How to Make Spicy Orange Chicken - A Step-by-Step Guide

Spicy Orange Chicken is a classic Chinese-American dish that combines tender pieces of chicken with a zesty and spicy orange sauce. This dish is perfect for anyone who loves the bold flavors of Chinese cuisine and enjoys a little kick of heat in their dishes.

The key to this recipe is the balance of flavors - the sweetness of the orange juice and brown sugar, the acidity of the rice vinegar, and the heat from the red pepper flakes all come together to create a delicious and complex sa...

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup orange juice
  • ⅓ cup brown sugar
  • ⅓ cup rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger root, grated
  • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
  • 1 bunch green onions, sliced, white parts and tops separated
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons grated orange zest
  • 1 red bell pepper, cut into 2 inch pieces
  • ½ cup sugar snap peas
  • 1 fresh jalapeno pepper, sliced into rings
  • 1 bunch cilantro leaves, for garnish

Information

  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 25 mins
  • Additional Time: 1 hr
  • Total Time: 1 hr 45 mins
  • Servings: 6

  • Whisk together orange juice, brown sugar, rice vinegar, fish sauce, soy sauce, ginger, and red pepper flakes in a large bowl.
  • Mix in chicken pieces and toss to evenly coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and marinate in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
  • Drain chicken thoroughly in a colander, reserving marinade.
  • Heat a large nonstick skillet over high heat. Cook and stir chicken in the hot skillet for 2 minutes; spoon out any excess liquid. Continue to cook and stir until chicken caramelizes, 6 to 7 minutes.
  • Stir in white portions of green onions, garlic, and orange zest; cook and stir for 2 to 3 minutes. Pour in 1/2 of the reserved marinade; discard remaining marinade. Simmer until reduced and thickened, 3 to 4 minutes.
  • Stir in bell pepper, sugar snap peas, and jalapeño pepper; cook and stir until vegetables are warmed, about 2 minutes. Stir in green portions of green onions; cook and stir 1 minute.
  • Remove from heat. Garnish with cilantro and serve.
  • Nutrition

    325 cal.

    • Total Fat: 11g
    • Saturated Fat: 3g
    • Cholesterol: 103mg
    • Sodium: 627mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 25g
    • Dietary Fiber: 3g
    • Total Sugars: 18g
    • Protein: 31g
    • Vitamin C: 62mg
    • Calcium: 80mg
    • Iron: 3mg
    • Potassium: 606mg