Name: Spicy Orange Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 1/4 cups orange juice (preferably fresh squeezed, zest 2 teaspoons of orange zest first); 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce; 3 tablespoons grated fresh ginger; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 2 tablespoons minced fresh garlic; 1 1/2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 2 teaspoons grated orange zest; 2 teaspoons light brown sugar; 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper; 0 - 2 tablespoons sriracha (optional); 1 1/4 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into thin strips); 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 3 tablespoons thinly sliced green onions; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided for cooking); 1 tablespoon water (for cornstarch slurry)

There’s something about the bright, tangy zing balanced with a touch of heat that makes this Spicy Orange Chicken Recipe totally irresistible. Crisp chicken strips dance in a luscious, homemade orange sauce that’s bursting with fresh zest and just the right kick. Trust me, this one’s a keeper!

A white bowl is filled with a base layer of cooked white rice, topped with several pieces of golden-brown cooked meat covered in a thick, glossy brown sauce. Thin slices of orange with bright orange peel are placed among the meat chunks, adding a pop of color. Fresh green chopped scallions are sprinkled on top, providing contrast with the rich colors of the meat and sauce. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, and part of another similar bowl is visible nearby. 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’ve made plenty of orange chicken recipes over the years, but this Spicy Orange Chicken Recipe stands out for how fresh and vibrant it tastes without relying on heavy sauces or frying. It’s the kind of dish you'll want on repeat.

Fresh Flavor Boost: Using fresh orange zest and juice makes the sauce zing with brightness that's far better than bottled alternatives.
Customizable Heat Level: You control the spice by adjusting sriracha, so it’s perfect whether you like it mild or fiery.
Simplified Cooking: No deep frying needed here—stir-frying keeps it quick, healthier, and still crispy on the outside.
Family Friendly: It’s a crowd-pleaser that works for weeknight dinners or when guests show up unexpectedly.

A white bowl is filled with a base layer of white rice, topped with pieces of cooked meat coated in a shiny, dark sauce. Mixed in are bright orange slices that contrast the rich meat color. The dish is sprinkled with chopped green onions, adding a pop of fresh green. The bowl sits on a gray cloth over a white marbled surface, with another similar bowl and a small wooden bowl of extra green onions visible in the blurred background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Spicy Orange Chicken Recipe has a purpose — from the ginger’s warmth to the balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy notes. Knowing what each does helps you tweak the flavors or swap ingredients based on what you’ve got on hand.

Flat lay of fresh boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into thin strips arranged neatly, a small white bowl of bright orange juice with two fresh orange zest strips nearby, a small white bowl filled with dark low-sodium soy sauce, a small white bowl with finely grated fresh ginger, a small white bowl of pale yellow vegetable oil, a small white bowl containing minced fresh garlic, a small white bowl with clear rice vinegar, a small white bowl with light brown sugar crystals, a small white bowl holding a small amount of ground white pepper, a small white bowl with vibrant red sriracha sauce, a small white bowl with white cornstarch powder, and a handful of thinly sliced fresh green onions artfully spread on a simple white ceramic plate, all ingredients fresh and natural, arranged in perfect symmetry and balanced proportions, 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 is truly best here to give the sauce that authentic citrus pop; don't skip zesting first for extra fragrance.
Soy Sauce: Low sodium keeps saltiness in check while adding umami depth to the marinade.
Fresh Ginger: Grated ginger brings a sharp, aromatic heat that lifts the entire dish.
Vegetable Oil: Divided for cooking; it helps sear the chicken without overpowering the flavors.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic infuses savory richness straight into the sauce base.
Rice Vinegar: Offers a subtle tang that balances the sweetness of the orange juice and sugar.
Orange Zest: Adds an extra citrus layer that brightens up every bite.
Light Brown Sugar: Rounds out the acidity with gentle sweetness for a well-balanced sauce.
Ground White Pepper: Provides a milder, slightly different pepper note than black pepper, blending smoothly with the other spices.
Sriracha: Adds heat and complexity; adjust from zero to two tablespoons depending on your spice tolerance.
Chicken Breasts: Thin strips cook quickly and evenly, perfect for a stir-fry method with juicy results.
Cornstarch: Creates that glossy, thick sauce that clings beautifully to the chicken.
Green Onions: Freshly sliced for garnish, adding color and a mild onion crunch on top.

