Imagine a dish that combines the zesty brightness of orange, the warming kick of ginger, and the succulent tenderness of perfectly cooked chicken - all in one mouthwatering recipe! This Spicy Orange Ginger Chicken is not just a meal; it's a culinary adventure that transforms ordinary weeknight dinners into an extraordinary dining experience. With a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors, this Asian-inspired dish will transport your senses to a world of delicious excitement.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1 tbsp grated ginger
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Gather 4 chicken thighs, 1/2 cup of orange juice, 1 tablespoon of grated ginger, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of honey, and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Also, have salt and pepper ready for seasoning.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the orange juice, grated ginger, soy sauce, honey, and red pepper flakes. Whisk these ingredients together until the honey is fully dissolved and the mixture is well combined.
- Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides. This will enhance the flavor of the chicken.
- Place the seasoned chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the orange juice mixture over the chicken, ensuring that each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is heating, remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off.
- In an oven-safe skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken thighs, skin-side down. Sear the chicken for about 5 minutes until the skin is golden brown.
- After searing, flip the chicken thighs over and pour the remaining marinade over them. Bring the marinade to a simmer.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Once cooked, remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes. This helps retain the juices.
- Serve the spicy orange ginger chicken with your choice of sides, such as steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables, and drizzle some of the remaining sauce from the skillet over the top for added flavor.
Tips
- Marination is Key: Don't rush the marinating process. While 15 minutes works, letting the chicken sit for up to 2 hours will allow deeper flavor penetration.
- Temperature Matters: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) without overcooking.
- Skin Searing Technique: When searing the chicken, make sure your skillet is hot and the oil is shimmering to achieve that beautiful golden-brown crispy skin.
- Sauce Reduction: If you want a thicker sauce, after removing the chicken, simmer the remaining marinade on the stovetop for a few extra minutes.
- Customize the Heat: Adjust the red pepper flakes to suit your spice tolerance. Less for mild, more for those who love a fiery kick!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 244kcal
Carbohydrates: 24g
Protein: 31g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 60mg
