Hot Orange Chicken Recipe

A Spicy, Citrusy Delight

Hot Orange Chicken is a bold and zesty dish that combines crispy fried chicken with a tangy, spicy orange sauce. This recipe is a twist on classic Orange Chicken, incorporating chili flakes or hot sauce for an extra kick. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it delivers a balance of sweetness, acidity, and heat that keeps you coming back for more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Sweet, spicy, and tangy – a perfect balance of flavors.
• Crispy yet saucy – the chicken remains crunchy while soaking up the delicious orange glaze.
• Easy to make at home – skip the takeout and enjoy a homemade version with fresh ingredients.
• Customizable heat level – adjust the spice to your preference.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (or thighs), cut into bite-sized pieces
• ½ cup cornstarch
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 egg
• ¼ cup water
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Spicy Orange Sauce:

• 1 cup fresh orange juice
• Zest of 1 orange
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• ⅓ cup honey or brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sriracha or chili paste (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional, for flavor)
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

1. In a bowl, whisk the egg and water together.
2. In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch, flour, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Dip each chicken piece into the egg mixture, then coat it in the flour mixture.
4. Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or wok to 350°F (175°C).
5. Fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Drain on a paper towel.

2. Make the Orange Sauce

1. In a small saucepan, combine orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), rice vinegar, sriracha, red pepper flakes, garlic, and ginger.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
3. Stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) and continue stirring until the sauce thickens.
4. Remove from heat and stir in sesame oil for extra flavor (optional).

3. Coat the Chicken and Serve

1. Toss the fried chicken in the spicy orange sauce until fully coated.
2. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
3. Serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.

Variations and Substitutions

• Mild Version – Reduce or omit the sriracha and red pepper flakes for a less spicy dish.
• Extra Crunchy – Double fry the chicken by frying once, letting it rest, then frying again for 2 more minutes.
• Baked Version – Instead of frying, bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Air Fryer Option – Cook the coated chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 15-18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway.
• Different Protein – Try shrimp, tofu, or cauliflower for a unique twist.

Serving Size and Cooking Time

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze the fried chicken (without sauce) for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before tossing in sauce.
• Reheating: Reheat chicken in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or in an air fryer for 5 minutes to maintain crispiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is this dish?

It has a moderate level of heat, but you can easily adjust the spiciness by adding or reducing the chili flakes and sriracha.

Can I use bottled orange juice?

Yes, but fresh orange juice gives the best flavor. If using bottled, choose one without added sugar for balance.

What can I serve with Hot Orange Chicken?

Steamed white rice, fried rice, noodles, or stir-fried vegetables complement this dish well.

How do I make this gluten-free?

Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour, and use tamari instead of soy sauce.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and fry the chicken ahead of time. Store them separately and toss together before serving.

Why is my sauce too thick or thin?

If too thick, add a splash of water or orange juice. If too thin, cook it longer or add more cornstarch slurry.

What oil is best for frying?

Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable, canola, or peanut oil.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and work great in this recipe.

Is this similar to Panda Express Orange Chicken?

Yes, but this version is spicier and has a fresher, homemade taste.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes! Bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas make great additions.

Conclusion

Hot Orange Chicken is a fantastic dish that delivers bold flavors with a satisfying crunch. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleaser for special occasions, this recipe is sure to impress. Try it today and customize the spice level to your liking!

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