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Homemade Healthy Orange Chicken recipe photo

Healthy Orange Chicken

A lighter orange chicken with a bright citrus sauce served over rice and broccoli.
Print Recipe Save it
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 4 servings

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Mixing Bowls
  • Whisk
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Measuring Cups
  • Spatula or tongs

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb chicken breast cut into bite-size pieces
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • salt to taste (for marinate)
  • 2 tbsp fresh orange juice for marinate
  • 1 1/2 tbsp soy sauce for marinate
  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch for marinate
  • 1 tsp garlic minced (for marinate)
  • 1 tsp ginger minced (for marinate)
  • 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 garlic cloves minced (for sauce)
  • 1 tsp ginger minced (for sauce)
  • 1/2 tsp red chili flakes
  • 3 tbsp brown sugar
  • salt to taste (for sauce)
  • 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

Instructions
 

  • In a medium bowl, combine the chicken, 1/2 tsp baking soda, salt to taste, 2 tbsp fresh orange juice, 1 1/2 tbsp soy sauce, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1 tbsp cornstarch, 1 tsp minced garlic, and 1 tsp minced ginger; mix well to coat and marinate for at least 10 minutes.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup fresh orange juice, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1/4 cup rice vinegar, 1 1/2 tbsp chili garlic sauce (optional), 1/2 tbsp cornstarch, 2 tsp orange zest, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp minced ginger, 1/2 tsp red chili flakes, 3 tbsp brown sugar, and salt to taste until the sugar dissolves; set the sauce aside.
  • Heat 1 tbsp oil in a wide skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
  • Add the marinated chicken to the skillet in a single layer and cook 4–5 minutes without moving until the underside is browned.
  • Flip the chicken pieces and cook another 5–6 minutes until cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
  • Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet, stir to combine, and cook uncovered for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken.
  • Stir in 1 tbsp sesame seeds and 2 tbsp chopped green onions, then remove from heat.
  • Serve the orange chicken over cooked rice with steamed broccoli on the side.

Notes

  • Nutritional data is for 1/4 of the dish excluding rice and broccoli.