Healthy Orange Chicken

Name: Healthy Orange Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups of jasmine rice (uncooked); 1 lb chicken breast; 4-6 cloves of garlic; 3 tbsp chopped scallions; 1.5 tbsp avocado oil; 1.5 tsp of minced ginger (or used pre packaged frozen cubes); 1 tsp sesame seeds for garnish; 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; 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

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This Healthy Orange Chicken has all the bright citrusy flavor and comforting vibes—without the deep fryer, the mystery ingredients, or the guilt. It's pan-seared, not battered, naturally sweetened, and comes together in under 30 minutes.

This one’s a staple in my house. The sauce is glossy and bold, the chicken is juicy with a golden crust, and it always disappears fast—especially when I serve it over jasmine rice with steamed broccoli. Even my pickiest kid goes back for seconds.

healthy orange chicken topped with sesame seeds and green onions, served with rice and sauce.

And if you love this healthy recipe, check out my Honey & Orange Garlic Glazed Salmon or my Healthy Cajun Shrimp Pasta! Like fried rice? You can't go wrong with Din Tai Fung style Shrimp Fried Rice!

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.

Speaking of healthy, my better than take-out Broccoli and Chicken Recipe is a good one too!

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The Quest For Healthier Indulgence
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The Best Orange Chicken Video
Ingredients
Instructions
⭐️ Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Better-for-you – High in protein, lower in sugar and sodium than takeout.

Made with real ingredients – No artificial flavors, no corn syrup, no deep-frying.

Quick & easy – Done in about 25 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.

Meal prep friendly – Keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days.

The Best Orange Chicken Video

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Ingredients

Full recipe and instructions in the recipe card at the end of this post

Chicken and Rice

Jasmine rice – Light, fluffy, and fragrant; the perfect base. You can also use frozen jasmine rice to save you time!
Chicken breast –You can also use chicken thighs.
Garlic cloves – Big flavor booster for the chicken.
Scallions – Bright, fresh garnish.
Avocado oil – For sautéing; heart-healthy and neutral in flavor.
Ginger – Adds gentle warmth and depth. I use frozen cubes to make it easier but you can definitely sub for ⅕ teaspoon of minced fresh ginger.
Sesame seeds – Crunchy, nutty garnish.

Chicken Marinade

Baking soda – Tenderizes chicken for a juicier bite.
Garlic – Boosts savory flavor.
Fresh orange juice – Adds bright citrusy flavor to complement the sauce. You can sub for orange juice if fresh is not an option.
Soy sauce – Umami-rich base.
Cornstarch – Helps marinade cling and crisps up chicken when cooked.

Orange Sauce

Orange juice – Sweet, tangy and star of the sauce.
Soy sauce – Adds savory depth. I like to opt for a low sodium soy sauce.
Hoisin sauce – Brings sweetness and complexity.
Rice vinegar – Balances the sweetness with acidity.
Chili garlic sauce – Adds mild heat.
Cornstarch – Thickens the sauce to a glossy glaze.
Orange zest – Boosts citrus aroma and flavor.
Brown sugar – Sweetens and balances tartness.

Instructions

Full recipe and instructions in the recipe card at the end of this post

Hand rinsing rice in a pot on wooden counter, showing preparation step for a recipe.

Step 1: Wash and cook the rice. I love using a rice cooker but you can cook it stovetop or even use frozen jasmine rice.

Person slicing raw chicken on a wooden cutting board in a kitchen setting.

Step 2: Slice the chicken breasts into thin ½-inch strips. Toss with the marinade ingredients and let sit for 30 minutes or just while you prep other ingredients.

Hand chopping green onions on a wooden cutting board with a sharp knife.

Step 3: Thinly slice the scallions.

Bowl of mixed sauce with chili oil, soy, and spice on a wooden board, perfect for dipping or seasoning dishes.

Step 4: Zest and juice your orange and in a small bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients and keep it nearby for later.

Chopped garlic in oil in a white pot on a wooden surface, ready for cooking.

Step 5: Add olive oil and heat on medium heat and add in the garlic and ginger. Sauté for two minutes.

Raw chicken pieces cooking in a white pan, searing for a savory recipe preparation on a stovetop.

Step 6: Add marinated chicken to the pan in a single layer and sear for 5 minutes. This will create a nice golden sear.

Delicious simmering chicken stew with savory sauce in a white pot on a stovetop. Perfect for a hearty meal.

Step 7: Pour in the prepared sauce and toss in the scallions. Let everything simmer together for about 5 minutes, until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken.