Chili Orange Chicken

Looking for a flavorful and zesty dish to spice up your dinner routine? Look no further than this delicious recipe for Chili Orange Chicken. The combination of succulent chicken with the tangy citrus flavor of orange, and a hint of chili heat, creates a meal that is sure to delight your taste buds. This dish is perfect for a cozy night in or to impress your guests at a casual dinner party. Let’s get cooking!

Chili Orange Chicken

Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup orange juice
– Zest of 1 orange
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 teaspoon chili flakes
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions:
1. In a bowl, whisk together the orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, honey, chili flakes, and minced garlic. This flavorful marinade will be the key to infusing the chicken with a delicious combination of citrus and spice.

2. Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish, and pour the marinade over the chicken. Make sure the chicken is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

3. After marinating, remove the chicken from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes. This will ensure more even cooking.

4. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to create a slurry. This will help thicken the sauce as it cooks.

5. In a large skillet or frying pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade (but keep the marinade for later) and season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper.

6. Place the chicken in the skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown. Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts.

7. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. In the same skillet, pour in the reserved marinade and cornstarch slurry. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for a few minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.

8. Return the chicken to the skillet, coating it in the thickened sauce. Allow the chicken to simmer in the sauce for another minute or two, ensuring it is well coated.

9. Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish the Chili Orange Chicken with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. This adds a pop of color and texture to the dish, as well as an extra layer of flavor.

Enjoy your homemade Chili Orange Chicken served over steamed rice or with a side of roasted vegetables for a well-balanced meal that is both comforting and sophisticated. The bright citrus notes combined with the spicy kick of chili flakes make this dish a standout choice for any occasion. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this easy and delicious recipe!