Why You’ll Love this Sweet & Spicy Orange Chicken
If you’ve ever craved that perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors, this orange chicken recipe will absolutely win you over.
I’m talking about tender chunks of chicken, crispy on the outside, bathed in a glossy sauce that perfectly balances orange zest, soy, and just enough heat from those dried chilies.
What makes this version special? It’s the combination of fresh orange and concentrated juice that delivers that authentic citrus punch without being overly sweet.
Plus, you can easily adjust the spice level to suit your family’s preferences. Serve it over steaming rice for a restaurant-quality meal right at home.
What Ingredients are in Sweet & Spicy Orange Chicken?
This orange chicken recipe brings together a perfect blend of fresh and pantry ingredients to create that irresistible sweet-spicy-tangy flavor we all crave.
The magic happens when the crispy chicken meets the vibrant orange sauce, creating something far better than takeout. Ready to see what makes this dish so special?
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- Cornstarch (for coating chicken and thickening sauce)
- Cooking oil (peanut oil recommended)
- 8 cloves garlic, minced
- 8-10 dried hot red chili peppers
- 1 orange (for zest, juice, and optional garnish)
- 1/4 cup light soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sake or dry sherry
- 2 tablespoons frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed
- 2 tablespoons spicy brown bean sauce
- 2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Hot steamed rice, for serving
Don’t worry if you can’t find every single ingredient exactly as listed. The orange juice concentrate is key for intense flavor, but you could substitute with fresh orange juice reduced down with a bit of sugar if needed.
The spicy brown bean sauce gives this dish its distinctive character—look for it in the Asian food section of your grocery store or at Asian markets.
And about those dried chilies? They’re what give the “spicy” to our sweet and spicy chicken, but you can absolutely adjust the quantity based on your heat tolerance.
How to Make this Sweet & Spicy Orange Chicken
Start by preparing your chicken and coating mixture. In a bowl, mix 1 large egg with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch until well combined, then add your 1 pound of boneless skinless chicken thighs (cut into 1-inch cubes) and coat thoroughly. Let this mixture stand for about 10-15 minutes—this resting time is essential for the coating to adhere properly and create that signature crispy exterior we’re after.
While the chicken is resting, prepare your orange sauce by combining 1/4 cup light soy sauce, 1 tablespoon sake or dry sherry, 2 tablespoons thawed orange juice concentrate, 2 tablespoons spicy brown bean sauce, 2 teaspoons minced ginger, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, and 1 tablespoon cornstarch in a small bowl.
Then, prepare your orange peel by quartering an orange, carefully removing the peel without splitting it, and scraping away as much of the bitter white pith as possible. This orange peel will infuse the oil with incredible citrus aromatics.
Heat about 4 cups of cooking oil (peanut oil works wonderfully here) in a wok until it reaches approximately 350°F. Place some cornstarch in a separate bowl, and individually dust each piece of chicken before frying them in batches until golden and crispy.
After frying all your chicken pieces, drain off most of the oil, leaving just enough to stir-fry your 8 cloves of minced garlic and 8-10 dried hot red chili peppers until fragrant.
Now comes the magic moment—add your prepared sauce to the wok and cook until it starts to thicken. Toss in the crispy chicken pieces and the prepared orange peel, stirring everything together until the chicken is thoroughly coated in that glossy, sweet-spicy sauce.
Can you already smell that intoxicating aroma of orange and spice filling your kitchen? Serve this delectable creation over hot steamed rice, and watch as everyone at the table falls silent, too busy enjoying each perfect bite to speak.
Sweet & Spicy Orange Chicken Substitutions and Variations
Now that you’ve mastered the classic recipe, let’s explore some creative substitutions and variations to make this orange chicken your own.
Chicken breasts work perfectly if you prefer white meat, or try firm tofu for a vegetarian twist.
No orange juice concentrate? Use fresh-squeezed orange juice and a bit of honey. The spice level is completely adjustable—add more chilies for heat lovers or tone it down for sensitive palates.
For a tropical spin, mix in some pineapple chunks.
Need a lighter version? Skip the deep frying and stir-fry the chicken instead.
I’m all about options!
What to Serve with Sweet & Spicy Orange Chicken
While the Sweet & Spicy Orange Chicken shines as the star of your meal, selecting the right supporting dishes can elevate your dining experience to restaurant quality.
I always recommend serving this vibrant dish over steamed jasmine or basmati rice – perfect for soaking up that delicious orange sauce.
For veggies, try stir-fried bok choy or steamed broccoli with a touch of sesame oil.
Want something cooling? A simple cucumber salad with rice vinegar balances the heat beautifully.
For a complete takeout-style spread, add vegetable spring rolls or crab rangoons on the side.
Craving something invigorating to drink? Try iced green tea with a hint of orange.
Final Thoughts
This flavorful Sweet & Spicy Orange Chicken brings together everything I love about homemade Chinese-inspired dishes.
The balance of tangy orange, spicy chilies, and that gorgeous sticky sauce creates something truly special on your dinner table.
Trust me, once you master this recipe, you’ll never need takeout again. The secret lies in properly coating the chicken and getting that sauce consistency just right—not too thick, not too thin.
What makes this dish extraordinary is its versatility. Serve it over rice, with noodles, or alongside steamed veggies for a complete meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
