Go Back
+ servings
Delicious hot orange chicken served with rice and vegetables

Easy Hot Orange Chicken

A quick and zesty dish blending sweet and spicy flavors, this Easy Hot Orange Chicken is perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Asian, Chinese
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb boneless chicken thighs or breasts Feel free to use diced tofu for a vegetarian option.
  • 1 cup orange juice Freshly squeezed will enhance the flavor, but store-bought works too.
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce Low-sodium soy sauce is a great alternative if you’re watching salt intake.
  • 2 tbsp honey Maple syrup can be an excellent vegan substitute!
  • 1 tsp red chili flakes Adjust according to your spice preference.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic is best, but you can also use the jarred kind for convenience.
  • 1 tsp ginger, minced If you don’t have fresh ginger, powdered ginger works in a pinch.
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water This will help thicken your sauce.
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil You can substitute with olive oil if needed.
  • to taste chopped green onions Optional, but they add a nice crunch.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Pat them dry with a paper towel.
Cooking
  1. Heat a tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the chicken pieces and cook untouched for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown.
  3. While the chicken cooks, whisk together orange juice, soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and red chili flakes in a bowl.
  4. Pour the sauce over the browned chicken and let it simmer while stirring.
  5. Add the cornstarch mixture and let it thicken and coat the chicken.
  6. Cook for another 5 minutes to absorb flavors and adjust seasoning.
Serving
  1. Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped green onions for garnish.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 600mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10g

Notes

This recipe is versatile; you can swap proteins or add different vegetables to suit your preference.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!