Healthy Orange Chicken Flavorful and Easy Recipe

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Craving a tasty twist on classic orange chicken? Look no further! In this easy recipe, you’ll learn to make a healthy version that bursts with flavor while keeping nutrition in mind. I’ll guide you through simple steps, share tips for perfecting your dish, and offer tasty variations to suit your taste. Let’s dive into this delicious and guilt-free meal that you can enjoy any night of the week!

Ingredients

List of Ingredients

Chicken and Vegetables

– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

– 1 red bell pepper, sliced

– 1 cup broccoli florets

Sauce Components

– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice

– 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce

– 1 tablespoon honey

– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 teaspoon ginger, grated

– 1 tablespoon cornstarch

– 1 tablespoon sesame oil

Garnishes

– 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

– Sesame seeds (for garnish)

– Cooked brown rice (for serving)

This healthy orange chicken recipe uses fresh and simple ingredients. The chicken is the star, providing lean protein. The bell pepper and broccoli add color and crunch. Fresh orange juice gives the dish a bright flavor. Low-sodium soy sauce keeps it savory without too much salt. Honey adds a hint of sweetness. Rice vinegar balances the taste and keeps it fresh. Garlic and ginger bring warmth and depth.

Coating the chicken with cornstarch helps to create a nice texture. The sesame oil adds a nutty flavor, making this dish even more delicious. For the garnishes, the green onions and sesame seeds add a nice finish to your plate.

This recipe is a joy to prepare and eat. You can find the full recipe above. Enjoy making this tasty, healthy meal!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Orange Sauce

Start by making the sauce. In a medium bowl, mix these items together:

– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice

– 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce

– 1 tablespoon honey

– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 teaspoon ginger, grated

This sauce gives the dish its bright flavor. The orange juice adds sweetness, while the soy sauce brings depth. The honey and vinegar balance the flavors. Garlic and ginger add a punch that makes it special.

Cooking the Chicken

Next, prepare the chicken. In a separate bowl, toss:

– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

– 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Make sure the chicken pieces are well coated. This step helps thicken the sauce later. Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the chicken to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently. You want the chicken to be golden brown and fully cooked. This step is key for flavor and texture.

Stir-Frying the Vegetables

Now, it’s time for the veggies. Once the chicken is cooked, add:

– 1 red bell pepper, sliced

– 1 cup broccoli florets

Stir-fry the vegetables for about 3-4 minutes. You want them tender-crisp, which means they should still have some crunch. After that, pour the orange sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Cook for another 2-3 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken and meld with the chicken and veggies.

Finally, remove from heat. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve your healthy orange chicken over cooked brown rice for a complete meal.

For the full experience, check the [Full Recipe].

Tips & Tricks

How to Perfectly Cook Chicken

To cook chicken just right, start with fresh meat. Cut the chicken into small, even pieces. This helps the chicken cook evenly. Use a non-stick skillet or wok for the best results. Heat the pan before adding the chicken. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, stirring often. Look for a golden brown color. Check that the chicken is no longer pink inside. This step ensures a tasty and safe dish.

Reducing Sodium and Sugar

To make this dish healthier, lower the sodium and sugar. Use low-sodium soy sauce, which cuts down on salt. You can also reduce the honey in the sauce. Try adding fresh herbs instead for more flavor. Fresh garlic and ginger add great taste without extra sugar. These changes keep your meal light and delicious.

Incorporating More Vegetables

Adding more veggies boosts nutrition and flavor. You can use a mix of your favorites. Broccoli and red bell pepper work well, but try carrots or snap peas too. Cut them into small pieces so they cook quickly. Stir-fry them with the chicken for a colorful dish. More veggies mean more vitamins and minerals. This makes your healthy orange chicken even better.

For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe].

