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Healthy Orange Chicken Recipe

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4.1 from 6 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Low Fat

Description

This Healthy Orange Chicken recipe offers a quick and flavorful meal featuring tender chicken breast pieces marinated in a zesty orange-based mixture, cooked in a skillet, and served with a tangy, slightly sweet sauce. The dish is garnished with sesame seeds and green onions, providing a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spicy notes, ideal for a nutritious weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade

  • 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 tbsp fresh orange juice
  • 1 1/2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tsp garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp ginger, minced

For the Orange Sauce

  • 1/3 cup fresh orange juice
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 1 1/2 tbsp chili garlic sauce (optional)
  • 1/2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 2 tsp orange zest
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp ginger, minced
  • 1/2 tsp red chili flakes
  • 3 tbsp brown sugar
  • Salt to taste

To Cook and Garnish

  • 1 tbsp oil
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds
  • 2 tbsp green onions, chopped
  • 1 cup cooked rice, to serve
  • 1/2 cup steamed broccoli, to serve

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a medium-size bowl, combine all the ingredients under the chicken marinade section — baking soda, salt, orange juice, soy sauce, black pepper, cornstarch, garlic, and ginger — with the chicken pieces. Mix thoroughly to coat and marinate the chicken for at least 10 minutes.
  2. Prepare the Orange Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili garlic sauce (if using), cornstarch, orange zest, minced garlic, ginger, red chili flakes, brown sugar, and salt until the sugar dissolves. Set the sauce mixture aside.
  3. Heat the Skillet: Place a wide skillet over medium heat and add the oil. Allow the oil to heat up before adding the marinated chicken pieces.
  4. Cook the Chicken: Cook the chicken on medium heat for 4-5 minutes, then flip the pieces over and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside.
  5. Add the Sauce: Pour the prepared orange sauce into the skillet with the chicken. Cook uncovered for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken evenly.
  6. Finish and Garnish: Add sesame seeds and chopped green onions to the skillet, stirring to combine well with the chicken and sauce.
  7. Serve: Serve the healthy orange chicken immediately with cooked rice and steamed broccoli on the side for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Marinating the chicken for longer than 10 minutes can enhance flavor and tenderness.
  • Adjust the amount of chili garlic sauce and red chili flakes for desired spice level.
  • For a lower sodium option, use low-sodium soy sauce.
  • Ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  • Optional vegetables like steamed broccoli can be substituted with your favorite steamed or sautéed veggies.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Asian

Find it online: https://sarabaking.com/healthy-orange-chicken-recipe/