Skinny orange chicken
Whip up a delicious and healthy dinner with this Skinny Orange Chicken recipe! Made with tender chicken breasts, fresh orange juice, sweet honey, soy sauce, and a hint of ginger, this dish is packed with flavor and perfect for a nutritious weeknight meal. Easy to prepare and under 400 calories per serving!
- 03 Feb 2025
- Cook time 10 min
- Prep time 10 min
- 4 Servings
- 12 Ingredients
Skinny orange chicken is a delightful twist on a classic favorite, offering a lighter yet flavor-packed meal that is perfect for any occasion. By using fresh and wholesome ingredients, you can enjoy the tangy sweetness of orange chicken without the guilt. This recipe combines succulent chicken breasts with a zesty orange sauce, creating a harmonious blend that's both nutritious and delicious.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
- Begin by slicing the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large bowl, mix the orange juice, honey, soy sauce, vinegar, ginger, orange zest, and red pepper flakes.
- Add the chicken pieces to the mixture and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for more flavor.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the marinated chicken pieces to the skillet (reserve the marinade) and cook until the chicken is browned on all sides and cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- While the chicken is cooking, take the reserved marinade and place it in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry.
- Stir the cornstarch slurry into the saucepan with the marinade.
- Cook and stir continuously until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
- Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in the sesame butter until well combined.
- Pour the thickened sauce over the cooked chicken in the skillet.
- Stir to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce.
- Let it simmer together for another 2 minutes to ensure the flavors meld together.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra orange zest or sesame seeds if desired.
Tips:
- For extra tenderness, marinate the chicken breasts in a bit of the sauce mixture for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- Use freshly squeezed orange juice and fresh orange zest to enhance the flavors.
- Adjust the red pepper according to your spice preference for a milder or spicier kick.
- For a thicker sauce, dissolve the cornstarch in a little cold water before adding it to the sauce.
- Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions for added texture and presentation.
- Consider using low-sodium soy sauce if you're watching your salt intake.
After cooking your Skinny Orange Chicken, you'll have a wholesome and flavorful dish that's perfect for a family dinner or a meal prep option for the week. The vibrant flavors from the orange juice and the tender chicken pieces make it a crowd-pleaser. Serve it with a side of steamed vegetables or over a bed of brown rice to complete your meal. Enjoy the fresh, tangy, and sweet flavors while knowing you're making a healthier choice!
| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | 360 grams |
| Energy | |
| Calories 500kcal | 25% |
| Protein | |
| Protein 54g | 37% |
| Carbohydrates | |
| Carbohydrates 45g | 13% |
| Fiber 1.19g | 3% |
| Sugar 36g | 38% |
| Fat | |
| Fat 18g | 20% |
| Saturated 2.83g | 9% |
| Cholesterol 170mg | - |
| Vitamins | |
| Vitamin A 22ug | 2% |
| Choline 200mg | 36% |
| Vitamin B1 0.34mg | 29% |
| Vitamin B2 0.51mg | 39% |
| Vitamin B3 24mg | 144% |
| Vitamin B6 1.96mg | 115% |
| Vitamin B9 40ug | 10% |
| Vitamin B12 0.48ug | 20% |
| Vitamin C 10mg | 11% |
| Vitamin E 1.37mg | 9% |
| Vitamin K 0.05ug | 0% |
| Minerals | |
| Calcium, Ca 60mg | 5% |
| Copper, Cu 0.25mg | 28% |
| Iron, Fe 2.17mg | 20% |
| Magnesium, Mg 90mg | 22% |
| Phosphorus, P 590mg | 47% |
| Potassium, K 990mg | 29% |
| Selenium, Se 54ug | 102% |
| Sodium, Na 1270mg | 85% |
| Zinc, Zn 2.24mg | 20% |
| Water | |
| Water 240g | - |
| * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. | |