Hot Orange Chicken

Are you ready to take your taste buds on a delightful journey? Hot Orange Chicken marries the vibrant zest of orange with savory elements and a touch of spice that will elevate your meal to new culinary heights. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion and is guaranteed to impress anyone at your table. With its perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors complemented by a hint of heat, this recipe quickly becomes a family favorite.

Why Make This Recipe

Bright, zesty flavors make every bite a delightful experience.
It’s simple enough for a weeknight meal yet impressive enough for entertaining.
Customizable with ingredients you likely already have and adaptable to various tastes.

If you’re tired of the same old chicken dinners, this Hot Orange Chicken will revive your menu and bring excitement to your dinner table. Let’s jump right into how you can create this delicious dish at home.

Simple Way to Prepare Hot Orange Chicken

Making Hot Orange Chicken is surprisingly easy and requires just several steps that anyone can follow. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned chef, this recipe will have you cooking like a pro in no time. Grab your apron, and let’s get started.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by cutting your chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. This size will allow for even cooking and better frying. In a large bowl, mix together the cornstarch and flour. It’s essential to have this coating ready for the chicken to give it that lovely crispy texture when fried. Next, whisk your beaten egg in another bowl, and prepare to dip each chicken piece in the egg before coating it with the cornstarch mixture. This method will help the coating adhere better and result in a deliciously crispy exterior.

Step 2: Fry the Chicken

Once your chicken is coated, heat a generous amount of vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. You want enough oil that will allow the chicken to fry properly without overcrowding the pan. Fry the chicken pieces in batches until they are golden brown and cooked through. Approximately 4-5 minutes should do it, depending on your stove’s heat. Once they are done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside to drain on a paper towel.

Step 3: Create the Orange Sauce

In another pan, it’s time to whip up your sauce. Combine orange juice, sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, minced ginger, and sriracha (if you like a kick) in a medium saucepan. This medley of ingredients will create a sweet and spicy sauce that perfectly complements the fried chicken. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for a few minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency. You’ll know it’s ready when you can coat the back of a spoon with it.

Step 4: Toss It All Together

Now comes the exciting part. Take your fried chicken and toss it in the hot orange sauce until every piece is fully coated. Each bite of chicken should have that vibrant flavor of orange and the slightly spicy undertones swirling around it.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Finally, it’s time to present your masterpiece! Serve the Hot Orange Chicken hot, garnished with freshly chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. The contrast of colors will make your dish visually appealing and tantalizing.

Now that you know how to prepare Hot Orange Chicken, here’s a full rundown of what you’ll need to create this dish.

Ingredients

1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 cup cornstarch
1/2 cup flour
1 egg, beaten
1/2 cup orange juice
1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon minced ginger
1 tablespoon sriracha (optional)
Vegetable oil for frying
Green onions for garnish
Sesame seeds for garnish

Directions

In a bowl, mix the cornstarch and flour. Dip the chicken pieces in the egg then coat with the cornstarch mixture.
Heat oil in a pan over medium heat and fry the chicken until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
In another pan, combine orange juice, sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sriracha. Bring to a boil and then simmer until the sauce thickens.
Toss the fried chicken in the sauce until fully coated.
Serve hot, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.

Best Way to Store Hot Orange Chicken

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, keeping Hot Orange Chicken fresh is simple! Follow these guidelines to store it properly:

Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days at a temperature of 40°F or below.
Freezing: If you want to keep it longer, freeze it for up to 2 months. Ensure it’s in a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy your chicken again, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat in a pan on the stove over medium heat until heated through.

Serving Ideas for Hot Orange Chicken

Hot Orange Chicken is incredibly versatile, and how you serve it can elevate the whole experience. Here are a few delicious ideas to present this dish beautifully:

With Rice: Serve over a fluffy bed of jasmine or basmati rice. The rice will soak up the extra sauce and balance out the flavors beautifully.
On a Salad: For a lighter option, toss the chicken over a bed of mixed greens, drizzled with a sesame dressing. This adds a refreshing crunch and is perfect for a warm day.
With Noodles: Combine with your favorite noodles such as udon or lo mein tossed in a simple soy sauce for an Asian-inspired meal.
Wrap Style: Use lettuce leaves to create wraps filled with orange chicken, julienned carrots, and slivers of cucumber for a tasty hand-held snack.

Tips to Make Hot Orange Chicken

To get the best flavor and texture from your Hot Orange Chicken, consider these handy tips:

Use fresh ingredients for the best taste. Fresh garlic and ginger can significantly enhance the flavor profile.
Let the coated chicken sit for a few minutes before frying. This helps the flour mixture adhere better.
Adjust the spice level to your preference by controlling the amount of sriracha in your sauce.

Variations or Substitutions

When it comes to Hot Orange Chicken, don’t hesitate to be creative. Here are some variations you can try:

Pineapple Twist: Swap out some of the orange juice for pineapple juice. This adds a tropical flavor that works beautifully with the chicken.
Crispy Tofu: For a vegetarian option, replace the chicken with cubes of firm tofu. Follow the same frying and coating procedure for a satisfyingly crispy crunch.

FAQs

How do I make this dish ahead of time?

To save time, you can prepare the chicken and sauce separately and then just toss them together before serving.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs will work wonderfully and add a slightly different flavor profile due to their darker meat.

How do I make it spicier?

To crank up the heat, add more sriracha or include sliced fresh chilies when cooking the sauce.

Nutritional Info

While this recipe is rich in flavor, it’s also good to be mindful of the nutritional elements:

Calories: Approximately 500 per serving (including sauce and chicken)
Protein: 30g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fat: 20g
Sodium: Variable based on soy sauce used

Closing Thoughts

This Hot Orange Chicken recipe is a wonderful combination of flavors and textures that promises to be a hit with family and friends alike. It’s a dish that is both simple to prepare and impressive to serve. Plus, it comes together quickly, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when you want to enjoy a delicious homemade meal with minimal effort.

With this guide, you’ll not only be able to make a fantastic Hot Orange Chicken, but you’ll also impress everyone at the table – whether it’s by the aroma wafting through your home or the refreshing zing of flavor in every bite. Get ready for compliments, because this Orange Chicken is about to become a staple in your culinary repertoire!