If you’re craving a dish that bursts with vibrant flavors and a perfect balance of heat and sweetness, you’ve got to try this Irresistibly Spicy Orange Sesame Chicken Recipe. It’s one of those magical meals where juicy chicken meets a luscious orange glaze, enlivened by toasted sesame seeds and a fiery kick from chili flakes. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe promises a crowd-pleasing combination that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe is simple yet plays an essential role in building the depth and texture that make this dish so memorable. From the bright citrus notes of fresh orange juice to the crunch of toasted sesame seeds, every component adds its own special touch.
- Boneless chicken breasts: Cut into cubes for quick, even cooking and juicy bites.
- Egg white: Helps the coating stick perfectly to the chicken, creating a light crispness.
- Tamari or soy sauce: Adds a savory, umami depth that balances the sweetness.
- Orange zest: Infuses the chicken with fragrant citrus oils for freshness.
- Black pepper: Just a hint for subtle warmth and spice.
- Cornstarch: The secret to that irresistible crispy texture when frying.
- Avocado oil: A healthy oil with a high smoke point, perfect for frying.
- Low sodium chicken broth: Provides richness without overpowering the orange flavors.
- Fresh orange juice: Brings natural sweetness and tang to the sauce.
- Rice vinegar: Adds a gentle acidity to brighten the sauce.
- Honey: Sweetens the sauce naturally, balancing the chili heat.
- Garlic and fresh grated ginger: Essential aromatics that deliver bold, fresh flavor.
- Chili flakes: Spice things up with just the right amount of heat.
- Toasted sesame seeds: Nutty crunch that complements the tender chicken perfectly.
- Green onions: Fresh garnish that adds a crisp bite and vibrant color.
How to Make Irresistibly Spicy Orange Sesame Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by combining cubed chicken breasts with egg white, tamari or soy sauce, orange zest, and black pepper in a large bowl. This marinade not only flavors the chicken deeply but also helps tenderize it, making every bite juicy and zesty. Make sure every piece is well coated because this step sets the foundation for all the deliciousness to come.
Step 2: Coat with Cornstarch
Next, dredge each piece of the marinated chicken through cornstarch. This coating will transform into a satisfyingly crisp crust when fried, adding an irresistible texture contrast to the tender chicken inside. Don’t skip this step—it’s what turns the dish from good to sensational.
Step 3: Prepare the Orange Sauce
Whisk together the chicken broth, fresh orange juice, tamari or soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey in a glass jar or bowl. This blend creates the bright, tangy, and slightly sweet sauce that defines the Irresistibly Spicy Orange Sesame Chicken Recipe. The balance here is key, so take a moment to mix it well.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken
Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Fry the coated chicken pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding, cooking each batch until golden brown, roughly 5 minutes. This frying step seals in the juices and adds that signature crunch everyone will adore.
Step 5: Cook the Sauce
After removing the chicken, sauté grated garlic, fresh ginger, and chili flakes in the same skillet for 1-2 minutes. This step releases aromatic spices and builds complexity. Pour in the prepared orange sauce and simmer, allowing it to thicken and become beautifully glossy in about 3-4 minutes.
Step 6: Combine and Glaze
Return the crispy chicken to the skillet and toss it in the thickened sauce, letting every piece soak up the vibrant flavors while the sauce clings tightly. Cook together for another 5 minutes to achieve that mouthwatering glaze that defines the Irresistibly Spicy Orange Sesame Chicken Recipe.
How to Serve Irresistibly Spicy Orange Sesame Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
To finish, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the top. These garnishes add a delightful crunch and fresh bite, as well as a pop of color that makes the dish look as inviting as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This orange sesame chicken shines alongside steamed jasmine rice or fluffy brown rice, which soaks up every drop of the rich sauce. For a green contrast, try simple steamed broccoli or snap peas for crunch and freshness—a perfect balance to the flavorful chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling a little adventurous? Serve the chicken over a bed of cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist, or pile it into lettuce wraps for a fun handheld meal. Drizzle an extra splash of orange sauce over the top and scatter sesame seeds for that dinner party wow factor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it an easy and flavorful lunch or dinner option.
Freezing
If you want to keep this dish longer, freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers or freezer bags. They will maintain best quality for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the sauce from sticking or burning. This method helps the chicken stay tender and the sauce retain its glossy, spicy charm from the original Irresistibly Spicy Orange Sesame Chicken Recipe.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add a bit more richness and stay juicy, which works beautifully with the bold sauce in this recipe. Just adjust cooking time slightly to ensure they’re cooked through.
How spicy is this dish?
The chili flakes add a moderate level of heat that complements the sweet orange sauce—enough to excite your taste buds without overwhelming them. You can always adjust the amount to suit your spice preference.
Is tamari interchangeable with soy sauce?
Yes, tamari is a gluten-free alternative that has a smoother, less salty taste than typical soy sauce. Either works well here; just be mindful of salt levels when adjusting.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Definitely! Using tamari and cornstarch keeps this recipe naturally gluten-free, so it’s suitable for most dietary needs without sacrificing flavor or texture.
What’s the best way to zest an orange?
Use a microplane or fine grater to carefully remove just the colorful outer layer of the orange peel, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath. The zest adds vibrant citrus oils that elevate the entire dish.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the joy of serving up this Irresistibly Spicy Orange Sesame Chicken Recipe to friends and family. It’s one of those dishes that feels special yet simple, bursting with flavor and texture in every bite. I promise, once you try it, it will become a favorite you’ll want to make again and again.
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Irresistibly Spicy Orange Sesame Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Irresistibly Spicy Orange Sesame Chicken is a perfect balance of zesty orange flavor, savory tamari, and a spicy kick from chili flakes. Tender chicken breasts are coated in cornstarch for a crispy finish and tossed in a luscious homemade orange sauce, garnished with toasted sesame seeds and green onions. Ready in just 35 minutes, this skillet-cooked dish makes a flavorful, satisfying entree perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 1 pound boneless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
- 1 egg white
- 1/4 cup tamari or soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup avocado oil
Orange Sauce
- 1/2 cup low sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/4 cup tamari or soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 3 cloves garlic, grated
- 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
- 2 stalks green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the cubed chicken, egg white, tamari or soy sauce, orange zest, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly so every piece is well coated, ensuring a flavorful bite.
- Coat with Cornstarch: In a separate bowl, add the cornstarch. Dredge each piece of marinated chicken through the cornstarch, making sure each one is completely coated to achieve a crispy texture when cooked.
- Prepare the Orange Sauce: In a glass jar or bowl, whisk together the low sodium chicken broth, fresh orange juice, tamari or soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey until the honey dissolves and the sauce is well combined.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cornstarch-coated chicken pieces in batches, cooking until golden brown on all sides, about 5 minutes per batch. Remove cooked chicken and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics and Spice: In the same skillet, add the grated garlic, grated ginger, and chili flakes. Sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant but not burnt.
- Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the prepared orange sauce mixture into the skillet with the aromatics. Bring it to a gentle boil and allow it to cook for 3 to 4 minutes, letting the flavors meld and the sauce reduce slightly.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Toss everything together and continue cooking for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens and perfectly glazes the chicken pieces.
- Garnish and Serve: Serve the orange sesame chicken hot over steamed rice. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions for added crunch and flavor.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, ensure the tamari or soy sauce used is gluten-free.
- Adjust chili flakes according to preferred spice level.
- Cornstarch can be substituted with arrowroot powder for a similar crispy texture.
- Use fresh orange juice for the brightest flavor; bottled juice may alter taste.
- Cook chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet, ensuring even browning.
