Description
A delicious and healthy take on classic orange chicken, this recipe uses fresh orange juice and simple ingredients to create a flavorful dish without the extra calories and high sodium of traditional versions. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick yet nutritious dinner served with rice and steamed broccoli.
Ingredients
To Marinate the Chicken
- 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
To Make 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
For Cooking & 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
- Marinate the Chicken: In a medium-size bowl, combine the chicken pieces with baking soda, salt, orange juice, soy sauce, black pepper, cornstarch, minced garlic, and ginger. Mix thoroughly and allow to marinate for at least 10 minutes to tenderize and infuse flavor.
- Prepare the Orange Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together fresh orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili garlic sauce (optional), cornstarch, orange zest, minced garlic, minced ginger, red chili flakes, brown sugar, and salt. Whisk until the sugar is fully dissolved and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a wide skillet over medium flame and add oil. Once hot, add the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook for 4-5 minutes without stirring to sear one side, then flip and cook for another 5-6 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned.
- Add the Sauce: Pour the prepared orange sauce mixture over the cooked chicken in the skillet. Cook uncovered for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the chicken evenly.
- Finish with Garnishes: Stir in sesame seeds and chopped green onions into the chicken and sauce mixture. Mix well to distribute.
- Serve: Serve the healthy orange chicken hot alongside cooked rice and steamed broccoli for a balanced, flavorful meal.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken for longer, up to 30 minutes, enhances tenderness and flavor.
- Adjust chili garlic sauce and red chili flakes to control spiciness according to preference.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to keep sodium levels in check and make this recipe healthier.
- Ensure the sauce thickens properly before serving to get the right texture.
- For a gluten-free option, replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-American
