You will love the vibrant flavors and guilt-free indulgence of our Healthy Orange Chicken recipe. I’ve reinvented this classic takeout favorite, transforming it into a wholesome and nourishing dish that’s as satisfying to your taste buds as it is to your well-being. Say goodbye to the greasy guilt and hello to a zesty delight that will leave you craving more!
Orange Chicken is a Chinese American dish that typically is made with battered chicken pieces tossed in a sweet and sour orange sauce. This dish is sautéed instead of battered to make it a healthier dinner recipe. Most recipes call for chicken thigh but I wanted to make it as healthy as possible so I’m using chicken breast but feel free to use chicken thigh. I found a mom and pop Chinese restaurant trick to make the chicken super juicy….baking soda!
The Quest For Healthier Indulgence
Orange Chicken has long been a beloved dish for its sweet and tangy flavors, but traditional recipes often come with a heavy dose of added sugars and unhealthy fats. My mission was to give this dish a makeover without compromising on taste. By making a few simple swaps and choosing wholesome ingredients, I’ve created a version that’s light on calories but heavy on satisfaction.
The Best Orange Chicken Video
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Ingredients
Full recipe, instructions, and photos in the recipe card at the end of this post
Chicken and Rice
- 1 ½ cups jasmine rice: A fragrant and fluffy base that pairs perfectly with the tangy orange chicken.
- 1 lb chicken breast: Lean protein that’s marinated for maximum flavor and tenderness.
- 4-6 cloves of garlic: Adds a punch of flavor to the chicken.
- 3 tbsp scallions: Fresh and aromatic, perfect for garnishing the dish.
- 1 tbsp avocado oil: A heart-healthy oil that’s perfect for sautéing the chicken.
- 1 tsp of ginger (used pre-packaged frozen cubes): Adds a subtle warmth and spice to the dish.
- 1 tsp sesame seeds (for garnish): Adds a bit of crunch and nuttiness to the final dish.
Marinade
- ½ tsp baking soda: Helps tenderize the chicken, making it extra juicy.
- 1 tsp garlic: Enhances the flavor of the chicken in the marinade.
- ½ tsp salt: Balances the flavors in the marinade.
- ¼ tsp black pepper: Adds a bit of spice to the chicken.
- 2 tbsp fresh orange juice: Provides a burst of citrusy flavor.
- 1 ½ tbsp soy sauce: Adds umami and depth to the marinade.
- 1 tbsp cornstarch: Helps the marinade adhere to the chicken and creates a light coating when cooked.
Sauce
- ⅓ cup fresh orange juice: The star ingredient that gives the sauce its sweet and tangy flavor.
- 1 tbsp soy sauce: Adds a savory depth to the sauce.
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce: Adds a hint of sweetness and complexity to the sauce.
- ¼ cup rice vinegar: Provides acidity to balance the sweetness of the orange juice.
- 1 ½ tsp chili garlic sauce: Adds a touch of heat to the sauce.
- ½ tbsp cornstarch: Thickens the sauce to the perfect consistency.
- 2 tsp orange zest: Intensifies the orange flavor in the sauce.
- ½ tsp red chili flakes: Adds a little extra kick of spice.
- 3 tbsp brown sugar: Sweetens the sauce while balancing the tartness of the orange juice.
Instructions
Full recipe, instructions, and photos in the recipe card at the end of this post
- Cook your jasmine rice per instructions on the package. I love using a rice cooker.
- Slice your chicken breast into 1/2 inch strips.
- Season your chicken with the marinade and set aside for 30 minutes.
- Chop your scallions and set aside.
- Grate and juice your orange.
- Combine all your sauce ingredients and set aside.
- Heat your oil on medium heat and add in your garlic and ginger and saute for a few minutes until aromatic.
- Then add in your chicken and cook undisturbed for five minutes or until crispy. Then flip over and repeat on the other side.
- Add in your sauce and scallions and cook for an additional five minutes.
- Top with sesame seeds and serve over rice.
Substitutions and Variations
Protein: Swap out the chicken breast for tofu or shrimp for a different protein option.
Vegetables: Add sautéed bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas to make the dish more colorful and nutritious.
Sweetener: Substitute the brown sugar with honey or maple syrup for a different flavor profile.
What to Serve with Healthy Orange Chicken
Steamed Vegetables: Serve with a side of steamed broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy.
Asian Slaw: A crunchy, tangy slaw made with cabbage, carrots, and a sesame dressing pairs beautifully with the flavors of the orange chicken.
Egg Rolls or Spring Rolls: These appetizers add a satisfying crunch and complement the main dish.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of rice?
Yes, you can substitute jasmine rice with brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a different texture and flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce in place of regular soy sauce.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Increase the amount of chili garlic sauce and red chili flakes in the sauce for an extra kick of heat.
Healthy Orange Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups of jasmine rice
- 1 lb chicken breast
- 4-6 cloves of garlic
- 3 tbsp scallions
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- 1 tsp of ginger used pre packaged frozen cubes
- 1 tsp sesame seeds for garnish
Marinade
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp garlic
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh orange juice
- 1 ½ tbsp soy sauce 4 secs
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
Sauce
- 1/3 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1 1/2 tsp chili garlic sauce
- 1/2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tsp orange zest this was mixed into my fresh OJ in my video
- 1/2 tsp red chili flakes
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
Instructions
- Cook your jasmine rice per instructions on the package. I love using a rice cooker.
- Slice your chicken breast into 1/2 inch strips.
- Season your chicken with the marinade and set aside for 30 minutes.
- Chop your scallions and set aside.
- Grate and juice your orange.
- Combine all your sauce ingredients and set aside.
- Heat your oil on medium heat and add in your garlic and ginger and saute for a few minutes until aromatic.
- Then add in your chicken and saute undisturbed for five minutes or until crispy. Then flip over and repeat on the other side.
- Add in your sauce and scallions and cook for an additional five minutes.
- Top with sesame seeds and serve over rice.
