Description
This Spicy Orange Chicken is a vibrant, balanced meal that marries the zesty freshness of citrus with the bold, lingering heat of crushed chili flakes. Crisp, golden-brown chicken pieces are perfectly coated in a homemade, restaurant-quality glaze, creating a superior texture that beats any takeout. Simple to prepare and fully customizable in its heat level and seasoning, it makes for a fantastic, high-protein weeknight family dinner that is as healthy as it is delicious.
Ingredients
1.5 lbs chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
1 tbsp chili flakes
1/2 cup cornstarch
3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
3 cloves garlic, minced
Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
Place the chicken cubes in a bowl and dredge with half of the cornstarch until evenly coated, shaking off excess.
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering.
Fry the chicken in small batches for 6 minutes per batch until golden brown and cooked through to 165°F; drain on paper towels.
In a separate saucepan, whisk together the freshly squeezed orange juice, soy sauce, grated ginger, minced garlic, and chili flakes.
Bring the sauce mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
In a small bowl, mix the remaining cornstarch with a splash of water to form a slurry, then stir into the simmering sauce to thicken.
Toss the crispy chicken into the sauce until every piece is glazed and glossy.
Serve warm, optionally garnished with fresh orange zest or green onions.
Notes
Ensure chicken is patted dry before coating to achieve the best crunch. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the chili flakes to 1 teaspoon. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, though the crunch is best enjoyed immediately. Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as canola or grapeseed oil.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Trending
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
