Spicy Orange Chicken

This Spicy Orange Chicken is the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy, inspired by classic Chinese-American flavors. The sauce is made from fresh orange juice and zest, giving it a vibrant citrus kick, while the chili oil and bird’s eye chilies bring just the right amount of heat. Instead of deep frying, the chicken is lightly coated in cornstarch and pan-fried for a crispy yet juicy bite. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or something to impress guests, this dish is a winner. Serve it over a bed of steaming white rice, topped with scallions and crispy shallots for the ultimate flavor experience. Once you try this, you’ll never go back to takeout!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Sauce:

  • 4 ounces fresh squeezed orange juice
  • 2 teaspoons orange zest
  • 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry as a substitute)
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 4 tablespoons light brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon chili oil (optional, for extra heat)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch

For the Chicken:

  • 2–3 tablespoons neutral oil (such as vegetable or canola)
  • 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized cubes
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon white pepper

For the Aromatics:

  • 2 teaspoons neutral oil, as needed, divided
  • 6 ounces shiitake mushrooms, caps sliced and stems discarded
  • 2 teaspoons freshly minced ginger
  • 4 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
  • 2–3 bird’s eye chilies, trimmed and minced
  • 2 scallions, minced

For Serving:

  • Cooked white rice
  • Sliced scallion greens, crispy shallots, or sesame seeds

Directions:

  1. Prepare the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the orange juice, zest, Shaoxing wine, rice vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, chili oil, and cornstarch until smooth. Set aside.
  2. Coat the chicken: In a separate bowl, toss the cubed chicken with cornstarch, salt, and white pepper until evenly coated.
  3. Pan-fry the chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of neutral oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer, working in batches if needed. Fry for 4–6 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Remove from the pan and set aside.
  4. Sauté the mushrooms: In the same skillet, add 1 teaspoon of oil and cook the mushrooms for 4–5 minutes until lightly browned. Transfer them to the bowl with the chicken.
  5. Cook the aromatics: Add another teaspoon of oil to the pan, then sauté the ginger, garlic, chilies, and scallions for 1 minute until fragrant.
  6. Simmer the sauce: Pour in the prepared sauce, bring to a boil, and then reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens.
  7. Combine everything: Add the cooked chicken and mushrooms back into the pan and toss to coat in the sauce. Cook for 2–3 more minutes until fully coated and glossy.
  8. Serve hot: Spoon over cooked white rice and garnish with scallions, crispy shallots, or sesame seeds. Enjoy!

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Kcal: 359 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

The History and Evolution of Orange Chicken

Orange Chicken is one of the most popular Chinese-American dishes, but its origins are more complex than many realize. While Panda Express famously introduced its version in 1987, the dish has roots in traditional Chinese cuisine. A similar dish, tangerine chicken, originates from the Hunan province of China. Unlike the sweet, sticky, deep-fried version commonly found in American restaurants, tangerine chicken is sautéed in hot oil and uses dried tangerine peels for a more complex, slightly bitter flavor.

Over time, American tastes influenced the evolution of the dish, making it sweeter, crispier, and less tangy. The Americanized version typically includes battered and deep-fried chicken coated in a glossy orange sauce that is often made using orange marmalade or bottled orange juice. While undeniably delicious, this preparation is high in sugar and calories.

This Spicy Orange Chicken recipe brings the best of both worlds together: it retains the essence of classic orange chicken while introducing new elements like fresh citrus juice and a fiery spice level. The pan-fried method reduces the oil content, making it a lighter alternative without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Why You’ll Love This Spicy Orange Chicken Recipe

There are plenty of reasons why this dish is a must-try, whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting in the kitchen. Here’s why this Spicy Orange Chicken stands out:

1. Healthier Than Takeout

Traditional orange chicken is often deep-fried, making it high in fat and calories. This version eliminates deep frying by using a light cornstarch coating and pan-frying the chicken instead. This method keeps the chicken crispy while reducing excess oil.

2. Fresh and Natural Ingredients

Many restaurant versions use artificial orange flavoring or bottled sauces. This recipe relies on fresh orange juice and zest, providing an authentic citrus taste that elevates the dish. You can also adjust the sweetness and spice level to your preference.

3. The Perfect Balance of Sweet, Tangy, and Spicy

The combination of brown sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and orange juice creates a harmonious balance of flavors. The sweetness from the oranges and sugar complements the acidity of the vinegar, while the heat from the chilies and chili oil adds excitement to every bite.

4. Customizable Spice Level

Not everyone enjoys super spicy food, and that’s okay! This recipe allows you to adjust the level of heat to your liking. For a milder version, you can omit the bird’s eye chilies or replace them with a milder pepper. For extra heat, add more chili oil or even a pinch of cayenne pepper.

5. Versatile and Easy to Pair

This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice, but you can also serve it with other sides like stir-fried vegetables, noodles, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. It’s a versatile dish that works well for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Tips for Making the Best Spicy Orange Chicken

To achieve the best results, keep these tips in mind when preparing your Spicy Orange Chicken:

1. Use Fresh Orange Juice and Zest

The key to a vibrant, citrusy sauce is using freshly squeezed orange juice rather than bottled juice. Fresh juice contains natural sugars and acidity that enhance the overall taste. The zest adds an extra layer of orange aroma, making the dish even more flavorful.

2. Choose the Right Chicken Cut

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work best for this recipe because they remain juicy and tender even after pan-frying. While chicken breasts can be used, they tend to dry out more quickly.

3. Don’t Skip the Cornstarch Coating

Lightly coating the chicken in cornstarch before frying helps create a delicate, crispy exterior without the need for heavy batter. This technique mimics the texture of deep-fried chicken while keeping it light and crisp.

4. Adjust the Spice Level to Taste

If you’re new to spicy foods, start with less chili oil and fewer bird’s eye chilies. You can always add more heat later by drizzling extra chili oil on top before serving.

5. Cook the Sauce Until It’s Thick and Glossy

A good orange chicken sauce should be thick enough to coat the chicken without being too runny. The cornstarch in the sauce helps achieve this consistency. Be sure to stir constantly and cook it until it reaches a smooth, glossy texture.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Spicy Orange Chicken is delicious on its own, but you can enhance your meal with these side dishes:

  • Steamed Jasmine Rice – The perfect neutral base that soaks up the flavorful sauce.
  • Stir-Fried Vegetables – Broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas add crunch and freshness.
  • Garlic Noodles – A tasty, slightly garlicky noodle dish that complements the sweet and spicy flavors.
  • Cauliflower Rice – A low-carb alternative for a lighter meal.
  • Egg Rolls or Dumplings – A fun appetizer that pairs well with this dish.

Conclusion:

Spicy Orange Chicken is a dish that delivers on all fronts flavor, texture, and balance. Whether you’re craving takeout-style orange chicken or looking for a healthier homemade alternative, this recipe checks all the boxes. The combination of fresh citrus juice, spicy chilies, and a perfectly thick sauce makes this dish irresistible.

By making it at home, you can control the ingredients, adjust the spice level, and enjoy a healthier version without sacrificing taste. It’s a perfect meal for any occasion, whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or entertaining guests.

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