Healthy Orange Chicken Dish: A Delicious and Nutritious Recipe to Try

Healthy Orange Chicken Dish is a delightful twist on a classic favorite that brings a burst of flavor to your dinner table. Growing up, I remember the tantalizing aroma of orange chicken wafting through the kitchen, a dish that has roots in Chinese-American cuisine and has become a beloved staple in many households. This healthier version not only captures the essence of the original but also offers a guilt-free indulgence that everyone can enjoy.

What I love most about this Healthy Orange Chicken Dish is its perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, combined with a satisfying crunch that makes each bite a pleasure. The vibrant orange sauce, made from fresh ingredients, coats tender pieces of chicken, creating a dish that is both delicious and nutritious. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a dish to impress guests, this recipe is convenient and sure to please. Join me as we explore how to make this scrumptious Healthy Orange Chicken Dish that will leave you craving more!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed is best)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (low sodium)
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 bell pepper, sliced (any color you prefer)
• 1 carrot, thinly sliced
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• Sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)

Preparing the Marinade

Before we dive into cooking, let’s prepare a delicious marinade that will infuse our chicken with flavor. Here’s how I do it:

1. In a medium bowl, combine the orange juice, soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), rice vinegar, cornstarch, grated ginger, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk everything together until well combined.
2. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Then, add the chicken to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer everything to a resealable plastic bag. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor.

Preparing the Vegetables

While the chicken is marinating, let’s get our vegetables ready. This will not only add color to our dish but also provide a nutritious boost.

1. Wash and chop the broccoli into bite-sized florets. If you have larger pieces, you can cut them in half to ensure even cooking.
2. Slice the bell pepper into thin strips. You can use any color you like—red, yellow, or green will all work beautifully.
3. Peel and thinly slice the carrot. I like to use a mandoline for this, but a sharp knife works just as well.

Cooking the Chicken

Now that our chicken is marinated and our veggies are prepped, it’s time to cook everything up!

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken pieces to the pan. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan; you may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your skillet.
2. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s golden brown and cooked through. You can check for doneness by cutting a piece in half; it should be white and no longer pink in the center.
3. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Keep it warm by covering it with aluminum foil.

Cooking the Vegetables

With the chicken out of the pan, it’s time to stir-fry our colorful vegetables!

1. In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed. Add the broccoli, bell pepper, and carrot to the pan.
2. Stir-fry the vegetables for about 4-5 minutes, or until they are tender-crisp. You want them to retain some crunch for texture.
3. Once the vegetables are cooked, return the chicken to the skillet. Pour any remaining marinade over the chicken and vegetables. Stir everything together to combine and heat through for another 2-3 minutes.

Final Touches and Serving

Now that everything is cooked and combined, let’s add some final touches before serving!

1. Once everything is heated through, taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add more salt, pepper, or even a splash more soy sauce if you like.
2. To serve

   Conclusion:

   In summary, this Healthy Orange Chicken dish is a must-try for anyone looking to enjoy a delicious meal without compromising on health. The vibrant flavors of the orange sauce combined with tender chicken create a delightful experience that will leave your taste buds dancing. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to incorporate more wholesome ingredients into your diet while still satisfying those cravings for something sweet and savory. For serving suggestions, consider pairing this dish with a side of steamed broccoli or brown rice to round out your meal. You can also get creative with variations—try adding some bell peppers or snap peas for an extra crunch, or switch up the protein by using tofu or shrimp for a different twist. The possibilities are endless! I encourage you to give this Healthy Orange Chicken recipe a try and make it your own. Once you’ve whipped it up, I’d love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts, any modifications you made, or even a photo of your creation. Let’s inspire each other to enjoy healthy eating while savoring every bite! Print
   

   Healthy Orange Chicken Dish: A Delicious and Nutritious Recipe to Try

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

   Print Recipe

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   Description

   This Orange Chicken Stir-Fry features tender chicken and vibrant vegetables tossed in a zesty orange sauce. Quick to make and full of flavor, it’s an ideal weeknight dinner that brings a tropical twist to your table.

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   Ingredients

   Scale 1x2x3x

   • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
   • 1 tablespoon olive oil
   • 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed is best)
   • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (low sodium)
   • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
   • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
   • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
   • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
   • 2 cloves garlic, minced
   • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
   • Salt and pepper to taste
   • 1 cup broccoli florets
   • 1 bell pepper, sliced (any color you prefer)
   • 1 carrot, thinly sliced
   • 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
   • Sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)

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   Instructions

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   1. In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Make sure to season them well, as this will enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
   2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the orange juice, soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), rice vinegar, cornstarch, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using). This mixture will serve as our marinade and sauce.
   3. Pour half of the marinade over the chicken, ensuring that all pieces are well-coated. Let it marinate for at least 15-30 minutes. If you have more time, marinating for a few hours in the refrigerator will deepen the flavors.
   4. Wash and chop the broccoli into bite-sized florets. If you prefer, you can also use frozen broccoli, just make sure to thaw it before using.
   5. Slice the bell pepper into thin strips. You can use any color bell pepper you like; I usually go for red or yellow for a pop of color.
   6. Peel and thinly slice the carrot. You can use a vegetable peeler to create thin ribbons if you want a fancier presentation.
   7. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Make sure the oil is hot before adding the chicken.
   8. Add the marinated chicken to the skillet in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan; you may need to cook the chicken in batches. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. You can check for doneness by cutting a piece in half; it should be white and no longer pink.
   9. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. This will allow us to cook the vegetables in the same pan, absorbing all those delicious flavors.
   10. In the same skillet, add the broccoli, bell pepper, and carrot. Stir-fry the vegetables for about 4-5 minutes, or until they are tender-crisp. You want them to retain some crunch for texture.
   11. If you find the vegetables are sticking to the pan, you can add a splash of water or a little more olive oil to help them cook without burning.
   12. Once the vegetables are cooked to your liking, return the chicken to the skillet.
   13. Pour the remaining marinade over the chicken and vegetables. Stir everything together, ensuring that the sauce coats all the ingredients evenly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld.
   14. Serve the stir-fry hot, garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Enjoy your delicious Orange Chicken Stir-Fry!

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   Notes

   • Der Teig darf während der Ruhezeit nicht bewegt werden.
   • Für ein intensiveres Knoblaucharoma können mehr Zehen verwendet werden.

   • Prep Time: 15 minutes
   • Cook Time: 15 minutes