🎉 Introduction
Healthy Orange Chicken delivers all the bright, citrusy flavor you love—without heavy frying or refined sauces. Tender chicken breast is lightly sautéed, then coated in a naturally sweet and savory orange sauce made with honey, fresh ginger, and coconut aminos. Paired with crisp-tender veggies and fluffy rice, this dish is satisfying, wholesome, and perfect for weeknight dinners.
This recipe is ideal for:
- Health-conscious comfort meals
- Family-friendly dinners
- Meal prep
- Takeout-style cravings made at home
🧰 Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
🛒 Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 4 cups broccoli or green beans
- 2 cups cooked rice (for serving)
For the orange sauce:
- 2 cups orange juice
- ¼ cup coconut aminos
- 3 tablespoons honey
- ½ tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- ½ tablespoon orange zest
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
These ingredients create a bright, glossy sauce that’s naturally sweet, savory, and balanced.
👩🍳 Directions
Step 1:
Heat the olive oil and sesame oil together in a large skillet over medium heat.
Step 2:
Add the chicken pieces and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cooked through and lightly golden. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3:
In the same skillet, add the broccoli or green beans. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until tender-crisp. Remove and set aside with the chicken.
Step 4:
Lower the heat to medium-low. Pour the orange juice into the skillet and bring to a gentle simmer.
Step 5:
Stir in the coconut aminos, honey, grated ginger, orange zest, garlic powder, and black pepper.
Step 6:
Simmer the sauce for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reduces slightly and thickens.
Step 7:
Return the chicken and vegetables to the skillet. Toss gently to coat everything evenly in the sauce.
Step 8:
Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes until heated through and glossy.
Step 9:
Remove from heat and let rest briefly before serving.
Serve warm over cooked rice.
🍽️ Servings & Timing
- Servings: 4–6
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: About 40 minutes
Perfect for weeknight dinners and healthy meal prep.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Storage:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
Reheating:
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave
- Add a splash of water or orange juice if the sauce thickens
🥄 Variations
- Extra veggies: Add bell peppers or snap peas
- Lower sweetness: Reduce honey slightly
- Spicy twist: Add crushed red pepper flakes
- Grain swap: Serve over quinoa or cauliflower rice
- Citrus boost: Add extra orange zest before serving
Each variation keeps the dish fresh, balanced, and customizable.
❓ 10 FAQs
- Is this healthier than takeout orange chicken?
Yes, it’s lightly cooked with natural ingredients. - Is the sauce very sweet?
It’s balanced with citrus and savory notes. - Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes, they stay juicy and flavorful. - What are coconut aminos?
A soy-free alternative with mild savory flavor. - Can I make this ahead?
Yes, it reheats well. - Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, it’s mild and naturally sweet. - Does the sauce thicken enough without starch?
Yes, simmering reduces it naturally. - Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely—use a larger pan. - What vegetables work best?
Broccoli and green beans are ideal. - Can I freeze it?
Best enjoyed fresh due to citrus sauce.
🏁 Conclusion
Healthy Orange Chicken is everything you want in a weeknight meal—bright, comforting, and nourishing. With fresh citrus flavor, tender chicken, and simple ingredients, it’s a lighter take on a classic favorite that never sacrifices taste.
Once you try it, this recipe will earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.
Healthy Orange Chicken – Sweet, Savory and Better-Than-Takeout
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat the olive oil and sesame oil together in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chicken pieces and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cooked through and lightly golden. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the broccoli or green beans. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until tender-crisp. Remove and set aside with the chicken.
- Lower the heat to medium-low. Pour the orange juice into the skillet and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in the coconut aminos, honey, grated ginger, orange zest, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Simmer the sauce for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reduces slightly and thickens.
- Return the chicken and vegetables to the skillet. Toss gently to coat everything evenly in the sauce.
- Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes until heated through and glossy.
- Remove from heat and let rest briefly before serving.
- Serve warm over cooked rice.
Notes
Yes, it’s lightly cooked with natural ingredients. Is the sauce very sweet?
It’s balanced with citrus and savory notes. Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes, they stay juicy and flavorful. What are coconut aminos?
A soy-free alternative with mild savory flavor. Can I make this ahead?
Yes, it reheats well. Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, it’s mild and naturally sweet. Does the sauce thicken enough without starch?
Yes, simmering reduces it naturally. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely—use a larger pan. What vegetables work best?
Broccoli and green beans are ideal. Can I freeze it?
Best enjoyed fresh due to citrus sauce. 🏁 Conclusion Healthy Orange Chicken is everything you want in a weeknight meal—bright, comforting, and nourishing. With fresh citrus flavor, tender chicken, and simple ingredients, it’s a lighter take on a classic favorite that never sacrifices taste. Once you try it, this recipe will earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.
