Healthy Orange Chicken Recipe
Orange Chicken is one of the most loved dishes on Chinese restaurant menus, and it is easy to understand why.
It is sweet, savory, citrusy, and incredibly satisfying.
If you have never tasted this classic dish, you are missing a truly delicious experience.
Today, many people are more mindful about sugar, carbs, sodium, and fat, so traditional takeout meals with sticky sweet sauces may not always feel like the best choice. The good news is that you can still enjoy all the flavor you love with a lighter homemade version.
This healthy orange chicken recipe comes together in just 30 minutes and delivers that same takeout-style taste you expect from your favorite Asian restaurant.
If you enjoy takeout but want to avoid the extra calories, oil, and sodium that often come with it, this recipe is a great alternative. It gives you the bold flavor of restaurant orange chicken while using a healthier approach.
Serve it with sides such as homemade chow mein, steamed vegetables, and rice for a filling, balanced meal that keeps you satisfied for hours.
Making orange chicken at home is also much more affordable than ordering from a restaurant. Add a pot of green tea, your favorite side dishes, and even a batch of almond cookies, and it will feel like a complete takeout dinner made right in your own kitchen.
One of the best things about cooking at home is that you can recreate many restaurant favorites for a fraction of the cost, while cutting back on sugar, fat, and salt.
Best Vegetables to Serve with Orange Chicken
Orange chicken pairs well with many vegetables, especially simple steamed sides. Great options include:
- Broccoli
- Carrots
- Green beans
- Brussels sprouts
- Asparagus
- Sweet potato
- Cauliflower
You can also round out the meal with classic takeout-style sides such as:
- Noodles or pasta
- Steamed rice
- Fried rice
- Egg rolls
- Potstickers
Ingredients for Healthy Orange Chicken
To make this easy orange chicken recipe, you will need ingredients for both the chicken marinade and the orange sauce.
Ingredients for the Chicken Marinade
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- Salt, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
The marinade helps tenderize the chicken while adding plenty of flavor. The orange juice and soy sauce create a lightly acidic mixture that works especially well with the garlic and ginger.
Ingredients for the Orange Sauce
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari for a gluten-free option
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons chili garlic sauce (optional)
- 2 teaspoons orange zest
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- Salt, to taste
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
The sauce is what gives this dish its signature sweet and tangy flavor. Brown sugar adds sweetness, chili garlic sauce brings a mild spicy kick, and orange zest intensifies the fresh citrus taste.
Toppings
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped
Sides
- 1 cup cooked rice, for serving
- 1/2 cup steamed broccoli, for serving
You can also serve it with other vegetables if you prefer.
How to Make Healthy Orange Chicken
Making this dish is simple and fast, which makes it perfect for busy weeknights.
1. Marinate the Chicken
Cut the chicken breasts into small bite-sized pieces and place them in a bowl or a zip-top bag.
Add all of the marinade ingredients and mix thoroughly so the chicken is evenly coated. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes. If you have extra time, let it sit longer for deeper flavor. You can even prepare it the night before and leave it in the refrigerator overnight.
2. Prepare the Orange Sauce
While the chicken is marinating, make the sauce.
In a separate bowl, whisk together:
- Orange juice
- Soy sauce
- Chili garlic sauce
- Apple cider vinegar
- Orange zest
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Red chili flakes
- Brown sugar
- Cornstarch
- Salt
Whisk until the mixture is smooth, then set it aside.
3. Cook the Chicken
Heat a heavy skillet, cast-iron pan, or non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the avocado oil.
Remove the chicken from the marinade and place the pieces in the pan in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the skillet.
Cook for about 4 to 5 minutes, then turn the chicken and cook for another 5 to 6 minutes, or until the pieces are fully cooked through.
4. Add the Sauce
Pour the orange sauce into the skillet with the cooked chicken. Stir well to coat every piece.
Cook uncovered for about 5 more minutes. As it heats, the sauce will thicken and cling to the chicken, bringing the whole dish together.
5. Garnish and Serve
Take the pan off the heat and let it rest briefly while you prepare the rice and vegetables.
To serve, spoon the orange chicken onto plates and top with:
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
Serve with cooked rice, steamed broccoli, and any other favorite side dishes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This homemade orange chicken is a great option if you want:
- Takeout flavor with less fat
- A quicker and more affordable dinner
- Better control over sodium and sugar
- A meal that is easy enough for weeknights
- A healthier version of a restaurant favorite
It is fresh, flavorful, and made completely from scratch.
How to Store Leftover Orange Chicken
If you have leftovers, place them in airtight food containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
You can also freeze orange chicken for longer storage. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 6 months, making it a great meal-prep option for future lunches or dinners.
Recipe Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Full Recipe
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- Salt, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
For the Orange Sauce
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons chili garlic sauce (optional)
- 2 teaspoons orange zest
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- Salt, to taste
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
Toppings
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped
For Serving
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1/2 cup steamed broccoli
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with all marinade ingredients. Mix well and let the chicken marinate for at least 10 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the orange juice, soy sauce, chili garlic sauce, orange zest, vinegar, garlic, ginger, red chili flakes, brown sugar, cornstarch, and salt until smooth. Set aside.
- Heat a heavy skillet over medium heat and add the oil.
- Add the marinated chicken pieces to the hot skillet and cook for 4 to 5 minutes.
- Flip the chicken and cook for another 5 to 6 minutes, until fully cooked.
- Stir in the prepared orange sauce and cook uncovered for about 5 minutes, until the sauce thickens.
- Remove from the heat and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
- Serve with rice, steamed broccoli, and any additional vegetables or sides you like.
Nutrition Information
Yield
- 2 servings
Serving Size
- 1 serving
Amount Per Serving
- Calories: 703
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 193mg
- Sodium: 2399mg
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 21g
- Protein: 77g
