Description
A spicy and zesty twist on classic Orange Chicken, featuring crispy fried chicken tossed in a tangy, spicy orange sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (or thighs), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup water
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Spicy Orange Sauce:
- 1 cup fresh orange juice
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/3 cup honey or brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sriracha or chili paste (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional)
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
- In a bowl, whisk together the egg and water.
- In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch, flour, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Dip each chicken piece into the egg mixture, then coat with the flour mixture.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or wok to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry chicken in batches until golden brown and crispy (about 4-5 minutes per batch). Drain on a paper towel.
2. Make the Orange Sauce
- In a saucepan, combine orange juice, zest, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sriracha, red pepper flakes, garlic, and ginger.
- Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the cornstarch slurry and continue stirring until the sauce thickens.
- Remove from heat and stir in sesame oil (optional).
3. Coat the Chicken and Serve
- Toss the fried chicken in the spicy orange sauce until fully coated.
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
- Serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.
Notes
- Mild Version: Reduce or omit the sriracha and red pepper flakes.
- Extra Crunchy: Double fry the chicken for added crispiness.
- Baked Version: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Air Fryer Option: Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 15-18 minutes, shaking halfway.
- Different Protein: Substitute chicken with shrimp, tofu, or cauliflower.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: frying
- Cuisine: Asian, Chinese-American
Keywords: spicy orange chicken, crispy chicken, homemade takeout, Asian chicken recipe, sweet and spicy chicken