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30 Minute Healthy Orange Chicken
Everyone Will Love This Quick Orange Chicken Recipe
Ever find yourself craving something flavorful yet healthy? This 30 Minute Healthy Orange Chicken will hit the spot! Imagine succulent chicken breast, bathed in a citrusy sauce that brings together sweet and savory notes, all in roughly half an hour. Whether you need a speedy weeknight dinner, a meal prep option for the week, or a dish that impresses without breaking a sweat, this recipe fits the bill. The best part? It’s made with simple ingredients you likely already have on hand.
Top Reasons to Try This Dish
What makes this 30 Minute Healthy Orange Chicken a must-try? First, it’s incredibly quick to whip up—perfect for those busy weeknights when time is of the essence. Secondly, it’s a healthier take on the classic takeout dish, using fresh orange juice and minimal oil. This dish is not only easy but also budget-friendly, making it accessible for everyone.
“This is so much better than store-bought! The flavors are fresh, and my kids gobbled it up. I love how quick it is to make!” – A happy home cook
Your Easy Cooking Guide
Cooking this delightful orange chicken is as simple as a few steps. We’ll break down the process into easy-to-follow directions, so you know exactly what to expect. This installment of your culinary journey will cover mixing the sauce, sautéing the chicken, and combining it all for that perfect finish.
Gather Your Ingredients
To make your 30 Minute Healthy Orange Chicken, you’ll need the following essentials:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup orange juice
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions, for garnish
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
Feel free to adjust the soy sauce according to your taste or substitute honey with maple syrup for a vegan option!
Step-by-Step Directions
- In a bowl, combine orange juice, soy sauce, cornstarch, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir until smooth.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper and add them to the skillet. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Pour the prepared orange sauce over the chicken. Simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken nicely.
- Before serving, garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
What to Serve it With
The beauty of this dish is its adaptability. Pair your Healthy Orange Chicken with a bed of steamed jasmine rice or quinoa to soak up all the delicious sauce. You can also serve it alongside stir-fried vegetables for a balanced meal. For a refreshing touch, a side of cucumber salad would complement the dish beautifully.
Best Way to Store 30 Minute Healthy Orange Chicken
To keep your Healthy Orange Chicken fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should last for about 3-4 days. If you’re looking to extend its shelf life, consider freezing portions in freezer-safe bags, where they can last up to 3 months. Just be sure to reheat thoroughly before serving.
Expert Advice
For the best flavor, make sure to use fresh ingredients—especially the orange juice. You can also marinate the chicken in the sauce for 30 minutes before cooking for an extra flavor punch. Should you want a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick!
Creative Twists
Feeling adventurous? Try adding a splash of soy sauce or teriyaki sauce for an Asian-inspired twist. Alternatively, throw in some bell peppers or snap peas for extra crunch and color. You can also swap the ginger out for lemongrass for a different flavor profile.
Your Questions Answered
How long does it take to prepare this dish?
The total cooking time for 30 Minute Healthy Orange Chicken is around 30 minutes, making it a quick and easy option for even the busiest days.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will provide a bit more flavor and tenderness. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. You can add a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much during storage.
Enjoy your cooking adventure with this Healthy Orange Chicken recipe, and watch how it can transform your weeknight meals!
30 Minute Healthy Orange Chicken
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A quick and healthier take on the classic orange chicken, made with fresh ingredients and minimal oil, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup orange juice
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions, for garnish
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine orange juice, soy sauce, cornstarch, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir until smooth.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper and add them to the skillet. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Pour the prepared orange sauce over the chicken. Simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken nicely.
- Before serving, garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
Marinate the chicken in the sauce for 30 minutes before cooking for extra flavor. Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: orange chicken, healthy chicken recipe, quick dinner
