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Fresh orange juice, chicken breast, and ingredients for healthy orange chicken recipe

Healthy Orange Chicken

This 30-minute healthy orange chicken recipe delivers all the sweet, tangy flavors of Chinese takeout with fewer calories, less sodium, and no frying required.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Asian
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb chicken breast cut into bite-size pieces
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • salt to taste
  • 2 tbsp fresh orange juice for marinade
  • 1 1/2 tbsp soy sauce for marinade
  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch for marinade
  • 1 tsp garlic minced, for marinade
  • 1 tsp ginger minced, for marinade
  • 1/3 cup fresh orange juice for sauce
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce for sauce
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 1 1/2 tbsp chili garlic sauce optional
  • 1/2 tbsp cornstarch for sauce
  • 2 tsp orange zest
  • 3 cloves garlic minced, for sauce
  • 1 tsp ginger minced, for sauce
  • 1/2 tsp red chili flakes
  • 3 tbsp brown sugar
  • 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

Equipment

  • Wide skillet
  • Medium-size bowl
  • Separate bowl for sauce

Method
 

  1. In a medium-size bowl, combine chicken pieces with baking soda, salt, 2 tablespoons orange juice, 1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce, black pepper, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1 teaspoon minced garlic, and 1 teaspoon minced ginger. Mix thoroughly and marinate for at least 10 minutes.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup orange juice, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili garlic sauce, 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch, orange zest, 3 cloves minced garlic, 1 teaspoon minced ginger, red chili flakes, brown sugar, and salt until sugar dissolves. Set aside.
  3. Heat a wide skillet over medium-high heat and add oil. Once hot, add the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer.
  4. Cook on medium flame for 4-5 minutes without disturbing, then flip chicken pieces and cook for 5-6 more minutes until chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165 degrees F).
  5. Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the cooked chicken and cook uncovered for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
  6. Once sauce has thickened, stir in sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
  7. Serve the healthy orange chicken over rice with steamed vegetables on the side.

Notes

For best results, marinate chicken for longer than 10 minutes if time allows. Don't skip the baking soda in the marinade as it helps tenderize the chicken. Fresh orange juice is essential for authentic flavor. If doubling the recipe, reduce black pepper by half.
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