Description
This Spicy Orange Sesame Chicken recipe features succulent chicken cubes coated in cornstarch and pan-fried to golden perfection. Tossed in a vibrant orange sauce infused with fresh ginger, garlic, chili flakes, and toasted sesame seeds, this dish delivers a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. Ideal for a flavorful weeknight dinner, it pairs beautifully with steamed rice and vibrant green onions.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 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, to taste
- 1/3 cup cornstarch
- 1/3 cup avocado oil
Orange Sauce
- 1/3 cup low sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup fresh orange juice + 2 tablespoons orange 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 additional sesame seeds, for serving
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the cubed chicken, egg white, tamari or soy sauce, orange zest, and black pepper. Toss well to evenly coat the chicken pieces.
- Prepare the Coating: In a separate bowl, place the cornstarch. Dredge each piece of marinated chicken through the cornstarch, ensuring a thorough coating on all sides.
- Mix the Orange Sauce: In a glass jar or bowl, whisk together the low sodium chicken broth, fresh orange juice plus 2 tablespoons of orange zest, tamari or soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey until well combined.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the coated chicken pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding, cooking each until golden brown on all sides, approximately 5 minutes per batch. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics and Simmer Sauce: In the same skillet, add the grated garlic, grated ginger, and chili flakes. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the prepared orange sauce and bring it to a boil. Allow it to boil for 3-4 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Combine Chicken with Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Toss well to coat the chicken in the sauce and continue cooking until the sauce thickens and clings to the chicken, about 5 more minutes.
- Serve: Serve the spicy orange sesame chicken over steamed rice. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- Toasting the sesame seeds beforehand enhances their nutty flavor.
- If you prefer milder spice, reduce the chili flakes accordingly.
- Using boneless chicken breasts ensures quick cooking and tenderness.
- Avocado oil is chosen for its high smoke point and neutral flavor; substitute with another high-heat oil if needed.
- This dish pairs exceptionally well with jasmine or basmati rice.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
