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.

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!

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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!

Jump to:

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

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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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The Best Orange Chicken Video

If you enjoyed this video for Healthy Orange Chicken, please subscribe to my Youtube Channel and click the BELL icon so you can be the first to know when I post a new 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 to save you time!
• Chicken breast –You can also use chicken.
• Garlic cloves – Big flavor booster for the chicken.
• Scallions – Bright, fresh garnish.
• Avocado oil – For sautéing; heart-healthy and neutral in flavor.
• Ginger (frozen cube) – Adds gentle warmth and depth.
• Sesame seeds – Crunchy, nutty garnish.

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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.

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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.

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Instructions

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

Cook the Rice

Prepare the jasmine rice according to the package instructions.
I like to use a rice cooker for perfect, fluffy results every time.

Prep the Chicken

• Slice chicken breast into thin ½-inch strips.
• Toss with the marinade ingredients and let sit for 30 minutes to soak up all that flavor.

Chop & Mix

• Thinly slice scallions and set aside.
• Zest and juice your orange.
• In a bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients and keep it nearby for later.

Sauté the Aromatics

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add garlic and ginger, cooking for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and golden.

Cook the Chicken

• Add marinated chicken to the pan in a single layer.
• Sear undisturbed for about 5 minutes until golden and crispy.
• Flip and cook the other side for another 3–4 minutes.

Finish the Dish

• 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.

Serve

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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⭐️ Recipe