This Spicy Orange Chicken is a delicious fusion of sweet and spicy flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. The dish combines juicy chicken pieces with a tangy orange sauce and a kick of heat from red pepper flakes. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends. The vibrant orange zest and fresh green onions add a burst of color, making it as visually appealing as it is tasty.
Ingredients
- For the chicken:
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- For the sauce:
- 1 cup (240 ml) orange juice, preferably freshly squeezed
- Zest of 1 orange
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
- For garnish:
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken:
- In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Cook the chicken:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the sauce:
- In the same skillet, add the garlic and ginger, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and red pepper flakes.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Thicken the sauce:
- Stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) and continue to cook until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
- Combine and serve:
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing it in the sauce until well coated.
- Cook for an additional 2 minutes to ensure the chicken is heated through.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Enjoy your Spicy Orange Chicken with steamed rice or your favorite vegetables for a complete meal!
