Hot Orange Chicken

Introduction

Hot Orange Chicken is a bold, exciting, and flavorful dish that brings a delightful balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors. This dish takes the classic Chinese orange chicken to new heights by adding a fiery kick, making it a perfect choice for those who love their food with a bit of heat. The crispy chicken is coated in a zesty orange sauce that’s been enhanced with chili flakes or hot sauce, delivering a balance of heat and sweetness that is absolutely irresistible.

Whether you’re craving a flavorful weeknight dinner, or you’re entertaining guests and want to impress them with something a bit different, Hot Orange Chicken is the perfect choice. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of making this spicy yet savory dish, explore the ingredients, and provide tips and variations to customize it to your liking. Plus, we’ll share ideas for side dishes that pair wonderfully with Hot Orange Chicken.

Let’s get started on making this deliciously spicy and sweet dish!

Why You’ll Love This Hot Orange Chicken

• Sweet and Spicy: The combination of sweet orange sauce and spicy heat from chili flakes or hot sauce creates an unforgettable flavor profile that’s sure to please your taste buds.
• Crispy Chicken: The crispy exterior of the chicken, paired with the luscious orange sauce, provides a satisfying contrast in texture with every bite.
• Quick and Easy: Hot Orange Chicken is surprisingly easy to prepare and can be made in under an hour, making it a great option for busy weeknights or dinner parties.
• Customizable: The level of heat and sweetness can be easily adjusted to suit your preferences, so you can make it as mild or as fiery as you like.
• Crowd-Pleaser: This dish is a sure hit with anyone who loves bold flavors. Its irresistible balance of heat and sweetness makes it perfect for entertaining or sharing with friends and family.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 45-55 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15-20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
• Servings: 4-6 servings
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 450-550 calories (depending on serving size and ingredients)
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 30g, Carbs: 45g, Fat: 18g, Fiber: 2g

Ingredients

For this Hot Orange Chicken recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

Do for Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (for coating the chicken)
• 1/2 cup cornstarch (helps to create a crispy coating)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder (helps with the crispiness)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 large eggs (beaten)
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Orange Sauce:

• 1/2 cup fresh orange juice (for a tangy base)
• Zest of 1 orange (adds extra citrus flavor)
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce (for depth and saltiness)
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (for acidity)
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (adds sweetness and complexity)
• 3 tablespoons honey (for additional sweetness)
• 1 tablespoon sriracha or chili paste (adjust for spice level)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (for savory depth)
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated (adds warmth and spice)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil (for flavor)
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (to thicken the sauce)
• 1/4 cup water (for thinning the sauce)

Garnish and Extra Flavor:

• 2 tablespoons green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• Red chili flakes (optional, for extra heat)

Ingredient Highlights

• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are ideal for this recipe. Breasts provide a leaner option, while thighs add juiciness and flavor. Cut into bite-sized pieces, they fry up quickly and evenly.
• Orange Juice & Zest: Fresh orange juice is the key to the tangy citrus flavor that defines this dish. Orange zest adds a burst of aromatic citrus that enhances the sauce.
• Soy Sauce & Hoisin Sauce: Soy sauce brings umami to the sauce, while hoisin sauce contributes a slightly sweet, tangy depth that pairs beautifully with the orange and heat.
• Chili Paste/Sriracha: The heat in Hot Orange Chicken comes from sriracha or chili paste. Adjust the quantity depending on your preferred spice level. For a milder version, you can use less, and for a more fiery dish, feel free to add extra!
• Sesame Oil: A small amount of sesame oil adds a nutty, fragrant depth to the sauce, balancing out the sweetness and heat.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

1. Cut the Chicken: Begin by cutting the chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized pieces. Pat the pieces dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This will help the batter stick better during frying.
2. Coat the Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and pepper. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs. Dip each piece of chicken into the egg, ensuring it’s fully coated, then toss it in the flour mixture, making sure each piece is evenly coated with the dry ingredients.
3. Heat the Oil: Heat about 1-2 inches of vegetable oil in a large frying pan or deep fryer over medium-high heat. You can test the oil by dropping a small piece of batter into the pan; if it bubbles and sizzles, the oil is ready.
4. Fry the Chicken: Fry the chicken in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 4-6 minutes per batch or until the chicken is golden brown and crispy on the outside. Use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Prepare the Orange Sauce

5. Combine the Sauce Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the fresh orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, honey, sriracha (or chili paste), minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil. Whisk everything together until smooth.
6. Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with the water to create a slurry. Slowly pour this into the saucepan with the sauce, stirring constantly. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
7. Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust the sweetness or heat to your preference by adding more honey or sriracha if needed. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of water to thin it out.

