Healthy Orange Chicken

Healthy orange chicken recipe with vibrant ingredients for a nutritious meal

Why Make This Healthy Orange Chicken

If you’re craving the sweet and tangy delight of orange chicken but want to keep things healthy, look no further! This recipe offers all the flavorful notes of traditional orange chicken, minus the deep-fried excess. With succulent chicken breast, fresh orange juice, and a medley of spices, this dish bursts with flavor and color. You can prepare it quickly on a weeknight while still impressing your family or guests. Let’s dive into how to make this nourishing dish that satisfies your taste buds and keeps your health goals intact.

How to Make Healthy Orange Chicken

Making healthy orange chicken is quite simple and straightforward. It involves marinating chicken pieces to infuse them with flavor, followed by cooking them until perfectly tender, and then tossing them in a vibrant orange sauce. The result is a dish that’s deliciously satisfying without the guilt.

The key is in the balance of flavors; the freshness of the orange juice paired with the kick of chili garlic sauce creates a lovely sauce that clings to each piece of chicken. And the brown sugar adds just the right touch of sweetness to contrast with the tanginess of the vinegar, offering your taste buds a delightful experience.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb chicken breast (cut into bite-size pieces)
  • 0.5 tsp baking soda
  • Salt (to taste)
  • 2 tbsp fresh orange juice (for marinade)
  • 1.5 tbsp soy sauce (for marinade)
  • 0.5 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch (for marinade)
  • 1 tsp garlic (minced, for marinade)
  • 1 tsp ginger (minced, for marinade)
  • 0.33 cup fresh orange juice (for sauce)
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce (for sauce)
  • 0.25 cup rice vinegar
  • 1.5 tbsp chili garlic sauce (optional)
  • 0.5 tbsp cornstarch (for sauce)
  • 2 tsp orange zest
  • 3 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 1 tsp ginger (minced, for sauce)
  • 0.5 tsp red chili flakes
  • 3 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp oil
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds
  • 2 tbsp green onions (chopped)

Directions:

  1. In a medium-size bowl, combine all the ingredients for marinating the chicken: chicken breast, baking soda, salt, 2 tablespoons of orange juice, 1.5 tablespoons of soy sauce, ground black pepper, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, 1 teaspoon of minced garlic, and 1 teaspoon of minced ginger. Mix thoroughly and let the chicken marinate for at least 10 minutes. This helps tenderize the chicken and adds flavor.

  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together 0.33 cup of fresh orange juice, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili garlic sauce (if using), 0.5 tablespoon of cornstarch, orange zest, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon of ginger, red chili flakes, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Mix until the sugar dissolves completely and set the sauce aside.

  3. Heat a wide skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of oil. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken pieces. Cook for 4-5 minutes before flipping them over. Continue to cook for another 5-6 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and nicely golden.

  4. Pour in the prepared sauce mixture into the skillet with the chicken. Cook uncovered for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce will start to thicken and coat the chicken beautifully.

  5. Just before serving, sprinkle in the sesame seeds and chopped green onions. This adds a wonderful crunch and vibrant color. Serve your healthy orange chicken with a side of fluffy rice and veggies for a complete meal.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (based on 4 servings):

  • Calories: 280
  • Protein: 30g
  • Total Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 13g
  • Sodium: 600mg

How to Serve Healthy Orange Chicken

This healthy orange chicken shines when paired with fluffy white rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. You could also serve it alongside steamed broccoli, snap peas, or other vibrant vegetables for a balanced meal. Garnish with extra sesame seeds or green onions for a festive touch. This dish is perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or even meal prep for the week ahead!

How to Store Healthy Orange Chicken

You can store any leftover healthy orange chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat the dish in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. If you want to make this dish ahead of time, consider cooking the chicken and sauce separately, combining them just before serving for maximum freshness.

Expert Tips for Perfect Healthy Orange Chicken

  • Ensure the chicken is cut into uniform pieces for even cooking.
  • Don’t skip on the marination; it makes a noticeable difference in flavor and tenderness.
  • Feel free to adjust the level of chili garlic sauce according to your taste preference.
  • Substitute cauliflower or zucchini noodles if you’re looking for a low-carb or gluten-free option.
  • Experiment with other citrus fruits, like lime or grapefruit, for a different twist on flavor.

Delicious Variations

  • Spicy Orange Chicken: Increase the amount of chili garlic sauce or add sliced fresh chili for an extra kick.
  • Orange Beef: Swap out chicken for thinly sliced flank steak prepared in the same method for a savory take.
  • Vegetable Orange Stir-Fry: Replace the chicken with a medley of your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots, for a vegetarian option.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I use frozen chicken?
    Yes, you can use frozen chicken breast; just ensure it’s thawed completely before marinating.

  2. How can I make this dish gluten-free?
    Substitute the soy sauce with gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make this meal gluten-free.

  3. Can I prepare this orange chicken in a slow cooker?
    Yes, you can! Sauté the marinated chicken to brown it first, then transfer it to a slow cooker with the sauce. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.

Conclusion

Healthy orange chicken is a delightful dish that does not skimp on flavor or satisfaction. With its bright flavors and wholesome ingredients, it fits perfectly into any dinner rotation. Feel free to experiment with spices and ingredients to make it your own. We hope you give this healthy orange chicken a try and enjoy each bite! If you do, let us know how it turned out, and happy cooking!

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