This spicy orange chicken recipe is a delicious twist on the classic Chinese takeout dish. Featuring crispy chicken pieces coated in a sweet and spicy orange sauce, it’s perfect for those who enjoy a kick in their meal.
Learn how to make orange chicken at home with this easy orange chicken recipe that includes chili flakes for added heat. This homemade orange chicken is sure to impress and satisfy your cravings for sweet and spicy chicken.
Overview of Hot Orange Chicken
This hot orange chicken recipe offers a delightful twist on the traditional Chinese takeout chicken.
With its crispy texture and vibrant orange sauce, it’s a dish that brings a burst of flavor to your table.
The combination of sweet and spicy elements makes it a favorite among those who enjoy a bit of heat in their meals.
Ingredients for a Flavorful Dish
To create this spicy orange chicken, you’ll need a selection of fresh ingredients that come together to form a delicious meal.
Key components include boneless, skinless chicken thighs, which provide tenderness and flavor, and a blend of cornstarch and flour for that perfect crispy coating.
The sauce, made from orange juice, sugar, soy sauce, and rice vinegar, is what truly elevates this dish, giving it that signature glossy finish.
Preparation Steps to Achieve Crispy Perfection
Preparation is straightforward and can be completed in about 30 minutes.
Start by mixing the dry ingredients for the coating, ensuring each piece of chicken is well dredged for maximum crispiness.
Frying the chicken in vegetable oil until golden brown is crucial for achieving that desired crunch.
Once fried, the chicken is tossed in a homemade orange sauce that is both sweet and spicy, thanks to the addition of chili flakes.
Serving Suggestions for a Complete Meal
This vibrant dish is best served over a bed of fluffy white rice, which complements the bold flavors of the orange chicken.
Garnishing with chopped green onions and sesame seeds adds a fresh touch and a bit of crunch.
For those who enjoy an extra kick, a sprinkle of chili flakes on top enhances the dish’s visual appeal and flavor profile.
Nutrition and Serving Size
This recipe serves four, making it an excellent option for family dinners or gatherings.
Each serving contains approximately 400 calories, with a balance of protein and carbohydrates, making it a satisfying main dish.
The combination of flavors and textures ensures that this homemade orange chicken will be a hit at your dinner table.
Why Homemade is Better
Making orange chicken at home allows you to control the ingredients and customize the spice level to your liking.
Unlike takeout options, such as Panda Express hot orange chicken, this recipe ensures freshness and quality.
With an easy orange chicken recipe like this, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal without leaving your kitchen.
Crispy Hot Orange Chicken Recipe

This hot orange chicken features tender, crispy chicken pieces tossed in a zesty orange sauce with chili flakes for an extra layer of flavor. The recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish and serves 4 people.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil for frying
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
- Chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: In a bowl, mix cornstarch, flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili flakes. Dredge the chicken pieces in the mixture until well coated.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken pieces in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Make the Sauce: In a separate saucepan, combine orange juice, sugar, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then add the cornstarch mixture to thicken the sauce.
- Combine: Add the fried chicken to the sauce and toss until evenly coated.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 400kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 45g