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Healthy Orange Chicken

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Healthy Orange Chicken is a lightened-up version of the takeout favorite, featuring tender chicken pieces coated in a naturally sweetened, tangy orange sauce. It’s lower in fat and sugar, easy to prepare, and full of fresh citrus flavor.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/3 cup fresh orange juice
  • 1 tbsp orange zest
  • 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
  • 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp fresh grated ginger (or 1/2 tsp ground ginger)
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch or arrowroot powder (divided)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Green onions and sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together orange juice, zest, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.
  2. Toss the chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch until evenly coated.
  3. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
  4. In a separate bowl, mix the remaining 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry.
  5. Pour the orange sauce into the skillet with the chicken and bring to a simmer.
  6. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken.
  7. Remove from heat and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds, if desired. Serve hot over rice, quinoa, or steamed veggies.

Notes

Use tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free version.To make it paleo, use arrowroot powder and coconut aminos with maple syrup.Adjust sweetness and heat to taste by modifying honey and red pepper flakes.Serve with cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookibly.com/healthy-orange-chicken/