Spicy Orange Chicken
Spicy Orange Chicken offers a tantalizing blend of sweet citrus and fiery spices, perfect for those craving bold flavors. The tender chicken coated in a flavorful sauce pairs well with rice or vegetables, making it an ideal choice for a quick weeknight dinner or a lively weekend meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a bag.
- Shake the chicken pieces individually until coated.
- Brown the chicken in butter in a skillet over medium-high heat, then pour off the fat.
- In a bowl, combine the remaining ingredients: brown sugar, vinegar, orange juice, ground nutmeg, and dried basil.
- Add the mixture to the skillet with the chicken and simmer, covered, for 25 minutes or until the chicken is tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken pieces in the dry mixture for at least 30 minutes before cooking. If you don't have orange juice, substitute with pineapple juice for a different twist. Adjust the spice level by adding crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce if you prefer more heat. This dish pairs well with steamed rice or noodles.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Spicy Orange Chicken over a bed of jasmine rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Oriental Brussels Sprouts for a fresh side dish. For a casual gathering, consider offering this dish with a side of Chicken Stir-Fry or a refreshing salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Spicy Orange Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or orange juice to keep it moist, and cook until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the chicken rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spicy Orange Chicken contains roughly 751 calories, with 3g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 61g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 613mg per serving (27% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, boneless chicken works well for Spicy Orange Chicken. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as boneless pieces may cook faster. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure they are fully cooked.
What can I substitute for brown sugar?
If you don't have brown sugar, you can use white sugar mixed with a bit of molasses to mimic the flavor. Alternatively, coconut sugar or honey can also be used, but keep in mind it might slightly alter the taste and texture of the sauce.
Is there a way to make this dish less spicy?
To reduce the spice level, simply omit any additional spices you might add, such as crushed red pepper flakes. You can also increase the amount of orange juice and sugar, which will help balance out the flavors and provide sweetness without the heat.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).