Sweet and Spicy Orange Chicken
Indulge in the delightful fusion of flavors with this Sweet and Spicy Orange Chicken. Tender chicken pieces are coated in a luscious orange sauce that perfectly balances sweetness with a hint of heat. This dish is not only quick to prepare but also impressive enough for gatherings, making it ideal for cozy family dinners or festive occasions. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 3 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and pat dry with paper towels.
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, orange juice, and red pepper flakes to create the marinade.
- Coat chicken pieces evenly in cornstarch for crispiness.
- Heat sesame oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté chicken in batches until golden brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
- Pour the marinade into the skillet and simmer for about 5 minutes until thickened.
- Toss in chopped green onions just before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 215g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: For added nutrition, consider incorporating vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas. Substitute chicken with tofu or shrimp for variety. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently.