Hot Orange Chicken
What makes this recipe special
Hot Orange Chicken is a delightful twist on a classic dish. With a sweet and tangy orange sauce that perfectly complements the crispy chicken, it offers a burst of flavor in every bite. This recipe is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making it an excellent choice for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
How to make Hot Orange Chicken
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Green onions, for garnish
Directions:
- In a bowl, coat chicken pieces with cornstarch; shake off excess.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken in batches, cooking until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- In another bowl, mix orange juice, soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes.
- Pour the orange sauce over the chicken, stirring to coat.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Serve hot, garnished with green onions.
How to serve Hot Orange Chicken
Hot Orange Chicken is best served over steamed rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables. You can also pair it with a light salad for a fresh touch. For an extra kick, add some extra red pepper flakes or serve with chili sauce on the side.
How to store Hot Orange Chicken
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Tips to make Hot Orange Chicken
- For extra crunch, double fry the chicken pieces. Fry them once, let them cool, and then fry again after coating with sauce.
- You can use orange zest for an additional orange flavor in the sauce.
- If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of sugar or use a sugar substitute.
Variation
You can easily make this recipe healthier by swapping out the chicken breast for tofu for a vegetarian option. The cooking method remains the same, ensuring a crispy result.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but ensure it is fully thawed before coating with cornstarch.
2. How can I make the sauce spicier?
Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the orange sauce mixture.
3. Can I use another fruit juice instead of orange juice?
Sure! Pineapple juice or mango juice can work as alternatives for unique flavor profiles.
Hot Orange Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup cornstarch for coating the chicken
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil for frying
- ½ cup orange juice
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- ¼ cup sugar adjust for sweetness preference
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) for spice
- Green onions, for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- In a bowl, coat chicken pieces with cornstarch; shake off excess.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Cooking
- Add chicken in batches, cooking until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- In another bowl, mix orange juice, soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes.
- Pour the orange sauce over the chicken, stirring to coat.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Serving
- Serve hot, garnished with green onions.
