Get ready to experience a mouthwatering fusion of sweet citrus and fiery heat with this Spicy Orange Chicken! With juicy chicken pieces glazed in a tangy, sticky sauce and punctuated by just the right amount of bold spice, this dish packs restaurant-level flavor in a simple homemade package. Whether you’re looking to switch up your weeknight dinners or impress friends with a bold, colorful stir fry, Spicy Orange Chicken is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe brings something magical to the final dish, creating an irresistible balance of flavors and textures. With just a handful of readily available staples, you get all the brightness, heat, and savory depth needed to make Spicy Orange Chicken a new favorite.
- Chicken breast (1 lb, cubed): Choose boneless, skinless chicken breast for tender bites that soak up all the delicious sauce.
- Orange juice (1/2 cup): Fresh-squeezed is ideal, but bottled works too; this is the fruity backbone of your glaze.
- Soy sauce (1/4 cup): Adds that essential salty, umami-rich note that balances the sweetness and heat.
- Honey (2 tbsp): This gives the sauce its sticky, shiny finish and a mellow counterpoint to the sriracha’s kick.
- Sriracha (1 tbsp): The star source of heat; adjust to your spice preference for a subtle tingle or a bold punch.
- Cornstarch + water (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water): Whisked together to form a slurry, it thickens the sauce to that perfect glossy consistency.
- Sesame seeds & green onions: These fresh, crunchy garnishes elevate both the look and flavor of your Spicy Orange Chicken.
How to Make Spicy Orange Chicken
Step 1: Brown the Chicken
To start, heat a splash of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, toss in your cubed chicken breast, spreading the pieces out for even browning. Let the chicken sear undisturbed for a couple of minutes to get those tasty golden edges, then stir occasionally until the pieces are cooked through and juicy. This first step lays the foundation for that irresistible caramelized flavor you want in Spicy Orange Chicken.
Step 2: Mix the Signature Spicy Orange Sauce
While your chicken is sizzling, whisk together the orange juice, soy sauce, honey, and sriracha in a small bowl. This little mixture is where all the magic happens — the sweet, savory, and spicy combo creates the signature mouthwatering sauce that makes Spicy Orange Chicken totally unforgettable.
Step 3: Simmer with Sauce
Pour your prepared sauce directly over the browned chicken in the skillet. Stir to coat every morsel thoroughly. Let it come to a gentle simmer; you’ll see the sauce start to bubble and thicken ever so slightly. This step gives the chicken a chance to soak up those bright and fiery flavors.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce to Perfection
Now it’s time for the satisfying part — making that luscious glaze. Stir together the cornstarch and water in a small cup to create a smooth slurry. Add this to the simmering skillet and continue to cook, stirring constantly, as the sauce transforms into a glossy, sticky coating that clings beautifully to every bite of chicken.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once your Spicy Orange Chicken is shimmering and saucy, remove it from the heat. Scatter sesame seeds and finely sliced green onions over the top for a pop of freshness and crunch. Serve hot, ideally piled over fluffy steamed rice to soak up every drop of that incredible glaze.
How to Serve Spicy Orange Chicken
Garnishes
The finishing touches matter! Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and plenty of sliced green onions to bring fresh flavor and a beautiful visual contrast. You can also add a pinch of orange zest or a few thin slices of fresh chili if you want to amp up the citrus or spice factor. These thoughtful garnishes make your Spicy Orange Chicken instantly restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
Spicy Orange Chicken loves a bed of steaming jasmine or basmati rice, but don’t stop there. Try serving it with veggie-packed fried rice, garlicky sautéed broccoli, or even cool cucumber salad to offset the heat. The key is pairing it with something mild and comforting that’ll let that sweet-and-spicy sauce shine.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t be shy about having fun with your presentation! For a party, serve Spicy Orange Chicken as bite-sized skewers or over crispy lettuce leaves for easy hand-held wraps. Or, pile it high in a big bowl surrounded by colorful veggies for a vibrant Asian-inspired dinner salad. However you plate it, this dish will always steal the show.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), allow your Spicy Orange Chicken to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It’ll keep happily in the refrigerator for up to three days while maintaining its bold flavor and texture.
Freezing
Spicy Orange Chicken is surprisingly freezer-friendly! Portion cooled chicken and sauce into freezer-safe containers or zip bags. Squeeze out any extra air to avoid freezer burn, then stash in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
For the juiciest, most flavorful results, reheat Spicy Orange Chicken gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce is too thick. The microwave also works in a pinch; just cover and heat in short bursts, stirring occasionally. Either way, the sauce will return to its glossy, crave-worthy state.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful, making them a fantastic alternative for Spicy Orange Chicken. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces and follow the same instructions.
Is there a substitute for sriracha if I want less heat?
Of course! Try using a milder chili sauce, a dab of sweet chili sauce, or even reduce the amount of sriracha. You can also leave it out for an orange chicken that’s more sweet than spicy — the choice is totally yours.
Can I make Spicy Orange Chicken gluten-free?
Yes! Swap out the soy sauce for a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos. Double-check that your sriracha and cornstarch are gluten-free brands, and you’ll have no problem adapting the dish.
How do I avoid overcooking the chicken?
The trick is to cook the chicken just until it turns opaque and lightly golden. If you’re ever unsure, use an instant-read thermometer; 165°F is the sweet spot for tender, juicy chicken bites.
Can I double the sauce for extra “drippiness”?
Definitely! This sauce is downright addictive, so feel free to double the sauce ingredients for an even saucier pan. Perfect if you plan to serve the Spicy Orange Chicken over rice or want leftovers for lunch the next day.
Final Thoughts
I can’t encourage you enough to give this Spicy Orange Chicken a try in your own kitchen. It’s fast, full of color, and totally packed with punchy, unforgettable flavor. Whether for a quick weeknight treat or a special dinner with friends, Spicy Orange Chicken brings a bit of zing to your table every time. Enjoy every sweet and spicy bite!
Print
Spicy Orange Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 4
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious and flavorful dish of Spicy Orange Chicken, featuring a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors in a savory orange glaze, served with tender chicken pieces in a stir-fry.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
Sauce:
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp sriracha
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water
Garnish:
- Sesame seeds & green onions
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Brown the cubed chicken in a skillet.
- Mix the Sauce: Combine orange juice, soy sauce, honey, and sriracha. Add to the skillet.
- Thicken the Sauce: Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Stir into the skillet mixture and simmer until the sauce thickens.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve over rice.
- Prep Time: 10m
- Cook Time: 15m
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian
