The Perfect Spicy Orange Chicken Recipe for Zesty Dinner Magic

Craving a zesty spicy orange chicken that’ll make your taste buds dance?

Vibrant citrus notes blend perfectly with fiery spices in this irresistible dish.

Every bite promises a delightful explosion of flavor that surprises and satisfies.

Home cooks can recreate restaurant-quality magic with simple ingredients and straightforward techniques.

Complex yet approachable, this recipe balances sweet, tangy, and hot elements seamlessly.

Marinating transforms ordinary chicken into an extraordinary meal that impresses everyone at the table.

Spicy Orange Chicken That Excites The Palate

• Spice Up Your Meal: Dive into a flavor explosion with this zesty orange chicken that brings restaurant-quality taste right to your kitchen.
• Quick and Customizable Cooking: Whip up this dish with simple ingredients and easy steps, perfect for adapting to your personal spice preferences and dietary needs.
• Restaurant-Worthy Technique: Master professional-level cooking skills by learning how to perfectly fry chicken and create a glossy, thick sauce that clings beautifully to each bite.
• Family Crowd-Pleaser: Enjoy a delicious meal that combines sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors guaranteed to satisfy everyone from kids to adults with its irresistible taste profile.

Ingredients Required For Spicy Orange Chicken

• Chicken: Tender meat cubed and seasoned for a flavorful base of the dish.

Mushrooms: Adds earthy depth and extra texture to the chicken.

• Orange Juice: Provides bright citrus flavor and natural sweetness.
• Soy Sauce: Brings rich umami and saltiness to the sauce.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken and create a glossy sauce coating.
• White Pepper: Adds subtle heat and complex seasoning.

• Ginger, Garlic: Classic Asian flavor base that provides warm, pungent notes.
• Chili Peppers: Introduces spicy kick and vibrant heat.
• Scallions: Offers fresh, sharp onion flavor and green color contrast.

• Salt: Enhances overall dish flavor and balances other seasonings.
• Neutral Oil: Used for cooking chicken and sautéing ingredients.

• Scallions, Crispy Shallots, Sesame Seeds: Adds texture, freshness, and visual appeal for serving.

Stepwise Guide To Spicy Orange Chicken

Step 1: Prep Like a Pro

Get all your ingredients ready and organized.

Chop, slice, and measure everything so you can cook smoothly without interruption.

Step 2: Create Magical Sauce

Grab a mixing bowl and combine all sauce ingredients.

Whisk energetically until the mixture looks smooth and cornstarch completely dissolves.

Set aside for later.

Step 3: Warm Up the Skillet

Place a skillet on medium heat.

Pour in neutral oil and let it get hot and ready for cooking.

Step 4: Season Chicken Perfectly

• Salt
• White pepper

Sprinkle cornstarch over chicken and mix thoroughly until every piece is evenly coated.

Step 5: Crisp Up Chicken

Increase skillet heat to medium-high.

Carefully place chicken pieces in a single layer without overcrowding.

Cook each side for 4-6 minutes until golden and fully cooked.

Transfer batches to a separate bowl.

Step 6: Sauté Mushroom Magic

If skillet looks dry, add a bit more oil.

Toss in mushrooms and season with salt.

Cook 4-5 minutes until lightly golden.

Remove and add to chicken bowl.

Step 7: Aromatics Explosion

Heat remaining oil in skillet.

• Minced ginger
• Garlic
• Chili peppers
• Scallions

Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant and vibrant.

Step 8: Sauce Transformation

Pour prepared sauce into skillet.

Bring to boil, then reduce heat.

Simmer and stir for 3-5 minutes until sauce thickens beautifully.

Step 9: Combine and Coat

Add cooked chicken and mushrooms into sauce.

Gently toss for 2-3 minutes until everything is perfectly coated.

Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.

Step 10: Serve and Celebrate

Spoon chicken over fluffy white rice.

• Sliced scallions
• Crispy shallots
• Sesame seeds

Dive in and enjoy your culinary masterpiece!

Secrets To Spicy And Juicy Orange Chicken

• Ensure even cornstarch coverage by tossing chicken gently, creating a perfect crispy exterior that locks in moisture and helps sauce adhere beautifully.
• Cook shiitake mushrooms quickly on medium-high heat, watching carefully to avoid drying out, which preserves their delicate texture and rich flavor.
• Whisk cornstarch thoroughly to eliminate lumps, allowing the sauce to thicken smoothly and create a glossy, restaurant-quality finish.
• Use medium-high heat when frying chicken to achieve golden-brown exterior while maintaining juicy interior, cooking in batches to prevent overcrowding the pan.

