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Healthy Orange Chicken

A lightened-up version of the classic orange chicken that’s full of flavor and easy to make at home.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Asian
Calories: 300
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb Chicken breast or thighs Thighs are juicier, breasts are leaner.
  • 1/2 cup Fresh orange juice Use the real deal, not from concentrate.
  • 2 tbsp Honey Maple syrup can be used as a substitute.
  • 1 tbsp Soy sauce Use low sodium or regular.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced.
  • 1 inch Fresh ginger Grated or minced.
  • 2 tbsp Cornstarch Used for thicken the sauce.
  • 1 tbsp Rice vinegar A splash for flavor.
  • 1 tbsp Olive oil For cooking.
  • to taste Red pepper flakes Optional, for heat.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces and toss with salt and cornstarch.
  2. Heat a nonstick pan and add olive oil.
  3. Cook the chicken in the pan until golden on each side.
  4. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Sauce Preparation
  1. In the same pan, add garlic and ginger, cooking for about one minute.
  2. Add orange juice, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using).
  3. Let the sauce bubble for a couple of minutes.
  4. Mix cornstarch with a little water and pour into the sauce, stirring constantly until thickened.
  5. Return the chicken to the pan and stir until fully coated with the sauce.

Notes

Use fresh orange juice for best results. Prepping all ingredients beforehand can make the cooking process smoother. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to three days.