Sweet Chili & Orange Chicken Recipe
Description:
Sweet Chili & Orange Chicken is a delightful blend of citrusy orange and spicy chili sauce that coats tender, grilled chicken breasts. The freshly squeezed orange juice enhances the sweetness, while the red chili sauce adds a bold kick, creating a perfect balance of flavors. This dish is incredibly simple and quick to prepare, making it an ideal choice for a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together.
The sauce’s tangy-sweet undertones infuse the chicken, giving it a deliciously rich flavor profile. With minimal cooking time and ingredients, this recipe allows the natural flavors to shine through, all while satisfying your cravings for something both savory and zesty.
Cuisine: Continental
Course: Dinner
Diet: High Protein, Non-Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken breasts | 3 breasts |
| Onion (cut into squares) | 1 medium onion |
| Garlic (chopped) | 6 cloves |
| Salt | To taste |
| Oil (for grilling) | As needed |
| For the sauce: | |
| Fresh orange juice | 1/2 cup |
| Red chili sauce | 3 tablespoons |
| Corn flour (cornstarch) | 1 teaspoon |
| Black pepper powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Water | 1/2 cup |
Preparation Time
| Time | Value |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 30 minutes |
| Total Time | 40 minutes |
Instructions
-
Sauté the Aromatics:
Heat a flat skillet or frying pan over medium flame. Add a drizzle of oil and once heated, toss in the chopped garlic and onion squares. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until the onions soften and become slightly translucent. -
Grill the Chicken:
Season the chicken breasts with a pinch of salt. Add them to the skillet and cook, flipping occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown on the outside and cooked through (about 7-8 minutes per side, depending on thickness). The chicken should be juicy and firm, with a slight caramelization from the pan. -
Prepare the Sauce:
While the chicken is grilling, mix the fresh orange juice, red chili sauce, corn flour, black pepper powder, and 1/2 cup of water in a separate mixing bowl. Stir well to combine all the ingredients, ensuring that the corn flour dissolves completely. -
Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Once the chicken is perfectly grilled, reduce the heat to low. Pour the prepared orange-chili sauce mixture over the chicken in the skillet. Stir gently to coat the chicken with the sauce. -
Simmer to Thicken:
Let the chicken simmer in the sauce on low heat for 10-15 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken. The corn flour will help create a silky, rich coating over the chicken. -
Serve:
Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, turn off the flame. Transfer the Sweet Chili & Orange Chicken to a serving bowl, ensuring it’s well coated with the sauce. Serve it hot.
Serving Suggestion:
This flavorful chicken pairs beautifully with a bowl of Burnt Garlic Veg Fried Rice, adding a savory, aromatic component to the meal. For dessert, you can enjoy a classic Banana Cream Pie to balance the meal with a sweet, creamy finish.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
| Nutrient | Value per Serving (1 Chicken Breast) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 kcal |
| Protein | 32 g |
| Carbohydrates | 15 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugars | 8 g |
| Sodium | 550 mg |
Tips for the Best Sweet Chili & Orange Chicken
-
Adjust the Spice Level:
If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of red chili sauce or use a sweet chili sauce instead of a spicy one. -
Grilling Options:
If you have a grill, you can also grill the chicken breasts instead of pan-searing them. This will give the chicken a smoky flavor and an extra layer of texture. -
Vegetarian Option:
To make this recipe vegetarian, substitute the chicken with tofu or seitan. Grill or pan-sear the plant-based protein before adding the sauce.
This Sweet Chili & Orange Chicken Recipe will quickly become a favorite in your dinner rotation. With its tantalizing combination of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors, it’s sure to please every palate. Enjoy the delightful balance of grilled chicken, citrus, and chili in every bite!