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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 like to play around with the heat and sometimes add a splash of fresh lime juice at the end for a little extra zing. Feel free to turn this Spicy Orange Chicken Recipe into your own by making it as fiery or as mild as you like.

Variation: Once, I swapped chicken breasts for thighs—they stayed juicy and added a slightly richer flavor, which was a hit during a chilly fall dinner.
Dietary Tweaks: Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version without compromising taste.
Extra Veggies: Throw in some bell peppers or snap peas in the last few minutes of cooking for texture and color.

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

Step 1: Whisk Together the Vibrant Marinade

Start by zesting two teaspoons of orange peel carefully—this step is the real secret to that fresh citrus aroma. In a small bowl, whisk the orange juice, soy sauce, grated ginger, one tablespoon of vegetable oil, minced garlic, rice vinegar, orange zest, brown sugar, white pepper, and sriracha until the sugar dissolves. This marinade sets the stage for all those layered flavors you’ll love.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place your thinly sliced chicken breasts into a large zip-top bag. Pour ⅓ cup of the marinade over the chicken, seal it up, and toss to coat evenly. Pop it in the fridge for at least one hour but no longer—marinating too long can start to break down the chicken’s texture.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken in Batches

Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add one tablespoon of oil, then cook half the chicken for 5-6 minutes, stirring frequently so you get golden, evenly cooked strips. Transfer to a bowl and repeat with another tablespoon of oil and the remaining chicken. Avoid overcrowding the pan to keep that beautiful sear.

Step 4: Simmer the Sauce to Perfection

Pour the remaining marinade into the skillet and bring it to a boil. Whisk together cornstarch and one tablespoon of water, then stir it into the boiling sauce. Let it thicken for about a minute—watch as the sauce transforms into a silky, glossy coating.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Return all your cooked chicken to the skillet, toss it gently in the sauce, and cook for another minute until everything is heated through and coated beautifully. Sprinkle generously with sliced green onions for that fresh, vibrant finish before serving.

Top Tip

From making this Spicy Orange Chicken Recipe multiple times, I’ve learned a few key tricks to keep it tasting fresh and restaurant-worthy every time.

Fresh Zest is Key: Don’t skip zesting your orange first—it makes a huge difference in aroma and brightness.
Marinate Just Right: One hour is my sweet spot; going longer can make the chicken too soft or mushy.
Cook Chicken in Batches: This avoids crowding the pan, so the chicken caramelizes nicely instead of steaming.
Adjust the Heat Gradually: Start with less sriracha, taste the sauce before adding more to avoid overwhelming the sweetness.

How to Serve Spicy Orange Chicken Recipe

Spicy Orange Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I almost always garnish with fresh green onions—they add a punch of color and a subtle onion flavor that complements the sweet and spicy sauce perfectly. Sometimes I add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for crunch and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. For a veggie side, I love quickly sautéed broccoli or snap peas tossed with a little garlic and soy sauce to echo the Asian flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special dinner, I’ve served this Spicy Orange Chicken Recipe over a bed of fried rice with a wedge of lime on the side and some pickled ginger to brighten the palate—a simple way to elevate the presentation for guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The chicken holds up well, and the sauce stays flavorful without becoming soggy.

Freezing

Freezing works if you want to make this ahead in bulk. I freeze the chicken and sauce separately if possible—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently so the chicken warms evenly and the sauce thickens back up nicely. Avoid the microwave if you want to maintain that fresh-cooked texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are more forgiving and stay juicy, making them an excellent choice for this recipe. Just slice them into thin strips like the breasts and adjust cooking time slightly if needed.

What if I don’t have fresh orange juice?

Fresh orange juice really lifts the dish, but you can use store-bought 100% orange juice in a pinch. Just be sure to add fresh orange zest to keep that bright citrus flavor. Avoid orange juice from concentrate as it tends to be too sweet or artificial tasting.

How spicy is this Spicy Orange Chicken Recipe?

The spiciness depends on how much sriracha you add. Start with a little and taste the marinade before marinating your chicken. You can always add more sriracha or serve extra on the side to customize the heat level.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Yes! Replace the soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative to keep the flavor while making the dish safe for gluten-sensitive diets. Double-check the sriracha label too, as some brands may have gluten-containing ingredients.

Final Thoughts

This Spicy Orange Chicken Recipe isn’t just a meal, it’s a little celebration of flavors that wakes up dinner time. I love how effortlessly it brings bright citrus, warming ginger, and bold spice together in one pan. Try it out—you’ll find yourself making it again and again, just like I do.