Healthy Orange Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Enjoy a vibrant and healthy twist on a classic favorite with this Healthy Orange Chicken recipe. Packed with fresh orange flavor and tender chicken, it’s perfect served over steamed vegetables and rice for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut in 1 inch cubes)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
• 2 cups orange juice
• 1/4 cup coconut aminos
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 1/2 tablespoon orange zest
• 4 cups steamed broccoli or green beans
• 2 cups cooked rice

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook green beans and rice according to package directions.
2. Step 2: In a large sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook for 10 minutes until edges are brown and slightly crispy.
3. Step 3: While the chicken cooks, stir together orange juice, coconut aminos, honey, garlic powder, black pepper, grated ginger, and orange zest in a bowl to make the sauce.
4. Step 4: Once chicken is cooked through, remove it from the pan and set aside in a clean bowl.
5. Step 5: Pour the sauce mixture into the same pan and bring to a boil. Stir every minute or so for 15-20 minutes until the sauce thickens and pulls away from the pan.
6. Step 6: Add the cooked chicken back into the pan and stir to coat with the thickened sauce.
7. Step 7: Serve the orange chicken over steamed vegetables and rice for a wholesome meal.

Tips & Variations

• For a gluten-free option, ensure the coconut aminos you use are certified gluten-free.
• You can substitute honey with maple syrup for a vegan-friendly twist.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
• Use quinoa instead of rice for a higher protein option.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. The sauce may thicken upon cooling; add a splash of water or orange juice when reheating if needed to loosen it.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used and will offer a juicier texture and richer flavor. Adjust cooking time slightly to ensure they are cooked through.

Is this recipe suitable for an Instant Pot?

Absolutely. There is a detailed Instant Pot method available that includes using cornstarch or arrowroot powder and reducing the sauce quantities by half. This method speeds up cooking and still delivers delicious results.

Healthy Orange Chicken Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 128 reviews

A healthy and flavorful orange chicken recipe featuring tender, boneless chicken breasts simmered in a tangy homemade orange sauce, served over steamed vegetables and rice. This dish balances sweetness, citrus zest, and light spices, making it a nutritious take on a classic favorite with options for stovetop or Instant Pot cooking.

• Author: Felix
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Vegetables

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 4 cups steamed broccoli or green beans
• 2 cups cooked rice

Oils

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil

Sauce

• 2 cups orange juice
• 1/4 cup coconut aminos
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 1/2 tablespoon orange zest

Instant Pot Additional Ingredients

• 3 teaspoons cornstarch or arrowroot powder
• 1/4 cup chicken stock

Instructions

1. Prepare vegetables and rice: Cook green beans (or broccoli) and rice according to package directions until tender and set aside.
2. Cook chicken on stovetop: In a large sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until edges are browned and slightly crispy, and chicken is cooked through. Remove chicken from pan and set aside.
3. Make the sauce: While chicken cooks, combine orange juice, coconut aminos, honey, garlic powder, black pepper, grated ginger, and orange zest in a bowl. Pour this sauce mixture into the same pan used for the chicken.
4. Thicken sauce: Bring sauce to a boil and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring frequently until thickened. You’ll notice the sauce pulls away from the pan when scraped with a spatula and should be bubbling constantly.
5. Combine chicken and sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the sauce. Stir well to coat all pieces evenly.
6. Serve: Serve the orange chicken hot over steamed vegetables and rice for a balanced meal.
7. Instant Pot version – Prep sauce: For Instant Pot, halve the sauce ingredients (except chicken stock). Mix orange juice, coconut aminos, honey, garlic powder, grated ginger, orange zest, and black pepper in a bowl and set aside.
8. Instant Pot sear chicken: Turn Instant Pot to sauté on high. Add 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil and heat until hot. Trim and pat dry chicken breasts, then sear 2 breasts at a time for 2 minutes per side until golden but not fully cooked. Remove and dice into 1-inch pieces.
9. Instant Pot cook chicken with sauce: Place diced chicken back into the Instant Pot. Pour in sauce mixture and add 1/4 cup chicken stock. Seal the lid, set vent to sealing, and pressure cook on Manual High for 3 minutes. Allow 3-5 minutes for pressure build-up.
10. Instant Pot release pressure: Quick release steam carefully using a towel or pot holder to avoid burns. Open the lid once pressure is fully released.
11. Thicken sauce Instant Pot: Remove chicken with slotted spoon. Mix chicken broth with cornstarch into a slurry. Turn Instant Pot to sauté on high and bring sauce to boil. Whisk in slurry and cook for 7-9 minutes until thick and glossy.
12. Finish dish Instant Pot: Return chicken to thickened sauce, stir to combine. Use Keep Warm setting until ready to serve.
13. Serving suggestion Instant Pot: Serve hot over steamed broccoli, green beans, or alongside rice or quinoa for a paleo-friendly, balanced meal.

Notes

• You can use either broccoli or green beans as the vegetable component depending on preference.
• Half the sauce ingredients if using the Instant Pot method, except for chicken stock which is added fresh.
• Be careful when quick-releasing steam from Instant Pot to avoid burns; use towel or pot holder.
• If you want a thicker sauce on stovetop, allow more simmering time but avoid burning or over-reducing.
• This recipe offers a healthier alternative by using coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and minimal oil.
• Adjust honey for sweetness based on personal taste and dietary needs.

Keywords: healthy orange chicken, easy orange chicken recipe, stovetop chicken recipes, gluten-free orange chicken, paleo orange chicken, healthy chicken dinner