Homemade Spicy Orange Chicken
Homemade Spicy Orange Chicken is better than takeout and the BEST easy orange chicken recipe! Skillet cooked chicken coated in a sticky, tangy, spicy orange marmalade sauce and ready to serve in just 30 minutes makes this Chinese orange chicken a meal the whole family will love.
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts, cut into 1" pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3/4 cup orange marmalade
- 1 large orange, juice and zest
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1/3 cup orange juice
- 1 1/2 tablespoons vinegar
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1/8 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne powder or red pepper flakes depending on taste
- 1/2 cup chicken stock
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- green onions and sesame seeds for garnish optional
Instructions
- To make homemade Orange Chicken, start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Saute chicken breast bites for 5-7 minutes or until golden and cooked through. Once cooked, remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Using the same skillet, add marmalade, orange juice and zest, seasonings, chicken stock, soy sauce, vinegar and cornstarch. Whisk ingredients together and bring to a low boil. Reduce heat to medium/low and let simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add chicken back to skillet and stir to coat with orange marmalade sauce. Let simmer 5 minutes. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions, if desired and serve over rice, cauliflower rice or with steamed vegetables.
Notes
- Cut your chicken breasts into 1" bite size pieces before adding it to your skillet.
- Taste your orange marmalade sauce! This orange sauce is perfect for ME but you may want yours a bit spicier or even more mild.
- Speaking of heat, if you are unsure of how spicy you and your family may like it, start low. Add a bit of the cayenne to see if it suits you and add more if desired.
- Cook your rice and/or veggies while your sauce is thickening. Your dinner will be ready in under 30 minutes.
- Follow your taste! Make this YOUR own homemade Orange Chicken recipe by making it sweeter, tangier, or spicier if desired.
- I, personally, prefer cayenne powder in this recipe over red pepper flakes when looking for that kick of heat. I started with red pepper flakes (see pictures!) but when it was cooked, I added cayenne to the party. Choose your heat :)
