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Healthy Orange Chicken Recipe

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4.2 from 13 reviews

This Healthy Orange Chicken recipe offers a flavorful, nutrient-rich twist on the classic dish by using wholesome ingredients like avocado oil, fresh orange juice, and chicken thighs cooked in a skillet. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick, delicious, and health-conscious meal that balances savory and citrusy flavors without relying on heavy sauces or fried breading.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Chicken and Oils

  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts, cut into 1/2″ cubes
  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil

Flavorings

  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest (from a microplane grater)
  • 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice (about 2 oranges)
  • 1/4 cup coconut aminos (or tamari/soy sauce to taste)

Optional Thickener

  • 1 teaspoon tapioca starch or cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional)

Seasonings and Garnishes

  • Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions
  • Sesame seeds, to sprinkle over the top

Instructions

  1. Prep Ingredients: Gather and prepare all ingredients including cubing the chicken, zesting and juicing the oranges, mincing garlic and ginger, slicing green onions, and mixing optional starch slurry if using.
  2. Cook Chicken: Heat a large 9-10″ cast-iron or non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon avocado oil, then add the chicken cubes. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and nearly cooked through, about 3-4 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: Reduce heat to medium-low. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon avocado oil and the toasted sesame oil, followed by minced ginger and garlic. Continuously stir to avoid browning, and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  4. Add Citrus and Sauce: Stir in the orange zest, fresh orange juice, and coconut aminos to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to maintain a brisk boil. Let the sauce reduce and thicken over 8-10 minutes. If a thicker sauce is preferred, add the optional tapioca or cornstarch slurry around the 5-minute mark.
  5. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the pan once the sauce has thickened. Stir well to coat the chicken and heat through, about 1-2 minutes.
  6. Season and Garnish: Taste the sauce and season with sea salt and black pepper as needed. Remove from heat, then sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Notes

  • Using chicken thighs provides more flavor and moisture compared to breasts but either works well.
  • The orange zest adds a fresh brightness that complements the sweetness of the orange juice.
  • For a gluten-free version, ensure the tamari or soy sauce alternative used is gluten-free.
  • The optional starch slurry helps thicken the sauce faster and gives it a glossy finish.
  • Adjust salt and soy sauce to personal taste, especially if using tamari or coconut aminos which vary in saltiness.
  • This dish pairs well with steamed rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
  • Author: Monica
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Asian Fusion
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Find it online: https://monicarecipes.com/healthy-orange-chicken-recipe/