There’s something about the tangy brightness paired with a little kick that makes the Spicy Orange Chicken Recipe stand out from the usual. It’s that perfect harmony of sweet, spicy, and citrusy flavors that I find myself craving again and again—it’s definitely worth making when you want a dinner that feels both fresh and comforting.

A bowl filled with two main layers: the bottom layer is white rice with a soft, fluffy texture, and the top layer consists of brown chicken pieces coated in a glossy sauce. The chicken is garnished with bright orange slices and small green pieces of chopped green onions spread across the dish. The bowl is white and sits on a white marbled surface, showing part of a similar bowl in the background. The overall look is warm and inviting, with a mix of orange, brown, white, and green colors. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Spicy Orange Chicken Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Spicy Orange Chicken Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Spicy Orange Chicken Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This recipe strikes a balance that's hard to find in homemade dishes — it’s spicy without overwhelming, sweet but not too sugary, and bright thanks to fresh orange. It’s quickly become one of my go-tos for weeknights when I want something flavorful but fuss-free.

Fresh Orange Zest and Juice: Using fresh orange juice and zest adds a real zing that bottled juice just can’t match.
Perfect Spicy Balance: The sriracha adds just the right amount of heat, which you can easily adjust to your taste.
Quick and Simple: You get restaurant-worthy orange chicken in under 40 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
Lean Protein Option: Using chicken breast keeps it lighter but still packed with flavor and protein.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building that delicious orange chicken flavor without overpowering it. I find using fresh ginger and garlic really elevates the taste, while the soy sauce and rice vinegar bring that savory tanginess you expect.

Flat lay of freshly cut boneless skinless chicken breasts thinly sliced into strips, a small white ceramic bowl of bright orange fresh squeezed orange juice beside two teaspoons of finely grated orange zest displayed as delicate orange curls, a small white bowl of dark brown low-sodium soy sauce, a small white bowl of grated fresh ginger in pale yellow strands, a small white bowl of minced fresh garlic with tiny white pieces, a small white bowl of clear rice vinegar, a small white bowl of light brown granulated sugar, a small white bowl of ground white pepper powder, a small white bowl containing vibrant red sriracha sauce, a few thinly sliced bright green green onions arranged neatly on the side, a small white bowl holding golden vegetable oil, and a small white bowl with a white powder of cornstarch—all ingredients fresh and natural, arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed with the zest included for maximum citrus aroma and flavor.
Low-sodium Soy Sauce: Adds umami without making the dish overly salty.
Fresh Ginger: Grated for a bright, spicy undertone that complements the orange.
Vegetable Oil: Helps in frying the chicken to a golden crisp without smoking.
Fresh Garlic: Mincing it fresh ensures the sauce has that irresistible garlicky punch.
Rice Vinegar: Balances out the sweetness with a hint of acidity.
Orange Zest: A little goes a long way in boosting that citrus flavor.
Light Brown Sugar: Adds mild sweetness and depth without overdoing it.
White Pepper: Provides subtle heat and complexity different from black pepper.
Sriracha: Adjustable to your spice tolerance, it brings just enough kick and flavor.
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Cut into thin strips so they cook evenly and quickly.
Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce beautifully to that perfect sticky glaze.
Green Onions: Adds fresh color and mild onion flavor as a garnish.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love experimenting with this dish. Sometimes I swap out the chicken breast for thighs when I want something juicier, and other times, I'll add extra sriracha for a bit more heat when we’re craving spice. You can truly customize it to your liking without losing the essence of what makes this recipe special.

