What To Know
- Pour the orange sauce over the chicken and bring to a simmer.
- Add a teaspoon of sesame oil to the sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
- It’s a great dish to serve for a weeknight dinner or as an appetizer at a party.
Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure as we present a tantalizing orange chicken recipe spicy enough to set your taste buds ablaze. This delectable dish combines the sweet and tangy flavors of orange with a fiery kick that will leave you craving more. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and let’s embark on this journey of culinary delight.
Ingredients:
To create this symphony of flavors, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons ginger powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil, for frying
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons Sriracha sauce (adjust to your desired level of spiciness)
- 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
Instructions:
Follow these steps to create your spicy orange chicken masterpiece:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces, flour, garlic powder, ginger powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly.
2. Fry the Chicken:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the coated chicken pieces and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Orange Sauce:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, Sriracha sauce, orange zest, minced garlic, and minced ginger.
4. Combine the Sauce and Chicken:
- Return the fried chicken to the skillet.
- Pour the orange sauce over the chicken and bring to a simmer.
- Stir gently to coat the chicken in the sauce.
- Continue simmering for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
5. Add Vegetables:
- Add the sliced green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and onion to the skillet.
- Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender but still slightly crunchy.
6. Garnish and Serve:
- Transfer the spicy orange chicken to a serving dish.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro.
- Serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.
Tips for Making the Best Spicy Orange Chicken:
- Ensure the chicken is cut into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Adjust the amount of Sriracha sauce based on your desired level of spiciness.
- Use fresh orange juice for the best flavor.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little water or orange juice to thin it out.
- Serve the spicy orange chicken immediately for the best taste and texture.
Variations:
- For a vegetarian version, substitute tofu or tempeh for the chicken.
- Add a teaspoon of sesame oil to the sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
- For a sweeter version, increase the amount of honey in the sauce.
- Experiment with different types of peppers, such as habanero or cayenne, for a hotter kick.
Health Benefits of Spicy Orange Chicken:
- Oranges are rich in vitamin C, which supports a healthy immune system.
- Bell peppers are a good source of vitamins A and C, which are important for eye and skin health.
- Garlic and ginger have antibacterial and antiviral properties.
- Honey is a natural sweetener that contains antioxidants.
Wrapping Up:
This spicy orange chicken recipe is a perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and fiery flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. It’s a great dish to serve for a weeknight dinner or as an appetizer at a party. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your stove, and prepare to indulge in this culinary delight.
What You Need to Know
Q: Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking.
Q: What can I serve with spicy orange chicken?
A: Steamed rice or noodles are classic accompaniments to spicy orange chicken. You can also serve it with stir-fried vegetables or a side salad.
Q: How can I store leftover spicy orange chicken?
A: Leftover spicy orange chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months.
