Lighter Orange Chicken is a healthier take on the classic dish, featuring tender chicken pieces coated in a tangy and slightly sweet orange sauce. This version is made with less sugar and oil, making it a guilt-free option for those who want to enjoy the flavors they love without the extra calories.
Lighter Orange Chicken
Why This Lighter Orange Chicken Is the Best
- Tangy and Sweet Sauce: The orange sauce is perfectly balanced with a tangy and slightly sweet flavor that coats the chicken beautifully.
- Tender Chicken: The chicken is cooked until tender and juicy, ensuring each bite is satisfying.
- Healthier Ingredients: Made with less sugar and oil, this version of orange chicken is lighter but still full of flavor.
- Beautiful Presentation: Garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, this dish is as visually appealing as it is delicious.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re preparing a weeknight meal, hosting a dinner party, or looking for a healthier takeout alternative, Lighter Orange Chicken is the perfect choice. The combination of tangy sauce, tender chicken, and fresh garnishes makes it a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredient Notes
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Diced into small pieces, providing lean protein that cooks quickly and easily absorbs the vibrant orange sauce.
- Canola Oil: Used to sauté the chicken, offering a neutral oil with a high smoke point for cooking.
- Garlic: Adds aromatic depth and savory flavor to the orange sauce.
- Orange Zest: Enhances the citrusy brightness and fragrance, giving the dish a fresh, zesty flavor.
- Fresh Orange Juice: Provides the main citrusy, sweet-tart base for the sauce, creating a natural sweetness and tang.
- Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: Adds liquid to the sauce, infusing the chicken with extra flavor while keeping the sodium content low.
Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Contributes a salty umami depth to the sauce, balancing the sweetness of honey and sugar. - Honey: Adds natural sweetness and a mild floral note, helping to balance the tangy orange juice.
- Granulated Sugar: Enhances the sweetness of the sauce and helps thicken it.
- Onion Powder: Gives a subtle savory depth to the sauce.
- Dried Ginger: Adds warmth and a slight spiciness that complements the sweetness of the orange.
- White Vinegar: Provides acidity to balance the richness of the sauce, enhancing the overall flavor.
- Sriracha Hot Sauce (Optional): Adds a spicy kick to the sauce, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
- Cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce, giving it a glossy texture that coats the chicken.
- Chopped Green Onions and Sesame Seeds: For garnish, adding fresh, crisp flavor and a slight crunch, perfect for finishing the dish.
Tips for Making the Best Lighter Orange Chicken
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh, high-quality chicken and oranges.
- Season Well: Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices to enhance the flavor.
- Cook Evenly: Ensure the chicken is cooked evenly to achieve a tender and juicy interior.
- Coat Generously: Coat the chicken generously with the orange sauce to ensure each bite is flavorful.
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Top the dish with fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions for added flavor and visual appeal.
Serving Suggestions
- With Steamed Rice: Serve Lighter Orange Chicken with steamed white or brown rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
- With Stir-Fried Vegetables: Pair with stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, and snow peas for extra nutrition.
- With a Side Salad: Add a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette for a balanced meal.
- With Lemon Wedges: Serve with lemon wedges for a refreshing and tangy contrast.
- With Fresh Bread: Enjoy with a slice of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
A Must Try
This Lighter Orange Chicken offers all the deliciousness of the classic dish with fewer calories and less guilt. Perfect for sharing with family and friends, this healthier version will satisfy your cravings without compromising on flavor. So, gather your ingredients, get cooking, and delight your loved ones with this tangy and refreshing meal that’s both nutritious and tasty!
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Lighter Orange Chicken
Whether you’re preparing a weeknight meal, hosting a dinner party, or looking for a healthier takeout alternative, Lighter Orange Chicken is the perfect choice. The combination of tangy sauce, tender chicken, and fresh garnishes makes it a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts diced into tiny 1-inch pieces
- 1/3 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoon low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 1/2 tablespoon canola oil
- 3 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
- 3 tablespoon honey
- 2 1/2 tablespoon granulted sugar
- 2 tablespoon white vinegar
- 2 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 teaspoon orange zest
- 3/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon Sriracha hot sauce optional
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Chopped green onions and sesame seeds for serving
Instructions
- Preheat a wok over medium-high heat and add canola oil. Once the oil is hot, toss in the chicken, seasoning it lightly with salt and pepper. Stir occasionally as the chicken cooks through, about 5 mins.
- Transfer the chicken to a plate, leaving any leftover oil in the wok. Lower the heat to medium and return the wok to the burner. Add the garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, then remove from heat.
- Pour in the orange juice, 1/4 cup of chicken broth, orange zest, soy sauce, honey, sugar, onion powder, ginger, vinegar, and Sriracha. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then return the wok to the heat.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and the remaining 2 tablespoons of chicken broth until smooth and fully combined.
- Pour the cornstarch mixture into the wok, stirring constantly until the sauce comes to a boil and thickens. Remove from heat and toss the chicken in the sauce until well coated.
- Serve the dish warm with either white or brown rice, and optionally garnish with green onions and sesame seeds for extra flavor and crunch.
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Lighter Orange Chicken