Sticky Thai Peanut Orange Chicken
Satisfy your cravings with Sticky Thai Peanut Orange Chicken - a quick, easy weeknight dinner that combines sweet and savory flavors in under thirty minutes! This dish is bound to become a favorite, making it the perfect choice for family meals.
Equipment
- Skillet
- Frying Pan
- Whisk
- Oven
- Saucepan
- Chef's Knife
- Mixing Bowl
- Baking Sheet
Ingredients
- 6 pieces Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs Tender and juicy, perfect for absorbing flavors.
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil Used for cooking the chicken.
- 1 teaspoon Ground Ginger Adds warmth and a slight zest.
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Infuses a savory depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder Enhances the overall flavor profile.
- 1/2 teaspoon Paprika Gives color and a mild sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cumin Provides an earthy aroma.
- 1/4 teaspoon Pepper Adds a subtle kick.
- 1/3 cup Low Sodium Soy Sauce The base of the sauce brings umami.
- 1/2 cup Orange Juice Sweet and tangy, brightens the dish.
- 1/2 cup Orange Marmalade Enhances sweetness and adds texture.
- 2 tablespoons Ketchup Adds sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 1/3 cup Crunchy Peanut Butter Gives richness and nuttiness.
- 1 tablespoon Rice Vinegar Provides acidity to balance flavors.
- 1 tablespoon Fish Sauce A touch of umami and complexity.
- 3-4 tablespoons Brown Sugar Adjust based on desired sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon Sriracha For a little heat, adjust to taste.
- 1.5 tablespoons Cornstarch Used for thickening the sauce.
- to taste Chopped Roasted Peanuts For garnish and added crunch.
- to taste Green Onions Garnish for freshness.
- to taste Orange Zest Adds a fragrant citrus note.
Instructions
- Start by whisking together the sauce ingredients in a medium bowl. Set it aside while you prepare the chicken.
- Preheat your oven to 400F degrees to ensure it's hot when you're ready to bake.
- In a small bowl, mix the rub ingredients, which include ground ginger, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, ground cumin, and salt. Rub this mixture all over the chicken thighs. This step is essential to infuse flavors right into the meat.
- Heat a large oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat and melt olive oil. Once hot, add the chicken and sear each side for 2 to 3 minutes until browned. This creates a beautiful crust that locks in the juices.
- After browning, remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate. You'll return it to the skillet later.
- Next, pour the prepared sauce into the skillet, scraping the sides to deglaze any brown bits. Let it simmer for about 1 minute to meld the flavors together.
- Now, bring the chicken back into the skillet and spoon some sauce over it. This will help keep the chicken moist as it bakes.
- Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for 8 to 12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken. You'll know it's done when the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165F degrees.
- Once baked, garnish with chopped roasted peanuts, green onions, and a sprinkle of orange zest for that extra burst of flavor. Serve it over rice for a complete meal!
Notes
- Tip 1: Prefer chicken thighs for their tenderness, but feel free to use chicken breasts pounded thin. Adjust baking time accordingly.
- Tip 2: Use about 3 tablespoons of brown sugar, then sprinkle a bit more on top after baking for an irresistible sweet finish!