Ways To Mix Up Spicy Orange Chicken

• Replace chicken with crispy tofu or seitan, pressing and coating with cornstarch for similar texture and crunch.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Version: Swap white rice with spiralized zucchini noodles, reducing carbohydrate content while maintaining flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use tamari instead of soy sauce, replace cornstarch with arrowroot powder, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Mild Citrus Chicken: Reduce chili peppers or substitute with bell peppers for a gentler, family-friendly version that maintains the bright orange sauce characteristics.

How To Pair Spicy Orange Chicken Deliciously

• Zesty Rice Companion: Serve this spicy orange chicken atop fluffy white rice to soak up the delicious citrusy sauce, creating a perfect flavor-packed base.
• Garnish Galore: Sprinkle fresh sliced scallions, crispy shallots, or toasted sesame seeds on top for added crunch, color, and extra layers of texture.
• Fresh Side Kick: Pair with a light cucumber salad or steamed broccoli to balance the dish's richness and provide a refreshing contrast to the spicy chicken.
• Dinner Party Delight: Prepare this dish for friends and family, serving in a large shared platter to create a communal, interactive dining experience that brings everyone together.

Keeping Spicy Orange Chicken Fresh After Cooking

• Store leftover spicy orange chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer chicken to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. Properly stored, the dish will maintain quality for 2-3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying. Cover and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

FAQs

• Why use cornstarch for the chicken?

Cornstarch creates a crispy exterior on the chicken and helps thicken the sauce, giving it a glossy, restaurant-quality texture and preventing the meat from becoming soggy.

• Can I substitute shiitake mushrooms?

Yes, you can use button mushrooms or cremini mushrooms if shiitake are unavailable. They’ll provide a similar earthy flavor and texture to the dish.

• What's the purpose of cooking chicken in batches?

Cooking chicken in batches prevents overcrowding, which ensures each piece gets crispy and browns evenly instead of steaming, resulting in better flavor and texture.

Spicy Orange Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Zesty orange chicken brings explosive Asian-inspired flavors dancing across your plate, blending tangy citrus with bold spicy notes. Home cooks can quickly craft this restaurant-quality dish that promises a delightful culinary journey with each perfectly glazed bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized cubes)
• 6 ounces shiitake mushrooms (caps sliced and stems discarded)

Sauce and Seasoning:

• 4 ounces (120 milliliters) fresh squeezed orange juice
• 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 4 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon chili oil (optional)
• 2 teaspoons orange zest
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon white pepper
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Aromatics and Garnish:

• 2–3 tablespoons neutral oil
• 2 teaspoons neutral oil
• 2 teaspoons freshly minced ginger
• 4 cloves garlic (peeled and minced)
• 2–3 bird’s eye chilies (trimmed and minced)
• 2 scallions (minced)
• Sliced scallion greens
• Crispy shallots (optional)
• Sesame seeds (optional)
• Cooked white rice

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Instructions

1. Gather and prep all ingredients, ensuring everything is measured and ready for quick cooking.
2. Whisk sauce ingredients thoroughly in a bowl until cornstarch dissolves completely without lumps, then set aside.
3. Heat neutral oil in a skillet over medium heat, preparing for chicken cooking.
4. Season diced chicken with salt and white pepper, then coat evenly with cornstarch using a spatula.
5. Increase skillet heat to medium-high. Carefully place chicken in a single layer without overcrowding, cooking 4-6 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Remove chicken and repeat with remaining batches.
6. Add a teaspoon of oil to the skillet, then sauté mushrooms with salt for 4-5 minutes until lightly golden. Quickly transfer to the cooked chicken bowl to prevent overcooking.
7. In the same skillet, sauté ginger, garlic, chili peppers, and scallions for 1 minute until aromatic.
8. Pour in prepared sauce, bringing to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer 3-5 minutes until sauce thickens, stirring frequently.
9. Combine cooked chicken and mushrooms with the sauce, tossing gently over low heat for 2-3 minutes until completely coated and sauce reaches desired consistency.
10. Plate over steamed white rice and garnish with sliced scallions, crispy shallots, or sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.

Notes

• Prep like a pro by measuring and chopping ingredients beforehand to streamline cooking and reduce stress during the process.
• Cornstarch is the secret weapon for achieving that crispy, golden-brown chicken exterior while keeping the inside juicy and tender.
• Control the heat carefully when frying chicken to prevent burning and ensure even, golden-brown results that are perfectly cooked through.
• Customize the spice level by adjusting the number of chili peppers or using milder alternatives like jalapeños for those with sensitive palates.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Chinese-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 380 kcal
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg