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Homemade Healthier Orange Chicken photo

Healthier Orange Chicken

This Healthier Orange Chicken is a delicious twist on a classic! A light, zesty dish that's easy to whip up in under 30 minutes.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 1.25 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast diced into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup cornstarch

For the Sauce:

  • 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

Instructions

Instructions:

  • 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.

Equipment

  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Skillet or Wok
  • Citrus juicer
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Spatula or wooden spoon

Notes

  • This dish is freezer-friendly! Allow the cooked chicken to cool before freezing.
  • For a vegan option, substitute honey with agave nectar or maple syrup.
  • Add more vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli for extra nutrition.