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
– ¼ 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.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:
– ¼ 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.
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.