- <strong>Chicken and Vegetables</strong> – 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces – 1 red bell pepper, sliced – 1 cup broccoli florets” /></p>
</p>
<h2>Variations</h2>
</p>
<h3>Substituting Proteins</h3>
</p>
<p>You can change the protein in this dish easily. Instead of chicken, try shrimp or tofu. Shrimp cooks fast and adds a nice flavor. Tofu is a great plant-based choice. Use firm tofu and press it to remove extra water. This helps it soak up the orange sauce well.</p>
</p>
<h3>Different Vegetable Combinations</h3>
</p>
<p>Feel free to mix up the veggies. Instead of red bell peppers and broccoli, use snap peas or carrots. These add great color and crunch. You can also add mushrooms or zucchini for extra flavor. Just remember to cut your veggies into small pieces for even cooking.</p>
</p>
<h3>Spicy Orange Chicken Option</h3>
</p>
<p>If you like heat, make a spicy version! Add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the orange sauce. Start with a small amount and taste. You can always add more if you want more kick. This spicy twist keeps the dish exciting and full of flavor.</p>
</p>
<p>For the full recipe, refer to the section above.</p>
</p>
</p>
<h2>Storage Info</h2>
</p>
<h3>How to Store Leftovers</h3>
</p>
<p>After enjoying your healthy orange chicken, you can store leftovers easily. Place the chicken in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. Make sure it cools down before sealing. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it.</p>
</p>
<h3>Reheating Instructions</h3>
</p>
<p>When you are ready to eat your leftovers, reheating is simple. You can use a microwave or stovetop. If using a microwave, place the chicken in a bowl. Cover it with a microwave-safe lid. Heat for about 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway. If using the stovetop, warm it in a pan over low heat. Add a splash of water to keep it moist. Stir until it’s hot throughout.</p>
</p>
<h3>Freezing Tips</h3>
</p>
<p>To freeze your healthy orange chicken, first cool it completely. Then, use freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as you can before sealing. Label the bags with the date, so you know when to use them. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Enjoy your meal later! For the full recipe, check the main article.</p>
</p>
<h2>FAQs</h2>
</p>
<h3>Can I make Healthy Orange Chicken ahead of time?</h3>
<p>Yes, you can make Healthy Orange Chicken ahead of time. Cook the chicken and veggies as directed. Let them cool down, then store in airtight containers. This dish keeps well in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready to eat, just heat it up on the stove or in the microwave. The flavors will still be great!</p>
</p>
<h3>What can I serve with Healthy Orange Chicken?</h3>
<p>Healthy Orange Chicken pairs well with several sides. Here are some tasty options:</p>
<p>– Cooked brown rice</p>
<p>– Quinoa</p>
<p>– Steamed jasmine rice</p>
<p>– Cauliflower rice</p>
<p>– A simple green salad</p>
<p>– Stir-fried vegetables</p>
</p>
<p>Each option adds a nice touch to your meal. Choose what you love!</p>
</p>
<h3>How can I make this dish gluten-free?</h3>
<p>To make Healthy Orange Chicken gluten-free, swap the soy sauce for tamari. Tamari is a gluten-free alternative that has similar flavor. Always check the label to ensure it’s truly gluten-free. You can also use cornstarch, which is naturally gluten-free, to coat the chicken. Enjoy your dish without worry!</p>
</p>
<p>Don’t forget to check the full recipe to get all the details needed for a delicious meal!</p>
</p>
<p>In this post, I covered how to make Healthy Orange Chicken. We explored the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. I shared how to cook chicken perfectly and reduce sodium. Plus, we looked at tasty variations and storage tips.</p>
</p>
<p>You can easily customize this dish to fit your taste. Cooking at home lets you control flavors and health. Enjoy making your own Healthy Orange Chicken whenever you want!</p>
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- Chicken and Vegetables - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1 red bell pepper, sliced - 1 cup broccoli florets

Healthy Orange Chicken

Craving a healthier twist on a classic? This Healthy Orange Chicken recipe is your solution! Packed with flavor and using fresh ingredients, it’s easy to whip up for any night. Discover simple steps to perfect your dish, along with tips for customizing to your taste. Enjoy a nutritious meal without sacrificing taste. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your dinner routine!

Ingredients
  

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice

2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce

1 tablespoon honey

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon ginger, grated

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1 tablespoon sesame oil

1 red bell pepper, sliced

1 cup broccoli florets

2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Cooked brown rice (for serving)

Instructions
 

In a medium bowl, mix together the fresh orange juice, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. This will be your orange sauce.

    In a separate bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch until they are well coated. This will help thicken the sauce and give the chicken a nice texture.

      Heat sesame oil in a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

        Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.

          Once the chicken is cooked, add the sliced red bell pepper and broccoli florets to the skillet. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables are tender-crisp.

            Pour the orange sauce over the chicken and vegetables, stirring well to coat everything evenly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.

              Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

                Serve the healthy orange chicken over cooked brown rice.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

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