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Spicy Orange Sesame Chicken

Spicy Orange Sesame Chicken

The ultimate comfort food! Spicy Orange Sesame Chicken is a flavorful, easy weeknight dinner that combines sweet and spicy notes with tender chicken. Perfect for impressing guests or satisfying your cravings, make it tonight!
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Asian
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless chicken breasts cut into cubes
  • 1 egg white
  • 1 tablespoon tamari or soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • black pepper
  • 1/3 cup cornstarch
  • 1/3 cup avocado oil
  • 1/3 cup low sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup fresh orange juice + 2 tablespoons zest
  • 1/3 cup tamari or soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 4 cloves garlic grated
  • 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
  • 1/2-1 teaspoon chili flakes
  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
  • green onions and sesame seeds for serving

Equipment

  • Grater
  • Whisk
  • Large Pot
  • Skillet

Method
 

  1. 1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed chicken, egg white, tamari/soy sauce, orange zest, and a dash of black pepper. Toss everything well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated. This marinade will infuse flavor into the chicken while keeping it tender.
  2. 2. In a separate bowl, add the cornstarch. Dredge each piece of marinated chicken through the cornstarch, ensuring it’s fully coated. This step is crucial for achieving that delightful crispy texture when we fry the chicken.
  3. 3. In a glass jar, whisk together the chicken broth, orange juice, tamari/soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey. This mixture will become the luscious sauce that ties everything together.
  4. 4. Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the battered chicken in batches, cooking until golden brown all around, about five minutes. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan, as this will cause the chicken to steam instead of fry. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  5. 5. To the same skillet, add the grated garlic, ginger, and chili flakes. Sauté for one to two minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and becoming fragrant. This step is where the dish starts to come alive!
  6. 6. Pour in the prepared orange sauce, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it simmer for three to four minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken and develop flavor.
  7. 7. Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet, tossing it with the sauce until it’s well coated. Cook for an additional five minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the sauce.
  8. 8. Serve the Spicy Orange Sesame Chicken over steamed rice. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a pop of color and flavor. Enjoy your delicious homemade dish!

Notes

If you're eager to mix things up with Spicy Orange Sesame Chicken, here are some fun variations to explore:
  • Different Proteins: You can swap out the chicken for shrimp or tofu for a delicious alternative.
  • Increase the Heat: For spice lovers, add more chili flakes or even some sliced fresh chili peppers.
  • Vegetable Additions: Incorporate stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for added nutrition and color.
  • Citrus Variations: Experiment with different citrus juices like lime or lemon for a unique twist on the flavor profile.
  • Honey Alternatives: Swap honey with maple syrup or agave for a different kind of sweetness.
  • Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free tamari and cornstarch to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.