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Healthy Orange Chicken: Your Favorite Takeout Made Better

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Healthy Orange Chicken is a 30-minute recipe that lets you enjoy the flavor of Chinese takeout without the extra calories and high sodium, perfect for a healthy, protein-packed dinner.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
  • 0.5 tsp baking soda
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 tbsp fresh orange juice (for marinade)
  • 1.5 tbsp soy sauce (for marinade)
  • 0.5 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch (for marinade)
  • 1 tsp garlic, minced (for marinade)
  • 1 tsp ginger, minced (for marinade)
  • 0.33 cup fresh orange juice (for sauce)
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce (for sauce)
  • 0.25 cup rice vinegar
  • 1.5 tbsp chili garlic sauce, optional
  • 0.5 tbsp cornstarch (for sauce)
  • 2 tsp orange zest
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp ginger, minced (for sauce)
  • 0.5 tsp red chili flakes
  • 3 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp oil
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds
  • 2 tbsp green onions, chopped

Instructions

  1. Mix chicken, baking soda, salt, 2 tbsp orange juice, 1.5 tbsp soy sauce, pepper, 1 tbsp cornstarch, 1 tsp garlic, 1 tsp ginger. Marinate at least 10 min.
  2. In separate bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup orange juice, 1 tbsp soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili garlic sauce, 0.5 tbsp cornstarch, orange zest, garlic, ginger, red chili flakes, brown sugar, and salt. Set aside.
  3. Heat oil in wide skillet; cook chicken 4–5 min per side until cooked through.
  4. Add sauce mixture, cook uncovered 5 min until thickened.
  5. Stir in sesame seeds and green onions, serve with rice and vegetables.

Notes

  • Marinate chicken at least 10 min; longer for more flavor.
  • Fresh orange juice is key for authentic flavor.
  • Do not skip baking soda in marinade — it helps tenderize chicken.
  • Author: lina
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Skillet
  • Cuisine: American, Chinese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate
  • Calories: 320