This Healthier Orange Chicken is a lighter version of the classic takeout favorite. Made with boneless skinless chicken breast, fresh orange juice, lite soy sauce, and honey, it’s a perfect blend of sweet and savory. The chicken is coated in cornstarch for a crispy texture and cooked in a mix of sesame and olive oil for a flavorful dish that’s lower in fat and calories than traditional versions. This recipe is quick to prepare and perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1.25 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 large oranges, juiced; plus more orange juice if necessary
- ⅓ cup lite soy sauce
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 tablespoon green onions, diced into thin rounds
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Place the diced chicken in a large bowl or zip-top plastic bag.
- Add the cornstarch and toss or shake the bag to coat the chicken evenly. Set aside.
- Cook the Chicken:
- In a large skillet, combine the toasted sesame oil and olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the orange juice, lite soy sauce, and honey to the skillet.
- Add the coated chicken pieces to the skillet, avoiding any excess cornstarch left at the bottom of the bowl or bag.
- Cook the chicken over medium heat, flipping the pieces and stirring the sauce nearly constantly until the chicken is cooked through.
- Adjust the Sauce:
- If the sauce begins to thicken too much before the chicken is fully cooked, add additional orange juice as needed to thin the sauce and continue stirring.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Once the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has reached your desired consistency, evenly garnish with diced green onions.
- Serve immediately, and enjoy your healthier orange chicken.
Tips
- Juicing the Oranges: For maximum juice, roll the oranges on the countertop before cutting them in half and juicing.
- Cornstarch Coating: Make sure the chicken is evenly coated in cornstarch to achieve a crispy texture.
- Sauce Consistency: Keep an eye on the sauce as it cooks. If it thickens too quickly, simply add more orange juice to keep it from becoming too sticky.
- Green Onions: Add more or less green onions according to your taste preference. They add a nice fresh flavor and color to the dish.
- Serving Suggestions: This orange chicken pairs well with steamed rice, quinoa, or a fresh vegetable stir-fry.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
This Healthier Orange Chicken is a delicious and nutritious alternative to traditional orange chicken, offering all the flavor without the extra calories and fat. Enjoy it as part of a balanced meal for a satisfying and guilt-free indulgence!
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