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Healthy Orange Chicken

Healthy Orange Chicken for Guilt-Free Takeout Nights

This Healthy Orange Chicken offers a nutritious spin on a takeout classic, packed with flavor and made in just 30 minutes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Asian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1 pound Chicken Breast Substitute with firm tofu for a vegetarian option
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Soda Helps tenderize the chicken
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Use low-sodium options for a healthier dish
For the Sauce
  • 1/2 cup Fresh Orange Juice Substitute with lime or lemon juice for varied flavor
  • 1/4 cup Soy Sauce Use tamari for a gluten-free option
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper Adjust based on preference
  • 1 tablespoon Cornstarch Can be replaced with arrowroot powder in paleo diets
  • 2 cloves Garlic (minced) Use powdered garlic in a pinch
  • 1 teaspoon Ginger (minced) Powdered ginger can be used if fresh isn't available
  • 1 tablespoon Rice Vinegar Apple cider vinegar is an excellent substitute
  • 1 tablespoon Chili Garlic Sauce Optional for extra heat
  • 1 tablespoon Brown Sugar Consider honey or maple syrup for a different sweetener
  • 1/4 teaspoon Red Chili Flakes Adjust depending on spice preference
For Cooking and Garnish
  • 1 tablespoon Oil Any neutral oil works (like grapeseed or canola)
  • 1 tablespoon Sesame Seeds Adds a nutty flavor and crunch
  • 2 tablespoons Green Onions (chopped) Adds brightness to the dish
For Serving
  • 4 cups Cooked Rice Use cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative
  • 2 cups Steamed Broccoli Healthy side dish enhancing the meal's nutritional profile

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • mixing bowl
  • whisk

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Healthy Orange Chicken
  1. Begin by cubing the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and placing them in a large mixing bowl. Add baking soda, salt, fresh orange juice, soy sauce, ground black pepper, cornstarch, minced garlic, and ginger. Toss until the chicken is evenly coated. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes.
  2. In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together fresh orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili garlic sauce (if using), cornstarch, orange zest, minced garlic, ginger, red chili flakes, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Mix until everything is well combined.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a tablespoon of oil. Once shimmering, add the marinated chicken pieces. Sauté for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
  4. Pour the prepared sauce over the sautéed chicken, stirring gently to combine. Allow to simmer uncovered for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  5. Once thickened, remove from heat and sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the chicken. Serve hot with cooked rice and steamed broccoli.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 30gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 4gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 70mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

For best results, ensure chicken is cut into uniform pieces and marinate for longer if possible. Adjust spice levels according to preference.

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