Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that will transport you straight to the bustling streets of China with this mouthwatering Spicy Chinese Chicken in Orange Sauce! Imagine tender chicken pieces bathed in a vibrant, zesty sauce that perfectly balances heat and sweetness - a dish so irresistible, it'll have your family and friends begging for seconds. Whether you're a spice lover or just looking to elevate your home cooking game, this recipe promises a restaurant-quality meal that's surprisingly simple to prepare.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp chili paste
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 bell pepper
- 1 onion
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes, approximately 1-inch pieces. Season with salt and pepper.
- Dice the bell pepper and onion into uniform, small pieces to ensure even cooking and distribution.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together orange juice, soy sauce, chili paste, and cornstarch until smooth and well-combined.
- Heat a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of cooking oil.
- Add chicken cubes to the hot pan, cooking for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and nearly cooked through, stirring occasionally.
- Add diced onions and bell peppers to the chicken, sautéing for an additional 2-3 minutes until vegetables are slightly tender.
- Pour the prepared orange sauce mixture over the chicken and vegetables, stirring continuously to coat evenly.
- Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 3-4 minutes until sauce thickens and chicken is fully cooked.
- Remove from heat and let rest for 2 minutes to allow sauce to further set.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with chopped green onions or sesame seeds, alongside steamed rice.
Tips
- Chicken Cutting Technique: Cut chicken into uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
- Sauce Preparation: Whisk the sauce ingredients thoroughly to prevent cornstarch from clumping. This ensures a smooth, glossy sauce that coats the chicken perfectly.
- High Heat is Key: Use a wok or large skillet on medium-high heat to achieve that coveted golden-brown sear on the chicken, which locks in flavor and creates a delightful texture.
- Don't Overcook Vegetables: Add bell peppers and onions towards the end of cooking to maintain their crisp texture and vibrant color.
- Sauce Thickening Tip: If the sauce is too thin, mix an extra teaspoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir into the sauce. If too thick, add a splash of orange juice to thin it out.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve immediately over steamed rice to soak up the delicious sauce. Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds for an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal.
- Spice Control: Adjust the amount of chili paste to suit your heat tolerance. Start with less and add more if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 138kcal
Carbohydrates: 11g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 46mg
