Healthy Orange Chicken

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.

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!

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.

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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

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.

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.

Step 3: Thinly slice the scallions.

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

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

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

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.

Step 8: Spoon the chicken over a bed of jasmine rice, sprinkle with sesame seeds, and enjoy!

Substitutions and Variations

Protein: Swap out the chicken breast for chicken thighs, 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.

FAQ