There’s just something about the bright, tangy hit of citrus paired with a spicy kick that makes dinner exciting. My Spicy Orange Chicken Recipe hits that perfect balance between sweet, heat, and savory—trust me, it’s a showstopper on your table and worth every minute in the kitchen.

A white bowl filled with a base layer of cooked white rice, topped with several pieces of brown glazed chicken pieces covered in a shiny sauce. Orange slices are placed among the chicken pieces, adding bright orange color. The dish is garnished with small green onion pieces scattered on top. The bowl sits on a surface with a white marbled texture. 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

I honestly can say this Spicy Orange Chicken Recipe has become a favorite in my household because it’s simple, full of flavor, and brings that takeout vibe home without any of the mystery ingredients. Plus, it’s just fun to make and even more fun to eat!

Vibrant Flavor Combo: The tang of fresh orange juice mixed with ginger and garlic makes this chicken uniquely refreshing yet comforting.
Adjustable Heat: You control the spice level perfectly by tweaking the amount of sriracha, so it’s great for every palate.
Quick & Easy: You’ll get dinner on the table in about 35 minutes without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Healthier Takeout Alternative: Made with fresh ingredients and less oil, it’s a lighter but equally delicious option compared to restaurant versions.

The image shows a white bowl with three clear layers. The bottom layer is white rice with a soft and fluffy texture. The middle layer is made up of orange slices lying flat, their bright orange skin and juicy flesh visible. On top, there are pieces of brown, cooked meat coated in a shiny, dark sauce. Green chopped scallions are sprinkled evenly over the meat and oranges, adding fresh color. The bowl is set on a grey fabric on a white marbled surface. In the background, two more white bowls with the same dish and a small wooden bowl filled with green scallions are softly focused. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Spicy Orange Chicken Recipe plays a role in building layers of flavor. Using fresh juice and zest ensures that bright citrus pop, while the soy sauce and vinegar balance the sweetness. Here’s why I always choose these:

Flat lay of fresh boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into thin strips, a small white bowl of bright orange fresh squeezed orange juice, two teaspoons of bright orange grated orange zest, a small white bowl of dark brown low-sodium soy sauce, a small white bowl of thinly sliced vibrant green onions, a small white bowl of pale golden vegetable oil, a small white bowl of finely grated fresh ginger root, a small white bowl of minced fresh garlic cloves, a small white bowl of clear light rice vinegar, a small white bowl of light brown soft brown sugar, a small white bowl of fine white ground white pepper, a small white bowl of vivid red sriracha sauce, a small white bowl of white cornstarch powder placed 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: Fresh-squeezed (always!) brings natural sweetness and brightness, crucial for that authentic orange chicken taste.
Orange zest: Adds an extra punch of citrus oils that elevate the sauce beyond just juice.
Low-sodium soy sauce: Controls salt levels without overpowering the delicate sweetness of the orange.
Fresh ginger: Brings a warm, spicy earthiness that pairs perfectly with garlic.
Vegetable oil: Neutral and ideal for high-heat cooking, helping the chicken brown beautifully without burning.
Fresh garlic: Adds that comforting savory depth — the real deal always beats pre-minced here.
Rice vinegar: Brightens and balances sweetness with its mild acidity.
Light brown sugar: Provides subtle caramel notes enhancing the sauce’s depth.
Ground white pepper: Adds a softer peppery kick that blends rather than dominates.
Sriracha (optional): Gives you control over the heat, from mild warmth to full-blown spice.
Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Perfectly lean and cooks quickly when thinly sliced.
Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce perfectly without cloudiness, giving that glossy finish.
Green onions: Provide fresh crunch and color for the perfect finishing touch.

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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 how flexible this Spicy Orange Chicken Recipe is. Feel free to dial up the heat or keep it mild — I usually sneak in extra ginger for a warming touch, but you could swap chicken breasts for thighs for juicier bites.

Variation: I once made this with tofu instead of chicken, and it soaked up the sauce beautifully — perfect for a meatless night.
Spice Level: Adjust sriracha based on who’s at the table; start small if you’re unsure.
Crunch Factor: Try adding toasted sesame seeds or chopped cashews on top for extra texture.
Seasonal Twist: Swap brown sugar for honey in the winter for a deeper sweetness.

