Healthy Orange Chicken Recipe: A Deliciously Light Take on a Classic

Are you craving the sweet and savory satisfaction of orange chicken, but without the guilt? This healthy orange chicken recipe delivers all the flavor you love, with significantly less fat and calories. It's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a healthier take on takeout. Let's dive in!

Ingredients You'll Need:

This recipe uses simple, readily available ingredients. You likely already have most of them in your pantry!

• For the Chicken:

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

• For the Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed is best!)
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup for a refined sugar-free option)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
  • Zest of 1 orange

Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these simple steps for perfectly cooked, flavourful orange chicken:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

• In a medium bowl, combine the cubed chicken with cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Toss until the chicken is evenly coated.

2. Cook the Chicken:

• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
• Add the chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until it's cooked through and lightly browned (about 6-8 minutes). Important: Don't overcrowd the pan; cook the chicken in batches if necessary to ensure even browning.

3. Make the Sauce:

• While the chicken is cooking, whisk together the orange juice, chicken broth, rice vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), soy sauce, cornstarch, ginger, garlic, red pepper flakes (if using), and orange zest in a small bowl until smooth.

4. Combine and Simmer:

• Once the chicken is cooked, pour the sauce over the chicken in the skillet.
• Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring constantly, until it thickens (about 1-2 minutes).

5. Serve and Enjoy!

• Serve your healthy orange chicken over brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a complete and nutritious meal. Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or sliced oranges for added flavor and visual appeal.

Tips and Variations:

• For extra flavor: Marinate the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
• Adjust the sweetness: Add more or less honey (or maple syrup) to your liking.
• Spice it up: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes for a spicier dish.
• Make it vegetarian: Substitute the chicken with firm tofu, seitan, or tempeh.

This healthy orange chicken recipe is not only delicious but also a flexible and adaptable dish. Experiment with different vegetables, add-ins, and variations to create your own signature healthy orange chicken masterpiece! Enjoy!