Description
This recipe provides a healthier take on classic Orange Chicken, offering a delicious and satisfying meal that’s better than takeout. It’s made with fresh ingredients and avoids excessive amounts of sugar and sodium, making it a guilt-free indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp grated ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup orange juice, freshly squeezed
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Green onions, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Dredge the chicken pieces in the cornstarch mixture, ensuring they are fully coated.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer (work in batches if necessary) and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the grated ginger and minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the orange juice, soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar. Add the orange zest and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until it slightly thickens.
- Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet and toss to coat it evenly with the orange sauce.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve immediately over rice or noodles.
Notes
- For a crispier chicken, you can bake the dredged chicken pieces in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes before adding them to the sauce.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your preference for spiciness.
- Serve with brown rice or quinoa for a healthier meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Orange Chicken, Healthy, Asian, Chicken, Dinner, Low Sodium, Easy Recipe, Quick Meal, Takeout Fakeout