Print
clockclock iconcutlerycutlery iconflagflag iconfolderfolder iconinstagraminstagram iconpinterestpinterest iconfacebookfacebook iconprintprint iconsquaressquares iconheartheart iconheart solidheart solid icon

Easy & Healthy Orange Chicken with Honey Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.2 from 4 reviews

This Easy & Healthy Orange Chicken recipe delivers tender chicken pieces coated in a zesty, naturally sweet orange sauce with a hint of ginger and garlic. The dish is low in sodium, uses wholesome ingredients like brown rice flour and unsweetened orange juice, making it a nutritious and flavorful meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Garnished with sesame seeds and green onion, it pairs wonderfully with rice or quinoa.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Chicken and Coating

  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced into 1-inch cubes
  • 1/4 cup brown rice flour (or regular flour)

Orange Sauce

  • 2 cups 100% pure orange juice, unsweetened
  • 1/4 cup reduced sodium soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger
  • 2 teaspoons orange zest
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1-2 teaspoons chili garlic sauce (optional)
  • 1/8-1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice preference)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Garnish

  • Sliced green onion
  • Sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Coat the Chicken: Place the diced raw chicken into a large bowl and toss it with the brown rice flour (or regular flour) until each piece is well coated evenly to create a light crust for cooking.
  2. Cook the Chicken: In a large frying pan, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Add the coated chicken pieces and cook them for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are lightly golden around the edges and cooked through without any pink remaining. If the coating starts to stick, add a small splash of water to loosen it.
  3. Prepare the Orange Sauce: While the chicken cooks, whisk together the orange juice, reduced sodium soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, orange zest, black pepper, optional chili garlic sauce, optional red pepper flakes, and cornstarch in a separate bowl until smooth and lump-free.
  4. Remove Cooked Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pan and set aside in a bowl to keep warm.
  5. Clean the Pan: Drain any remaining liquid from the pan used to cook the chicken to prevent diluting the sauce.
  6. Cook the Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce mixture into the same pan and increase heat to high. Bring it to a vigorous boil, then immediately reduce heat to medium and simmer for about 15 minutes. Stir frequently during this time until the sauce thickens and intensifies in flavor.
  7. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the thickened sauce and stir to coat all the pieces evenly. Cook together for another 2 minutes to meld the flavors. Then, remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken further.
  8. Serve: Serve the orange chicken warm, ideally over steamed rice or quinoa. Garnish generously with sliced green onion and toasted sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.

Notes

  • If you prefer spicier chicken, feel free to increase the chili garlic sauce or red pepper flakes to taste.
  • Brown rice flour provides a gluten-free alternative to regular flour and adds a light crispiness.
  • The sauce thickens as it cools; do not add additional cornstarch or liquid after resting.
  • For a lower sugar option, adjust the amount of honey or use a natural low-calorie sweetener.
  • Chicken thighs provide more moisture and flavor, whereas chicken breasts give a leaner option.
  • Author: Monica
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American Chinese
  • Diet: Low Salt

Find it online: https://monicarecipes.com/easy-and-healthy-orange-chicken-with-honey-recipe/