Healthy Orange Chicken: An Easy & Delicious Dinner!

Healthy Orange Chicken, a vibrant and flavorful dish that dances on your taste buds, brings a taste of sunshine straight from our Italian kitchen to your table. This isn’t your typical takeout fare; it’s a lighter, brighter, and utterly delicious version of a beloved classic. We’ve taken the traditional orange chicken dinner and given it a Nonna’s touch, making it a healthy orange chicken recipe you can feel good about serving your family. 

Our Nonna Teresa always said, “Food should nourish the body and soul!” And that’s exactly what this Healthy Orange Chicken aims to do. Imagine the aroma of citrus filling your kitchen, the savory chicken coated in a glistening orange glaze, and the satisfied smiles around your dinner table. It all starts here.

Why You Will Love This Healthy Orange Chicken Recipe

This Healthy Orange Chicken recipe is a winner for so many reasons! First and foremost, it’s incredibly delicious. The sweet and tangy orange sauce perfectly complements the tender chicken, creating a harmonious balance of flavors that’s simply irresistible. You’ll get this healthy orange chicken recipe on the table faster than you can call for take out.

But beyond the flavor, it’s also a really healthy orange chicken recipe. We’ve made smart swaps to reduce the sugar and fat without sacrificing any of the satisfying taste. Think of it as a light orange chicken that satisfies your cravings without the guilt.

Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make. Even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen, you can whip up this dish with confidence. It’s an easy chicken stir fry that anyone can make. Trust us, even Nonna Maria, who claims she “doesn’t do fancy,” can make this! It is a nutritious chicken recipe that everyone loves.

Ingredients Needed for This Healthy Orange Chicken Recipe

Here’s everything you’ll need to create our delicious and Healthy Orange Chicken:

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch chunks
• 1/2 cup cornstarch

For the Sauce:

• 1 cup fresh orange juice
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/4 cup water

For Serving:

• Cooked brown rice or quinoa
• Sesame seeds, for garnish
• Chopped green onions, for garnish

How to Make This Healthy Orange Chicken Recipe

Let’s get cooking! Here’s how to make our easy and delicious Healthy Orange Chicken:

1. 1. Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl and toss with the cornstarch until evenly coated.

1. 2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using).

1. 3. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to form a slurry.

1. 4. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan.

1. 5. Pour the orange sauce over the chicken and bring to a simmer.

1. 6. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce has thickened, about 1-2 minutes.

1. 7. Serve the Healthy Orange Chicken over cooked brown rice or quinoa.

1. 8. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Enjoy! We know you will love this healthy orange chicken recipe. *Nonna Tip:* If you want a richer sauce, you can add a tablespoon of butter at the end.

Follow us on Pinterest for more delightful family recipes!

How to Serve This Healthy Orange Chicken Recipe

This Healthy Orange Chicken is delicious served simply over brown rice or quinoa for a complete and balanced meal. For a lighter option, try serving it over cauliflower rice or alongside steamed broccoli.

You can also get creative with your toppings! A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and a handful of chopped green onions add a pop of flavor and visual appeal. For an extra touch of sweetness, consider adding a few segments of fresh orange. Another exciting take would be to try our 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken Orange Marmalade Bbq recipe.

How to Store This Healthy Orange Chicken Recipe

Leftovers of this Healthy Orange Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to cool it down properly before refrigeration.

For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. To reheat, simply microwave or reheat in a skillet until warmed through. Consider making fresh rice or quinoa to accompany it.

Tips to Make This Healthy Orange Chicken Recipe

Want to take your Healthy Orange Chicken to the next level? Here are a few tips to help you achieve the best possible results:

• For extra flavor: Marinate the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
• To reduce the sweetness: Adjust the amount of honey in the sauce to your liking. You can also add a splash of lemon juice to balance the sweetness.
• To thicken the sauce: Make sure to whisk the cornstarch slurry thoroughly before adding it to the sauce. This will prevent lumps from forming.
• To avoid overcrowding the pan: Cook the chicken in batches to ensure that it browns properly.

Helpful Notes for This Healthy Orange Chicken Recipe

Here are a few extra notes to ensure that your Healthy Orange Chicken turns out perfectly:

• Make sure to use fresh orange juice for the best flavor. Bottled orange juice can be too sweet or acidic.
• If you don’t have rice vinegar, you can substitute it with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar.
• Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your spice preference. Remember can always add more but can’t take away!
• If you are short on time, consider using pre-cut chicken breast pieces.
• For an interesting twist, consider pairing with our Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili.

Variation of This Healthy Orange Chicken Recipe

Want to mix things up a bit? Here are some variations of this Healthy Orange Chicken recipe to try:

• Spicy Orange Chicken: Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for an extra kick.
• Lemon Orange Chicken: Substitute half of the orange juice with lemon juice for a brighter, more tangy flavor.
• Vegetable Orange Chicken: Add your favorite stir-fry vegetables, such as broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas, to the dish for a heartier meal.
• Easy Orange Chicken: If you are pinched for time, try out our quick and tasty Easy Orange Chicken recipe!

Conclusion

So there you have it – our family’s recipe for Healthy Orange Chicken, a flavorful and satisfying dish that we hope you’ll love as much as we do. It’s a perfect weeknight meal that’s both easy to make and good for you. Get ready to impress your family with this bright, comforting, and delicious Healthy Orange Chicken. Don’t be shy about leaving a comment or question below – we love hearing from you!

Print