Healthy Orange Chicken Recipe

This Orange Chicken Recipe is made with boneless chicken thighs, oranges, rice vinegar, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic.

Orange chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish consisting of bite-sized pieces of chicken that are breaded and fried until crispy, then coated in a sweet and tangy orange sauce. The chicken is typically served over steamed rice, and the dish is often garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

The sauce for orange chicken is made by combining orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and various other ingredients such as garlic, ginger, and chili paste. Cornstarch is often used to thicken the sauce and give it a glossy, shiny appearance.

Craving Panda Express orange chicken but you don’t want the calories? Look no further. This is a un-fried, healthier recipe to satisfy your cravings. This meal requires a ton of prepping. It is very helpful to use small bowls to measure each ingredient before you start cooking.

Jump to:

• What is Orange Chicken?
• Why is Orange Chicken so great?
• Orange Chicken Recipe Ingredients
• How to make Orange Chicken
• What to serve with Orange Chicken
• Substitutions
• Orange Chicken Recipe Variations
• Equipment
• How to store Orange Chicken
• Orange Chicken Recipe Top tips
• Orange Chicken Recipe
• Food safety

What is Orange Chicken?

Orange chicken is a relatively modern dish that was first introduced in North America in the late 1980s. It has since become a staple on the menus of many Chinese restaurants and fast-food chains. While it is a popular dish in the United States and other Western countries, it is not commonly found in China or other parts of Asia.

Orange chicken is a dish that is loved for its sweet and savory flavor, crispy texture, and vibrant orange color. It can be made at home using a variety of different recipes, and variations of the dish can include different proteins such as shrimp or tofu.

Why is Orange Chicken so great?

• Sweet and savory flavor: The combination of sweet and savory flavors in orange chicken is what makes it so delicious. The crispy chicken is coated in a tangy and sweet orange sauce that perfectly balances the savory flavors of the chicken.
• Crispy texture: The breaded and fried chicken gives orange chicken a satisfyingly crispy texture that is often irresistible.
• Vibrant color: The bright orange color of the sauce is visually appealing and adds to the overall experience of the dish.
• Versatility: Orange chicken can be served with a variety of sides, such as rice or vegetables, making it a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in different ways.
• Accessibility: Orange chicken is widely available in Chinese restaurants and fast-food chains, making it a convenient and easily accessible dish for many people.

Orange Chicken Recipe Ingredients

You'll only need a few simple ingredients to make this. The exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below. Here's an overview of what you'll need:

• Oranges
• Rice vinegar
• Soy sauce
• Ginger
• Garlic
• Honey or, if keto, use erythritol
• Red pepper flakes
• Chicken
• Flour
• Soy sauce

See recipe card for Orange Chicken Recipe quantities.

How to make Orange Chicken

Note: If the sauce does not thicken, mix together 3 tablespoons of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water and pour into the chicken sauce mixture.

What to serve with Orange Chicken

• Rice: Serving orange chicken with steamed white rice is a classic option. The rice helps to balance out the sweetness and spiciness of the dish.
• Noodles: Another option is to serve the orange chicken with chow mein or lo mein noodles. The noodles add a satisfying chewiness to the meal.
• Vegetables: Adding some vegetables to the meal can make it more nutritious and balanced. Steamed or stir-fried broccoli, snow peas, carrots, or Air Fried bok choy are all great choices.
• Egg rolls: Egg rolls are a classic Chinese-American side dish that goes well with orange chicken. They provide a crunchy and savory complement to the sweet and spicy chicken.
• Wonton soup: Wonton soup is a light and refreshing side dish that can help to balance out the richness of the orange chicken.
• Spring rolls: Spring rolls are a lighter alternative to egg rolls that can still provide a satisfying crunch. They also offer a refreshing contrast to the bold flavors of the orange chicken.

Substitutions

Chicken: Feel free to use chicken thighs or chicken breasts for this recipe.

Flour: Flour is a great way to thicken the sauce and make the chicken crispy. You can also use corn starch or xanthan gum.

Oil: If you don't have any olive oil on hand, you can substitute another neutral high-heat oil. Canola, safflower, peanut or grapeseed oils are all great choices.

Soy Sauce: Instead of soy sauce you can use Tamari, Worcestershire sauce, Miso, Maggi seasoning, Salt, Coconut aminos, or Liquid aminos.

Garlic: For best quality, use fresh garlic instead of garlic from a jar.

Honey: You can use maple syrup or honey.

Orange Chicken Recipe Variations

• Swap the chicken: You can substitute the chicken with other proteins such as shrimp, tofu, or even cauliflower for a vegetarian version.
• Adjust the spice level: If you prefer a spicier orange chicken, you can add more chili paste or flakes to the sauce. Alternatively, if you prefer a milder version, you can reduce the amount of spice.
• Change up the citrus: While orange is the traditional fruit used in orange chicken, you can experiment with other citrus fruits such as lemon, lime, or grapefruit for a different flavor profile.
• Make it gluten-free: To make orange chicken gluten-free, you can use a gluten-free flour or breadcrumbs for the breading and ensure that the soy sauce and other ingredients used in the sauce are gluten-free.
• Add vegetables: To make the dish more nutritious and add more flavor, you can include vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas in the dish.
• Make it healthier: To make orange chicken healthier, you can bake the chicken instead of frying it or use a lighter batter for the breading.
• Customize the sauce: You can adjust the flavor of the sauce to your liking by adding more or less sugar, vinegar, or soy sauce.

Check out these Sweet and Sour Chicken.

Equipment

• Cutting board and knife: You will need a cutting board and a sharp knife to cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
• Mixing bowls: You will need mixing bowls to prepare the breading for the chicken and to mix the sauce ingredients.
• Whisk: A whisk will come in handy to combine the sauce ingredients and ensure that they are thoroughly mixed.
• Tongs: You will need tongs to handle the chicken pieces as you coat them in the breading and to transfer them in and out of the hot oil.
• Slotted spoon: A slotted spoon will be useful to remove the fried chicken pieces from the hot oil and drain off any excess oil.
• Serving platter: Once the chicken is fried and coated in the orange sauce, you will need a serving platter to present it.

How to store Orange Chicken

1. Let it cool down: Allow the orange chicken to cool down to room temperature before storing it.
2. Transfer to an airtight container: Place the leftover orange chicken in an airtight container, ensuring that there is enough space to accommodate the chicken pieces without overcrowding.
3. Refrigerate: Store the orange chicken in the refrigerator, and it will remain fresh for up to three days.
4. Reheat: To reheat the orange chicken, you can either microwave it for a minute or two or heat it up in a pan on the stovetop.

Orange Chicken Recipe Top tips

1. Use fresh orange juice: For the best flavor, use freshly squeezed orange juice instead of bottled juice. Fresh juice has a brighter and more intense flavor that will make a significant difference in the final dish.
2. Marinate the chicken: Marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes before cooking it will help to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor.
3. Coat the chicken in cornstarch: Coating the chicken in cornstarch will help to create a crispy and crunchy exterior that will hold up well in the sauce.
4. Adjust the sauce to your taste: Taste the sauce as you go and adjust the sweetness, sourness, and spice levels to your liking.
5. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions: Adding sesame seeds and chopped green onions to the finished dish will add texture and a pop of color to the presentation.

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Food safety

• Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
• Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
• Wash hands after touching raw meat
• Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
• Never leave cooking food unattended
• Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
• Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

See more guidelines at USDA.gov.