Tangy Szechuan Orange Chicken Stir-Fry
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Tangy Szechuan Orange Chicken Stir-Fry! This dish combines tender strips of juicy chicken breast with fresh vegetables, all enveloped in a luscious and spicy orange sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests, this stir-fry is not only quick to prepare but also packed with bold flavors. Pair it with steamed rice to soak up the delicious sauce and enjoy a delightful meal that will impress every palate, from the mild to the adventurous. Share this delightful recipe with friends and family for a culinary experience that brings everyone together!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
cornstarch
1/3 cup
orange juice
2 cups
soy sauce
1/2 cup
rice vinegar
1/2 cup
honey
1/4 cup
garlic cloves, minced
6 (minced)
red pepper flakes
1-2 teaspoons
vegetable oil
1 tablespoon
boneless skinless chicken breasts
6 (cut crosswise into 1/2 inch wide strips)
broccoli
1 head (cut into florets and thinly sliced)
carrots
5 (peeled and thinly sliced on the diagonal)
water chestnuts
1 (8 ounce) can (sliced)
Instructions
1
In a medium bowl, whisk together the cornstarch with orange juice until smooth. Add the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set the sauce mixture aside.
2
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or wok over medium-high heat. In batches, add the chicken strips and cook until they are lightly browned and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
3
In the same wok, add the broccoli florets, sliced carrots, water chestnuts, and 1/2 cup of water. Cook partially covered for about 3 minutes, or until broccoli is bright green and tender-crisp.
4
Return the cooked chicken to the wok. Pour in the prepared orange sauce mixture and bring everything to a boil. Cook while stirring frequently until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
5
Serve your Tangy Szechuan Orange Chicken Stir-Fry hot over a bed of steamed rice. Enjoy this vibrant and delicious dish with your loved ones!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tangy Szechuan Orange Chicken Stir-Fry?
It is a vibrant dish combining tender chicken breast strips with fresh vegetables in a luscious, spicy orange sauce.
How many chicken breasts are required for this recipe?
You will need 6 boneless skinless chicken breasts.
How should the chicken be prepared before cooking?
The chicken should be cut crosswise into 1/2 inch wide strips.
What vegetables are used in this stir-fry?
This recipe uses 1 head of broccoli, 5 carrots, and an 8 ounce can of water chestnuts.
What ingredients make up the orange sauce?
The sauce consists of cornstarch, orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes.
How much orange juice is needed for the sauce?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of orange juice.
How do I thicken the orange sauce?
Whisk 1/3 cup of cornstarch with the orange juice and then boil the mixture in the wok with the chicken and vegetables.
What type of vinegar should I use?
You should use 1/2 cup of rice vinegar.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe requires 6 minced garlic cloves.
Is this recipe spicy?
Yes, it includes 1-2 teaspoons of red pepper flakes for a spicy Szechuan kick.
What is the best way to cook the chicken?
Cook the chicken in batches in a wok over medium-high heat until lightly browned and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes.
How should the carrots be sliced?
The 5 carrots should be peeled and thinly sliced on the diagonal.
How do I prepare the broccoli for the stir-fry?
The broccoli should be cut into florets and then thinly sliced.
What is the purpose of adding water to the wok during the vegetable step?
Adding 1/2 cup of water helps to steam the vegetables so they become tender-crisp in about 3 minutes.
Are the water chestnuts fresh or canned?
The recipe specifies one 8 ounce can of sliced water chestnuts.
How much vegetable oil is used for frying?
You need 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to whisk together the cornstarch and orange juice until smooth in a medium bowl.
How long does it take for the sauce to thicken once added to the wok?
The sauce typically thickens in about 2-3 minutes while stirring frequently.
What should I serve with Tangy Szechuan Orange Chicken?
It is best served hot over a bed of steamed rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
Can this recipe be used for entertaining guests?
Yes, it is described as a perfect dish for both weeknight dinners and entertaining guests due to its bold flavors.
How much honey is used as a sweetener?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of honey.
What heat level should the wok be set to?
The wok or large pot should be set to medium-high heat.
How much soy sauce is included in the sauce mixture?
The recipe includes 1/2 cup of soy sauce.
What is the desired texture of the broccoli?
The broccoli should be bright green and tender-crisp.
Does the recipe suggest seasoning with salt and pepper?
Yes, you should season the sauce mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
How many ingredients are in this recipe total?
There are 12 ingredients in total.
Is this chicken stir-fry considered a healthy option?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy dinner recipe featuring fresh vegetables and chicken.
Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
While the recipe specifies chicken breasts, the cooking method and sauce would likely work with other lean proteins.
How many carrots are needed?
You will need 5 carrots for this recipe.
What makes this dish 'Szechuan' style?
The combination of garlic, red pepper flakes, and a tangy-sweet sauce gives it a Szechuan-inspired flavor profile.