Skip to main content

Spicy Orange Chicken Stir-Fry

This vibrant spicy orange chicken stir-fry is a fantastic high-protein meal that brings a burst of citrus flavour to your dinner table. By using fresh orange zest and juice, the sauce achieves a bright, zesty profile that perfectly balances the savoury soy sauce and the gentle heat from the dried chillies. It is a much lighter and more refreshing alternative to traditional takeaway options, relying on flash-frying rather than heavy batters.

Perfect for a quick midweek supper, this dish is packed with lean chicken and crunchy sugar snap peas to ensure a nutritious, well-rounded plate. Serve it over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice to soak up the glossy citrus glaze. It is an ideal recipe for those seeking a fast, homemade meal that does not compromise on protein or taste.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Spicy Orange Chicken Stir-Fry

  • 275g jasmine rice or long-grain white rice (10 to 300g )

  • 180ml orange juice

  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce

  • 1 tablespoon cornflour

  • 2 teaspoons finely grated orange peel

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

  • 1 small red onion, halved, thinly sliced

  • Large pinch of dried crushed red pepper

  • 675g chicken cutlets, cut crosswise into 1/2-inch-wide strips

  • 1 230g package stringless sugar snap peas

How to make Spicy Orange Chicken Stir-Fry

Cook rice according to package directions. Cover to keep warm; set aside.

Meanwhile, whisk juice, soy sauce, and cornflour in medium bowl until cornflour dissolves. Mix in orange peel.

Heat oil in large wok or nonstick skillet over high heat. Add onion and crushed red pepper. Stir-fry 30 seconds. Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper. Add to wok and stir-fry until onion is crisp-tender and chicken is just cooked through, about 4 minutes. Add sugar snap peas and juice mixture. Toss until sauce thickens and comes to boil and peas are crisp-tender, about 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Serve with rice.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 16 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
flu eligibility checker

Ask, share, connect.

Browse discussions, ask questions, and share experiences across hundreds of health topics.

symptom checker

Feeling unwell?

Assess your symptoms online for free

Sign up to the Patient newsletter

Your weekly dose of clear, trustworthy health advice - written to help you feel informed, confident and in control.

Please enter a valid email address

By subscribing you accept our Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. We never sell your data.