Hot Orange Chicken Recipe

This Hot Orange Chicken is a spicy and tangy twist on the classic orange chicken dish. It features crispy chicken pieces tossed in a flavorful orange sauce with a kick of heat, making it a perfect dish for those who love bold flavors!

Ingredients List

For the Chicken

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1 large egg (beaten)
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Orange Sauce

• 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed is best)
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
• 1/4 cup honey (or brown sugar)
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (grated)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoons water for thickening)

For Garnish

• Sliced green onions
• Sesame seeds

Timing

Here’s a breakdown of the timing for preparing this dish:

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 35-40 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Season Chicken: In a bowl, combine the cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Toss the chicken pieces in the mixture until well coated.
2. Dip in Egg: Dip the coated chicken pieces into the beaten egg, allowing excess to drip off.

Step 2: Fry the Chicken

1. Heat Oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
2. Fry Chicken: Working in batches, fry the chicken pieces for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Step 3: Make the Orange Sauce

1. Combine Sauce Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the orange juice, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sriracha, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
2. Thicken Sauce: Stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce

1. Toss Chicken in Sauce: Add the crispy chicken pieces to the saucepan with the orange sauce. Toss to coat the chicken evenly in the sauce.

Step 5: Serve

1. Plate and Garnish: Serve the hot orange chicken over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
2. Enjoy: Enjoy your spicy and tangy hot orange chicken!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional content per serving (assuming 4 servings):

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	350
Total Fat	15g
Saturated Fat	3g
Cholesterol	100mg
Sodium	600mg
Total Carbohydrates	30g
Dietary Fiber	1g
Sugars	10g
Protein	25g

Tips for Success

To ensure your Hot Orange Chicken turns out perfectly, keep these tips in mind:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh orange juice and ginger will enhance the flavor of the sauce.
• Adjust Spice Level: Modify the amount of sriracha to suit your heat preference.
• Crispy Chicken: Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to achieve crispy chicken.

Variations

• Add Vegetables: Toss in some bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for added nutrition and color.
• Different Proteins: Substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different protein option.
• Sweet and Spicy: Add a tablespoon of chili paste for an extra kick.

Conclusion

This Hot Orange Chicken is a delightful combination of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors that will satisfy your taste buds. It’s easy to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests!

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Cook the chicken just before serving.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover hot orange chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Can I freeze this dish?

It’s best to freeze the chicken separately from the sauce. Freeze the cooked chicken for up to 2 months and reheat before adding to the sauce.

What can I serve with this dish?

Serve this hot orange chicken with steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles, along with a side of vegetables for a complete meal.

Enjoy making and indulging in this Hot Orange Chicken!

Hot Orange Chicken Recipe

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Print

Ingredients

• For the Chicken
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1 large egg (beaten)
• Vegetable oil (for frying)
• For the Orange Sauce
• 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed is best)
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
• 1/4 cup honey (or brown sugar)
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (grated)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoons water for thickening)
• For Garnish
• Sliced green onions
• Sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Season Chicken: In a bowl, combine the cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Toss the chicken pieces in the mixture until well coated.
2. Dip in Egg: Dip the coated chicken pieces into the beaten egg, allowing excess to drip off.

Step 2: Fry the Chicken

1. Heat Oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
2. Fry Chicken: Working in batches, fry the chicken pieces for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Step 3: Make the Orange Sauce

1. Combine Sauce Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the orange juice, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sriracha, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
2. Thicken Sauce: Stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce

1. Toss Chicken in Sauce: Add the crispy chicken pieces to the saucepan with the orange sauce. Toss to coat the chicken evenly in the sauce.

Step 5: Serve

1. Plate and Garnish: Serve the hot orange chicken over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
2. Enjoy: Enjoy your spicy and tangy hot orange chicken!