Name: Healthy Orange Chicken: A Guilt-Free Delight in 30 Minutes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 2 teaspoons freshly grated orange zest; ½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice (approximately 2 medium oranges); ⅓ cup brown sugar, tightly packed; 2 tablespoons Asian white rice vinegar; 3 tablespoons tamari sauce; 2 teaspoons Sriracha; 1 teaspoon ground ginger; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 2 teaspoons cornstarch, fully dissolved in 1 tablespoon water; 2 teaspoons olive or canola oil; 1 ½ lbs boneless/skinless chicken thighs; ¼ teaspoon kosher salt; 2 stalks scallions, thinly sliced; Optional: Cooked rice for serving

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Healthy Orange Chicken is a delightful twist on the classic takeout dish, offering a fresh, zesty flavor profile that won’t compromise your health goals. This recipe features a tangy orange sauce paired with tender chicken, all prepared with minimal oil. You can whip it up in just 30 minutes, making it the perfect choice for a busy weeknight dinner. With its rich flavors and nutritious ingredients, this dish is not only satisfying but also good for you!

Why You’ll Love This Healthy Orange Chicken

This Nutritious Orange Chicken Recipe is a game-changer for anyone looking to enjoy a delicious meal without the guilt. Here are several reasons to love it:

Quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy nights.
Packed with protein, with 39.5 g of protein per serving.
Low in calories, with only 249 kcal per serving, perfect for weight management.
Utilizes healthy alternatives to traditional orange chicken, like low-calorie ingredients.
Can be made with lean chicken thighs or breast for a healthier option.
Perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a guilt-free orange chicken meal throughout the week.

Ingredients for Healthy Orange Chicken

Gather these items:

2 teaspoons freshly grated orange zest
½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice (approximately 2 medium oranges)
⅓ cup brown sugar, tightly packed
2 tablespoons Asian white rice vinegar
3 tablespoons tamari sauce
2 teaspoons Sriracha
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 teaspoons cornstarch, fully dissolved in 1 tablespoon water
2 teaspoons olive or canola oil
1 ½ lbs boneless/skinless chicken thighs
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
2 stalks scallions, thinly sliced
Optional: Cooked rice for serving

How to Make Healthy Orange Chicken Step-by-Step

Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together the orange zest, orange juice, brown sugar, rice vinegar, tamari sauce, Sriracha, ginger, garlic powder, and dissolved cornstarch until smooth.
Step 2: Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Cut the chicken into small bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: Heat oil in a large nonstick pan over high heat until hot. Add the chicken pieces and kosher salt. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the chicken is just cooked through, then transfer the chicken to a bowl and set aside.
Step 4: In the same pan, add the orange sauce mixture and cook over medium heat for about 30 seconds, or until the sauce thickens.
Step 5: Return the cooked chicken to the pan and stir to coat it in the sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to fully coat the chicken.
Step 6: Serve immediately over rice and garnish with sliced scallions. Optionally, serve with extra Sriracha sauce on the side.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Healthy Orange Chicken

Keep these in mind:

For a low-fat orange chicken variation, use chicken breast instead of thighs.
Experiment with different vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli for added nutrition.
Make sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it tender and juicy.

Best Ways to Serve Healthy Orange Chicken

This dish is incredibly versatile. Here are some great serving ideas:

Serve it over healthy orange chicken with cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Pair it with steamed vegetables for a nutritious meal.
Enjoy it over quinoa for a protein-packed side.

How to Store and Reheat Healthy Orange Chicken

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a pan over medium heat until heated through. This makes it perfect for healthy orange chicken for meal prep.

Frequently Asked Questions About Healthy Orange Chicken

What’s the secret to perfect Healthy Orange Chicken?

The secret lies in using fresh ingredients, especially the orange juice and zest, which give the dish its vibrant flavor. Also, don’t overcook the chicken; it should be moist and tender.

Can I make Healthy Orange Chicken ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and marinate the chicken in advance. Just cook it fresh when you’re ready to serve for the best flavor and texture.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Healthy Orange Chicken?

Common mistakes include not patting the chicken dry and overcooking it. Ensure your pan is hot before adding the chicken to achieve a nice sear and prevent it from steaming.

Variations of Healthy Orange Chicken You Can Try

Here are some delicious twists you can try:

Baked Orange Chicken for Weight Loss: Bake the chicken instead of pan-frying to reduce oil usage.
Healthy Asian-Inspired Orange Chicken: Add sesame seeds and stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
Orange Chicken Without Added Sugar: Substitute the brown sugar with a sugar alternative for a low-calorie option.

Healthy Orange Chicken: A Guilt-Free Delight in 30 Minutes

Author: basmer
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Healthy Orange Chicken recipe offers a fresh, zesty twist on the classic takeout dish. With a tangy orange sauce, tender chicken, and minimal oil, it’s a lighter, healthier version that’s quick to prepare in just 30 minutes.

Instructions

In a bowl, whisk together orange zest, orange juice, brown sugar, rice vinegar, tamari sauce, Sriracha, ginger, garlic powder, and dissolved cornstarch. Whisk until there are no white streaks left from the cornstarch.
Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Cut chicken into small bite-sized pieces.
Heat oil in a large nonstick pan over high heat until hot. Add chicken pieces and kosher salt. Cook for 3-4 minutes until chicken is just cooked through. Transfer cooked chicken to a bowl and set aside.
In the same pan, add the orange sauce mixture and cook over medium heat for about 30 seconds, or until the sauce thickens.
Return the cooked chicken to the pan and stir to coat it in the sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to fully coat the chicken.
Serve immediately over rice and garnish with sliced scallions. Optionally, serve with extra Sriracha sauce on the side.