Variation: Using chicken thighs adds richness and keeps the meat moist — I recommend it if you’re short on time as they’re a bit more forgiving.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Spicy Orange Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Whisk the Flavor-Packed Marinade

Start by whisking together fresh orange juice, soy sauce, grated ginger, 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil, minced garlic, rice vinegar, orange zest, brown sugar, white pepper, and sriracha if you’re using it. I always zest the orange first before juicing—it really wakes up the whole sauce with that burst of citrus oils.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place your thinly sliced chicken in a zip-top bag and pour ⅓ cup of the marinade in. Seal it tight and pop it into the fridge for about an hour—the chicken soaks up all that flavor, making each bite deliciously juicy. Don’t waste the rest of the marinade just yet; you’ll use it later for your sauce.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of oil, then half of the chicken, cooking 5 to 6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Stir frequently so it browns evenly and doesn’t stick. I like to use a meat thermometer to check for 165°F internal temperature to be safe. Transfer cooked chicken to a bowl and repeat with the remaining oil and chicken.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

Pour the remaining marinade into the skillet and bring to a boil. Mix cornstarch with a tablespoon of water and whisk it into the sauce. Let it boil for about a minute until it thickens into that glossy, sticky glaze you want. This step is key to that signature orange chicken texture.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Return the cooked chicken strips to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Cook for an additional minute just to heat through and marry the flavors. Finish by sprinkling thinly sliced green onions on top—you’ll love the fresh pop it adds.

Top Tip

After making this Spicy Orange Chicken Recipe a dozen times, I've learned a few little tricks that take it from good to memorable every time. These tips will help you avoid common pitfalls and get the texture and flavor just right.

Marinate Thoughtfully: Don’t skip the marinating step—even just an hour makes a noticeable difference in tenderness and flavor.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cooking the chicken in batches allows it to brown nicely instead of steaming, which keeps the texture perfect.
Use Fresh Zest: Adding freshly grated orange zest right before cooking boosts that authentic citrus aroma dramatically.
Adjust Spice Gradually: Add sriracha little by little so you don’t accidentally overpower the sweet and tangy balance.

How to Serve Spicy Orange Chicken Recipe

Spicy Orange Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always finish this dish with a generous sprinkle of sliced green onions for color and subtle bite. Sometimes I add a few toasted sesame seeds for that extra nutty crunch and visual appeal—both simple touches that really elevate the dish on the plate.

Side Dishes

This orange chicken pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or brown rice to soak up the sticky sauce. For a refreshing side, I like quick stir-fried broccoli or snap peas tossed with garlic—it adds a nice crunch and balances the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I’ve served the chicken on a bed of coconut rice with fresh cilantro and thin orange slices as garnish—it looks stunning and adds natural sweetness. You can also pile it over noodles with extra chili flakes for a noodle bowl twist that everyone loves.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover spicy orange chicken in an airtight container in the fridge, and it stays tasty for up to three days. The sauce thickens a bit overnight, so I like to gently warm it with a splash of water to bring back its glossy texture.

Freezing

This dish freezes well, though I recommend freezing before adding the green onions garnish. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, and it stays good for up to two months. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

When reheating, I use a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce gently. Microwaving works for convenience, but I find this stovetop method keeps the chicken from drying out and preserves that sticky, luscious sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this Spicy Orange Chicken Recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs bring more moisture and richness to the dish. Just cut them into similar-sized strips and follow the recipe as is for juicy, flavorful results.

How spicy is this Spicy Orange Chicken Recipe?

The spice level is quite mild and adjustable. You can control the heat by varying the amount of sriracha added or omit it altogether if you prefer no spice.

Can I prepare the marinade in advance?

Yes, the marinade can be prepared a day ahead to save time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and mix well before using.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers without drying the chicken?

The best method is to reheat the chicken gently in a skillet with a splash of water to loosen the sauce, stirring frequently until warmed through. This helps keep the chicken moist and the sauce shiny and delicious.

Final Thoughts

This Spicy Orange Chicken Recipe is one of those dishes I turn to when I want something that feels both special and homemade. Its bright, tangy flavors paired with just the right amount of heat create a comforting yet fresh meal that the whole family enjoys. You’ll find it easy to make but memorable enough to impress, so give it a try—you might just find your new favorite weeknight dinner.