Healthier Orange Chicken

If you’re searching for a delightful twist on a classic dish, look no further than this Healthier Orange Chicken! This recipe takes all the flavors you love from traditional takeout and transforms them into a lighter, homemade version that’s just as satisfying. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends.

Why You’ll Keep Making It

This Healthier Orange Chicken is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. With its vibrant citrus flavor and a hint of sweetness from honey, it creates a dish that is both refreshing and comforting. Plus, it’s packed with protein from the chicken breast, making it a wholesome meal option. The best part? You can whip it up in under 30 minutes!

What’s in the Bowl

Gather the following ingredients to make your Healthier Orange Chicken:

• 1.25 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 large oranges, juiced; plus more orange juice if necessary
• ½ cup lite soy sauce
• ½ cup honey
• 1 tablespoon green onions, diced into thin rounds

Before You Start: Equipment

Before diving into the cooking process, make sure you have the necessary equipment on hand:

• Large mixing bowl: To toss the chicken with cornstarch.
• Skillet or wok: For sautéing the chicken.
• Citrus juicer: To extract juice from the oranges.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
• Spatula or wooden spoon: To stir and toss the chicken.

Healthier Orange Chicken in Steps

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

In a large mixing bowl, toss the diced chicken breast with cornstarch until evenly coated. This will give your chicken a crispy texture when cooked.

Step 2: Heat the Oils

In a large skillet or wok, heat the toasted sesame oil and olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Add the coated chicken to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, add the freshly squeezed orange juice, lite soy sauce, and honey. Stir well to combine and bring to a simmer. Allow the sauce to cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 5: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, feel free to add a splash more of orange juice to reach your desired consistency.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Once the chicken is well-coated in the sauce, remove from heat. Garnish with diced green onions and serve hot over rice or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Nutrition-Minded Tweaks

If you’re looking to make this dish even healthier, consider the following tweaks:

• Use skinless chicken thighs for a juicier flavor without significantly increasing calories.
• Substitute honey with agave nectar or maple syrup for a vegan option.
• Increase the amount of vegetables by adding bell peppers or broccoli to the dish.
• Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to reduce sodium intake.

Chef’s Rationale

This Healthier Orange Chicken recipe is designed to deliver all the flavor you crave while keeping health in mind. By using boneless, skinless chicken breast and reducing the amount of sugar typically found in takeout versions, we create a dish that is satisfying without the guilt. The use of fresh orange juice not only enhances the taste but also provides essential vitamins, making it a win-win!

Freezer-Friendly Notes

If you want to prepare this dish in advance, it’s freezer-friendly! Allow the cooked chicken to cool before transferring it to an airtight container. You can freeze the orange chicken for up to three months. When ready to eat, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop until warmed through.

Ask & Learn

Can I use another type of meat for this recipe?

Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different protein option. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly, as shrimp cooks faster than chicken.

Is there a way to make this dish spicier?

If you like a bit of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce. This will give your Healthier Orange Chicken a delightful kick!

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in place of regular soy sauce. This will maintain the flavors while making it suitable for a gluten-free diet.

What can I serve with Healthier Orange Chicken?

This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad. For a complete meal, you can also serve it alongside stir-fried vegetables or Teriyaki Chicken Skewers.

Desserts to Finish

For a sweet ending to your meal, consider these delightful options:

• Chocolate Orange Cake
• Fresh Fruit Salad
• Honey Yogurt Parfait
• Orange Sorbet

Save & Share

If you enjoyed this Healthier Orange Chicken recipe, don’t forget to share it with your friends and family! Cooking is always more fun when you share your delicious creations. Snap a photo of your dish and tag us on social media; we’d love to see how your version turned out!

Eating well doesn’t have to mean sacrificing flavor, and this Healthier Orange Chicken proves just that. With its zesty sauce and tender chicken, it’s a dish that brings joy to the table. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or loved ones, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy the burst of citrus and savor every bite!

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