Combine Chicken and Sauce

8. Coat the Chicken in Sauce: Once the chicken is fried and the sauce is ready, add the chicken pieces into the saucepan with the orange sauce. Toss the chicken to coat evenly in the sauce, ensuring every piece is fully covered. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes over low heat, allowing the sauce to caramelize slightly on the chicken.

Serve and Garnish

9. Serve the Hot Orange Chicken: Transfer the chicken to a serving platter and garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness and color. For an extra touch of heat, sprinkle some red chili flakes on top.
10. Enjoy! Serve the Hot Orange Chicken immediately while it’s hot and crispy. It pairs perfectly with a side of steamed rice or noodles.

How to Serve Hot Orange Chicken

Hot Orange Chicken is a flavorful main dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas to complement this spicy and sweet chicken:

Classic Side Dishes:

1. Steamed Rice: A simple, fluffy bowl of white or brown rice is the perfect base to soak up the rich and tangy sauce of the Hot Orange Chicken.
2. Vegetable Stir-Fry: A light stir-fry with vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas adds freshness and crunch to the meal, balancing out the richness of the chicken.
3. Fried Rice: For a more indulgent side, fried rice with a bit of egg, peas, carrots, and scallions works wonderfully with Hot Orange Chicken, creating a satisfying, hearty meal.
4. Asian Slaw: A refreshing slaw made with cabbage, carrots, and a tangy vinaigrette offers a crisp, cool contrast to the hot and spicy chicken.

Wine Pairing:

Pairing wine with Hot Orange Chicken can be tricky due to its spicy and sweet nature, but there are some excellent options. A light, fruity white wine like a Riesling or Gewürztraminer works well, as their sweetness complements the dish. For something drier, a Sauvignon Blanc can provide a nice balance. If you prefer red wine, opt for a light Pinot Noir, which won’t overpower the dish.

Tips for the Perfect Hot Orange Chicken

• Adjust the Spice: Feel free to adjust the spice level according to your preference. If you like a mild dish, reduce the amount of sriracha or chili paste, or use a mild hot sauce. For extra heat, add more chili flakes or fresh chopped peppers.
• Crispy Chicken: To achieve the crispiest chicken, be sure to fry the chicken pieces in batches without overcrowding the pan. This ensures that each piece gets crispy and golden brown.
• Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh orange juice and zest for the best flavor. Bottled orange juice can be too sweet and lack the brightness that fresh juice provides.
• Make-Ahead Sauce: You can make the orange sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it gently before tossing it with the fried chicken.

Variations of Hot Orange Chicken

While Hot Orange Chicken is already a flavorful dish, there are a few variations to explore:

1. Orange Chicken with Tofu: For a vegetarian version, swap the chicken for crispy tofu cubes. The tofu will absorb the sauce beautifully and offer a lighter option.
2. Hot Orange Shrimp: Replace the chicken with shrimp for a seafood twist. Shrimp cooks quickly, so be sure to adjust the frying time accordingly.
3. Spicy Orange Chicken Wings: If you prefer chicken wings, you can make this dish with crispy fried wings instead of bite-sized chicken pieces, offering a fun and flavorful finger food option.

FAQ Section for Hot Orange Chicken

• Can I use frozen chicken? Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Be sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before coating it and frying.
• Can I make this dish ahead of time? The chicken is best served freshly fried to maintain its crispiness. However, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• How do I store leftovers? Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, but be aware that the chicken may lose some of its crispiness.
• Can I freeze Hot Orange Chicken? It’s not recommended to freeze the chicken, as the texture may suffer. However, you can freeze the sauce for up to 3 months and reheat it when needed.

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Conclusion

Hot Orange Chicken is a flavorful, satisfying dish that perfectly balances sweet and spicy flavors. Whether you’re craving a spicy kick to your dinner or looking to impress guests with a unique dish, this recipe is sure to deliver. With its crispy chicken coated in a tangy orange sauce and the option to adjust the spice level, it’s a versatile and delicious choice for any occasion. Don’t forget to pair it with your favorite sides and a glass of wine to complete the meal. Enjoy every bite of this zesty, spicy, and sweet dish!