This Healthy Orange Chicken recipe is a lighter and healthier alternative to the classic takeout dish. It’s made with simple, clean ingredients, and is both gluten-free and high in protein. The chicken is sautéed with a flavorful sauce made from fresh orange juice, coconut aminos, and a touch of honey, offering a sweet and tangy taste. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner and can be served with rice or vegetables for a complete, satisfying meal.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes

• 1 tbsp olive oil

For the Sauce:

• 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil

• 2 cups orange juice

• ¼ cup coconut aminos (or soy sauce)

• 3 tbsp honey

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tbsp grated fresh ginger

• ½ tbsp orange zest

For Serving:

• 4 cups steamed broccoli or green beans

• 2 cups cooked rice (or quinoa, if preferred)

Directions

1. Cook the Chicken: In a large sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 10 minutes until the edges are browned and slightly crispy.

2. Prepare the Sauce: While the chicken cooks, stir together all sauce ingredients in a bowl.

3. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Once the chicken is thoroughly cooked, remove it from the pan and set aside. Pour the sauce into the same pan and bring it to a boil. Let the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens.

4. Coat the Chicken: Once the sauce has thickened, add the cooked chicken back into the pan and stir to coat the chicken in the sauce.

5. Serve: Serve the orange chicken over steamed vegetables and rice. Enjoy!

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: 576 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 58 g

• Protein: 54 g

• Fat: 14 g

  • Saturated Fat: 2 g

• Cholesterol: 145 mg

• Sodium: 634 mg

• Potassium: 1419 mg

• Fiber: 3 g

• Sugar: 25 g

• Vitamin A: 869 IU

• Vitamin C: 144 mg

• Calcium: 78 mg

• Iron: 2 mg

Why Choose Healthy Orange Chicken?

The appeal of this Healthy Orange Chicken recipe lies in its balance of sweet and savory flavors, all while being much lighter than the classic takeout version. By sautéing the chicken rather than deep frying it, you reduce unnecessary calories and fat while still achieving a crispy texture. The sauce, made with fresh orange juice and coconut aminos, gives the dish a tangy punch, while honey adds just the right amount of sweetness without being overwhelming. This healthier alternative keeps the dish flavorful but without all the heavy sugar and unhealthy oils typically found in takeout versions.

The combination of high-quality ingredients like fresh ginger, garlic powder, and orange zest makes this orange chicken vibrant and aromatic. Paired with steamed broccoli or green beans and served over rice (or quinoa for a gluten-free option), this dish makes for a satisfying and nutritious meal that’s perfect for any day of the week.

Nutritional Benefits

This Healthy Orange Chicken is not only delicious but also offers a number of key nutrients:

• Protein: With 54 grams of protein per serving, the chicken is the star of the dish, providing a substantial amount of this essential nutrient. Protein is vital for muscle repair, immune function, and overall body health.

• Carbohydrates: The dish contains 58 grams of carbohydrates, which come from the rice and vegetables. This provides a good source of energy and is balanced with fiber, helping to support digestion.

• Healthy Fats: The dish includes 14 grams of fat, 2 grams of which are saturated fat. The olive oil and sesame oil used in cooking provide healthy fats, which are beneficial for heart health and overall well-being.

• Fiber: With 3 grams of fiber, this dish helps support digestion and contributes to a feeling of fullness, making it a more balanced meal.

• Vitamins and Minerals: The dish is an excellent source of Vitamin C (144 mg), which helps boost immunity, maintain skin health, and protect cells from oxidative stress. It also provides Vitamin A (869 IU) for eye health and a healthy immune system, as well as potassium (1419 mg) for heart and muscle function.

• Iron: With 2 mg of iron, the meal helps support red blood cell function and oxygen transport throughout the body.

How to Make Healthy Orange Chicken

This recipe is easy to prepare, and the steps are straightforward, ensuring a tasty meal with minimal effort. Here’s how to make it:

1. Cook the Chicken:

   • In a large sauté pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken and cook for 10 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is browned on the edges and slightly crispy.

2. Prepare the Sauce:

   • While the chicken is cooking, combine the sauce ingredients in a bowl: 2 cups of fresh orange juice, ¼ cup of coconut aminos (or soy sauce), 3 tablespoons of honey, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, ½ tablespoon of grated fresh ginger, and ½ tablespoon of orange zest. Stir until smooth and set aside.

3. Simmer the Sauce:

   • Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pan and set it aside. Pour the prepared sauce into the same pan and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency.

4. Coat the Chicken:

   • Once the sauce has thickened, return the cooked chicken to the pan and stir it to coat the chicken evenly in the sauce. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for a few more minutes to absorb the flavors.

5. Serve:

   • Serve the Healthy Orange Chicken over steamed broccoli or green beans for a light and nutritious side. Pair it with 2 cups of cooked rice (or quinoa for a gluten-free option) for a complete and satisfying meal.

Serving Suggestions

This Healthy Orange Chicken can be served in many ways depending on your preference. Here are a few ideas for pairing it with other dishes:

• Vegetables: Steamed broccoli or green beans are the perfect sides, offering a fresh crunch and balance to the sweetness of the sauce.

• Grains: Serve the orange chicken over a bed of steamed rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb alternative.

• Add More Veggies: You can add sautéed bell peppers, snap peas, or even a sprinkle of sesame seeds on top for an added touch of flavor and texture.

• Garnish: Fresh cilantro, green onions, or toasted sesame seeds can be added on top for extra color and flavor.

Customizing Your Healthy Orange Chicken

This recipe is highly adaptable to suit various dietary preferences:

• Gluten-Free: The recipe is naturally gluten-free when using coconut aminos or tamari in place of soy sauce.

• Low-Carb Option: For a low-carb meal, serve the orange chicken over cauliflower rice or simply pair it with a side of roasted vegetables instead of rice.

• Spicy Version: If you prefer a bit of heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce to give it some spice.

• Sugar-Free Option: If you’re looking for a sugar-free version, you can replace the honey with a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit, adjusting to taste.

Conclusion: A Healthy, Flavorful Weeknight Dinner

Healthy Orange Chicken is the perfect dish when you’re craving something flavorful, satisfying, and easy to make. With its sweet and tangy sauce and lean protein, this dish offers a lighter alternative to the classic takeout version. Paired with steamed vegetables and rice, it’s a well-rounded meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep. The fresh ingredients, including orange juice, ginger, and coconut aminos, create a vibrant, aromatic dish that’s both healthy and delicious. Enjoy this healthier take on orange chicken and treat your taste buds to a flavorful meal that’s as good for you as it is satisfying.