Why You’ll Love this Sweet & Spicy Orange Chicken
If you’re searching for the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors all in one irresistible dish, you’ll absolutely fall in love with this orange chicken recipe!
I’m obsessed with how the crispy exterior of the chicken soaks up that glossy, vibrant sauce that’s bursting with fresh orange and aromatic garlic notes.
The beauty lies in those dried red chilies that add just enough heat without overwhelming the palate.
Trust me, the combination of that rich brown bean sauce with the bright citrus creates a restaurant-quality meal that’ll have everyone requesting seconds.
What Ingredients are in Sweet & Spicy Orange Chicken?
This sweet and spicy orange chicken recipe calls for a perfect balance of protein, aromatics, and flavorful sauces that come together to create that irresistible restaurant-style dish we all crave. The ingredients list might look long at first glance, but most items are pantry staples you probably already have on hand. And trust me, the depth of flavor they create is absolutely worth gathering everything together before you start cooking.
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- Cornstarch (for coating and for the sauce)
- Cooking oil (peanut oil preferred)
- 8 cloves garlic, minced
- 8-10 dried hot red chili peppers
- 1 orange
- 1/4 cup light soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sake or dry sherry
- 2 tablespoons frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed
- 2 tablespoons spicy brown bean sauce
- 2 teaspoons minced ginger
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Hot steamed rice, for serving
When shopping for ingredients, quality matters for a few key components. Look for fresh chicken thighs rather than breasts if possible—they stay juicier and more flavorful through the frying process. The dried chilies can be adjusted based on your heat preference, maybe starting with fewer if you’re sensitive to spice. Can’t find brown bean sauce? It’s worth seeking out at an Asian market for that authentic flavor, though hoisin sauce with a bit of chili paste could work in a pinch. And while the recipe calls for orange juice concentrate, the zest and juice from the fresh orange adds brightness that really makes this dish sing.
How to Make this Sweet & Spicy Orange Chicken
Start by preparing your chicken thighs – you’ll need 1 pound, cut into 1-inch cubes. Mix 1 large beaten egg with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch and toss the chicken in this mixture, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated. Let this sit for about 10-15 minutes while you prepare the sauce.
The sauce is where all that sweet and spicy magic happens! Combine 1/4 cup light soy sauce, 1 tablespoon sake (or dry sherry), 2 tablespoons thawed orange juice concentrate, 2 tablespoons spicy brown bean sauce, 2 teaspoons minced ginger, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, and 1 tablespoon cornstarch in a small bowl and set it aside.
Now for the cooking part. Heat about 4 cups of cooking oil (peanut oil works wonderfully here) in your wok to around 350°F. Take each chicken piece, dust it with additional cornstarch, shake off the excess, and fry for about 1 1/2 to 2 minutes until they’re crispy and lightly browned. For even better results, consider using a professional deep fryer which provides consistent temperature control and perfect crispiness every time.
Once done, drain the chicken and set aside. Drain the oil from your wok, then add about 1 1/2 tablespoons of fresh oil. This is where things get aromatic – add your prepared orange peel (from 1 orange, cut and with white pith removed), 8-10 dried hot red chili peppers, and 8 cloves of minced garlic. Cook until fragrant and the peppers begin to darken.
Pour in your prepared sauce and cook until it thickens into a glaze-like consistency. Finally, add the chicken back to the wok, stirring until every piece is well-coated and warmed through, which takes just 30 seconds to a minute.
The combination of crispy chicken with that sticky, sweet-spicy orange sauce is truly something special. The orange peel adds authentic citrus notes that you just can’t get from juice alone, while the chili peppers provide that perfect kick of heat.
Serve your orange chicken immediately over hot steamed rice, and watch as it disappears faster than you can say “better than takeout.” Who needs restaurant food when you can create this delicious masterpiece right in your own kitchen?
Sweet & Spicy Orange Chicken Substitutions and Variations
While the traditional recipe creates a mouthwatering dish, there’s plenty of room to customize this orange chicken to match your pantry contents or dietary needs.
I’d suggest swapping chicken thighs for breast meat if you prefer a leaner option, though you’ll lose some of that juicy tenderness.
No sake or sherry? A splash of rice vinegar with a pinch of sugar works beautifully.
For a gluten-free version, tamari replaces soy sauce, while arrowroot can substitute cornstarch.
Vegans can transform this by using crispy tofu or cauliflower florets.
Heat-sensitive? Simply reduce those fiery dried chilies—I won’t tell the spice police!
What to Serve with Sweet & Spicy Orange Chicken
Wondering what complements the tangy-sweet glory of orange chicken? I’m a firm believer that the perfect side dishes can elevate this dish from merely delicious to absolutely unforgettable.
Steamed jasmine rice is my go-to foundation—its subtle floral aroma and fluffy texture soaks up that glossy orange sauce beautifully.
For a healthier twist, I’ll add stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers, cooking them until they’re vibrant and still slightly crisp.
A simple cucumber salad with rice vinegar dressing offers a revitalizing counterpoint to the rich, spicy chicken.
Trust me, these pairings create the perfect balance!
Final Thoughts
After mastering this Sweet & Spicy Orange Chicken recipe, I’m convinced it’s a showstopper that deserves a permanent spot in your cooking repertoire. The balance between sticky-sweet orange glaze and those fiery dried chilies creates a tension that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
I’m particularly fond of how the crispy exterior maintains its texture even after being tossed in sauce—a culinary achievement that often eludes home cooks!
While it might seem like several steps, don’t let that intimidate you. The process becomes second nature with practice, and that first bite—tender chicken wrapped in that glossy, aromatic sauce—makes every minute worthwhile.