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

Step 1: Whisk Together the Flavor Bomb Sauce

Start by mixing orange juice, soy sauce, fresh ginger, a tablespoon of oil, garlic, rice vinegar, orange zest, brown sugar, white pepper, and sriracha in a bowl. This is where all the flavor magic lives, so take a moment to enjoy that fresh citrus aroma. I highly recommend using fresh ginger — it’s a game changer here.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Pop those thin chicken strips into a zip-top bag and pour in just a third cup of your marinade. Seal it up and let it chill in the fridge for about an hour. This step is key because the chicken soaks up the flavors, making every bite juicy and punchy. If you're in a rush, 30 minutes can work too, but longer is best.

Step 3: Brown the Chicken in Batches

Heat a skillet or wok over medium-high and add a tablespoon of oil. Cook half the chicken strips at a time until golden brown and cooked through — about 5-6 minutes. Stir frequently so nothing sticks or burns. I’ve found cooking in batches helps achieve that perfect sear without steaming the chicken.

Step 4: Thicken Up the Sauce and Combine

Pour the remaining marinade into the skillet and bring it to a boil. Mix cornstarch with a bit of water until smooth, then whisk it into the simmering sauce. Let it thicken for about a minute. Return the chicken to the pan and toss it in the glossy sauce for another minute to heat through.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle the finished chicken with thinly sliced green onions for that fresh pop of color and mild oniony crunch. Serve immediately with your favorite sides and enjoy the burst of flavors!

Top Tip

I’ve learned over countless attempts and family dinners that layering the marinade and cooking chicken in batches really elevates this dish. It keeps the chicken juicy, saucy, and perfectly browned every time.

Marinate Just Right: Even an hour does wonders, but avoid too much longer or the acid can start cooking the chicken.
Batch Cooking: Cook chicken in two batches to lock in beautiful color and prevent sogginess.
Sauce Thickness: Whisk cornstarch slurry smoothly and add gradually to avoid lumps.
Don’t Skip the Zest: Adding zest releases essential oils that amplify that classic orange flavor beautifully.

How to Serve Spicy Orange Chicken Recipe

Spicy Orange Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love a sprinkle of fresh green onions and sometimes toss on some toasted sesame seeds for a nutty crunch. Occasionally, I’ll add thin red chili slices if I want an extra pop of color and heat—plus it looks gorgeous on the plate.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with simple steamed jasmine rice or a bed of fluffy quinoa for something a little different. Roasted broccoli or sautéed snap peas add perfect fresh crunch to round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I love serving this chicken over crispy rice noodles or in lettuce cups for a fun hand-held option. Garnishing with fresh herbs like cilantro or mint adds a bright twist that guests always notice.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover spicy orange chicken keeps really well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I always separate the chicken from any rice or sides to prevent sogginess.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked chicken in a well-sealed freezer bag or container for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid microwaving if possible, as the chicken can dry out. Adding a splash of water or broth while reheating helps keep it moist and saucy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are more forgiving and stay juicier, though they’ll take a little longer to cook. Cut them into similar-sized strips for even cooking.

How spicy is the dish with 2 tablespoons of sriracha?

Using the full 2 tablespoons of sriracha will give the dish a noticeable kick, definitely not mild but not overpowering either. You can always start with less and add more to taste while you cook!

Can I prepare this Spicy Orange Chicken Recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can marinate the chicken up to 2 hours ahead, and the cooked chicken and sauce can be stored separately in the fridge and reheated when ready to serve.

What’s the best way to thicken the sauce without cornstarch?

If you prefer not to use cornstarch, you can substitute arrowroot powder or reduce the sauce by simmering it longer until it thickens to your liking. Just keep an eye on it to prevent burning.

Final Thoughts

Making this Spicy Orange Chicken Recipe always transports me to those vibrant flavors I crave from my favorite Chinese takeout—but this time, I control the ingredients and spice. It’s quick, bright, and hits all the right notes, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or an impressive dish for friends. Give it a try—I promise you’ll want to add it to your go-to rotation!