave Reheat: Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature and avoiding overcooking.
• Oven Reheat: Preheat oven to 350°F. Spread chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through, checking internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Orange Chicken Questions, Answered Boldly

• What are the key spices in the flour coating?

The key spices are garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, which add depth and flavor to the chicken’s crispy exterior.

• How does the cornstarch help in this recipe?

Cornstarch creates a crispy, light coating on the chicken and helps thicken the sauce, giving it a glossy, smooth texture.

• Why use rice vinegar in the sauce?

Rice vinegar adds a subtle tangy flavor that balances the sweetness of the orange juice and sugar, creating a more complex sauce profile.

• Can I adjust the spice level of the dish?

Yes, you can control the heat by increasing or decreasing the amount of red chili flakes in the sauce to suit your taste preferences.

Hot Orange Chicken Recipe

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4.5 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling Hot Orange Chicken delivers a spicy-sweet symphony that dances across taste buds with bold Chinese-inspired flavors. Crispy chicken pieces glazed in zesty orange sauce promise a thrilling culinary adventure you won’t want to miss.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb (454 g) boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

Coating and Seasoning:

• 1/2 cup (60 g) cornstarch
• 1/4 cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 egg, beaten

Sauce and Cooking Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup (60 ml) vegetable oil (for frying)
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) orange juice (fresh or bottled)
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) soy sauce
• 1/4 cup (50 g) sugar
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) rice vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 tablespoon (8 g) cornstarch (for thickening sauce)
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) water (for sauce)

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Instructions

1. Craft a seasoned blend of cornstarch, flour, and aromatic spices in a spacious mixing vessel, creating a flavorful coating for the chicken.
2. Immerse each chicken piece into whisked eggs, ensuring complete egg coverage before generously enrobing with the prepared spice mixture.
3. Ignite a large skillet with vegetable oil at medium-high temperature, carefully positioning chicken pieces to achieve a golden, crisp exterior. Fry approximately 4-5 minutes per side until perfectly bronzed and cooked through.
4. Transfer crispy chicken to a paper towel-lined surface, allowing excess oil to drain and maintain crunchiness.
5. In a separate cooking vessel, amalgamate vibrant orange juice, umami-rich soy sauce, sweet sugar, tangy rice vinegar, zesty ginger, and fiery red chili flakes. Activate gentle heat, stirring consistently.
6. Develop a smooth cornstarch slurry by blending cornstarch with water, then seamlessly integrate into the simmering sauce. Whisk continuously until the mixture transforms into a luxurious, glossy consistency.
7. Cascade the thickened, aromatic sauce over the crispy chicken, gently tumbling to ensure comprehensive and even coating.
8. Present the glistening hot orange chicken atop steamed rice, garnishing with delicate sliced green onions for a fresh, vibrant finish.

Notes

• Adjust spice levels by increasing or decreasing red chili flakes to match personal heat tolerance.
• Ensure chicken pieces are uniform in size for even cooking and consistent crispy texture.
• Create a gluten-free version by substituting wheat flour with rice flour or almond flour.
• Pat chicken dry before coating to help the flour mixture adhere better and achieve maximum crispiness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 385
• Sugar: 9 g
• Sodium: 309 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 21 g
• Cholesterol: 63 mg