Name: Healthy Orange Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups uncooked jasmine rice; 1 lb chicken breast; 4-6 cloves of garlic; 1.5 tbsp avocado oil; 1.5 tsp minced ginger; 1 tsp sesame seeds; 1 tsp garlic; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp fresh orange juice; 1 ½ tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp cornstarch; 1/3 cup fresh orange juice; 1 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp hoisin sauce; 1/4 cup rice vinegar; 1 1/2 tsp chili garlic sauce; 1/2 tbsp cornstarch; 2 tsp orange zest; 1/2 tsp red chili flakes; 3 tbsp brown sugar

Jump to Recipe·5.1 from 28 reviews

Looking for a vibrant, flavorful twist on takeout that doesn’t sacrifice your healthy intentions? This Healthy Orange Chicken recipe has everything you love about the classic—zesty citrus, tender chicken, and that irresistible sticky sauce—but without all the heavy breading or excess oil. Each bite bursts with fresh orange flavor, a hint of gentle heat, and savory notes that bring the dish together in perfect harmony. If you’ve ever craved the sweet-spicy comfort of orange chicken but wished for something lighter, this version will quickly become your go-to for weeknight dinners or special gatherings alike.

Healthy Orange Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients for Healthy Orange Chicken is a breeze, and each component adds something special to this dish—from the bright pop of orange zest to the warming zing of fresh ginger. You’ll be amazed at how these simple, whole-food staples layer up to create a restaurant-style meal right from your own kitchen.

Jasmine rice: Its soft, fragrant grains are the perfect canvas for soaking up the orange chicken sauce.
Chicken breast: Lean and tender, this star protein takes on all the vibrant flavors beautifully.
Garlic: Provides punchy depth and makes the kitchen smell incredible as soon as it hits the pan.
Chopped scallions: Adds a fresh crispness and beautiful green color as both a mix-in and garnish.
Avocado oil: With its high smoke point, it’s great for getting that perfect sauté on your chicken and aromatics.
Minced ginger: Brings a touch of warmth and zing that brightens every bite; frozen cubes make prep even easier!
Sesame seeds: Sprinkled over the top for toasty crunch and visual pop.
Baking soda: Works as a tenderizer, creating extra juicy, restaurant-style chicken.
Garlic: Additional to boost the marinade’s flavor punch.
Salt: Enhances every element with just the right amount of seasoning.
Black pepper: A little background heat balances the citrus and soy.
Fresh orange juice: The heart of Healthy Orange Chicken, infusing the sauce with bold citrus flavor.
Soy sauce: Savory, umami depth that ties everything together and enhances both the marinade and sauce.
Cornstarch: Used twice, it thickens the sauce and helps the chicken develop that sought-after glossy finish.
Hoisin sauce: Adds a hint of sweetness and complex flavor to round out the sauce.
Rice vinegar: Lifts and brightens the entire dish, tempering the sweetness with tang.
Chili garlic sauce: Brings subtle heat and garlicky undertones that make the flavor pop.
Orange zest: Intensifies the citrus aroma and taste for a truly memorable sauce.
Red chili flakes: Optional, but highly recommended for adding a touch of heat and color.
Brown sugar: Balances the tangy citrus and vinegary notes for that signature saucy finish.

How to Make Healthy Orange Chicken

Step 1: Cook the Jasmine Rice

Start by cooking your jasmine rice according to the package instructions; using a rice cooker makes this step completely hands-off and yields fluffier, perfectly separated grains every time. The rice acts as the perfect bed for all that glossy, flavorful orange chicken sauce to soak into later.

Step 2: Prep the Chicken

Slice your chicken breast into 1/2 inch strips—this size helps them cook evenly and soak up maximum flavor from the marinade without drying out. Prepping your chicken first keeps things moving smoothly when it’s time to sauté.

Step 3: Grate and Juice the Orange

Before juicing, grate your orange to harvest that bright, perfumed zest, then squeeze out the juice. This little step takes just a minute but absolutely transforms the Healthy Orange Chicken sauce with fresh, real citrus aroma.

Step 4: Marinate the Chicken

Mix your marinade ingredients (baking soda, garlic, salt, pepper, orange juice, soy sauce, and cornstarch) in a bowl, then add your chicken strips and toss until coated. Let them marinate for about 30 minutes—enough time for the flavors to soak in while you prep everything else.

Step 5: Prep the Scallions

Chop your scallions and set them aside. You’ll use part of them in the sauce for sweetness and color, and the rest as a crisp, fresh garnish at the end.

Step 6: Make the Healthy Orange Chicken Sauce

In a separate bowl, whisk together orange juice, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, chili garlic sauce, cornstarch, orange zest, chili flakes, and brown sugar. This is where that signature tangy-sweet flavor comes alive!

Step 7: Sauté Aromatics

Heat avocado oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat, then add garlic and minced ginger. Sauté until aromatic—about 2 to 3 minutes—letting those flavors bloom and infuse the oil with their magic.

Step 8: Cook the Chicken

Add your marinated chicken to the pan. Let the pieces cook undisturbed for five minutes to get nice and crispy on one side, then flip and repeat on the other side. This step ensures that every piece cooks through while developing that craveable texture Healthy Orange Chicken is famous for.

Step 9: Add Sauce and Scallions

Pour in your prepared orange sauce and most of the scallions. Let everything simmer together for five minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens into a glossy, sticky glaze that clings to each piece of chicken.

Step 10: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and the rest of the scallions. Serve your Healthy Orange Chicken over a generous scoop of jasmine rice and get ready to dig in!

How to Serve Healthy Orange Chicken

Garnishes

For the perfect finishing touch, sprinkle extra sesame seeds and fresh scallion greens right before serving. If you like a little more color and heat, add a tiny pinch of chili flakes or a few curls of orange zest as well—these bright, aromatic toppings play up both the flavor and the visual appeal of Healthy Orange Chicken.

Side Dishes

Healthy Orange Chicken shines with light, simple sides that complement its bold flavors. Steamed broccoli, snow peas, or bok choy make great choices for a crisp, refreshing contrast. For an even more colorful plate, toss together a quick cucumber salad or serve with roasted baby carrots for gentle sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving Healthy Orange Chicken in lettuce cups for a hand-held appetizer or meal. Need a crowd-pleaser? Pile it into a bento-style lunchbox for easy portioning (and guaranteed lunchtime envy). You can even spoon it onto cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option that soaks up all the tangy, zesty sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Healthy Orange Chicken, you’re in luck—it saves beautifully! Store cooled chicken and sauce together in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors will deepen, making the leftovers extra tasty for lunch or a quick dinner.

Freezing

For longer storage, you can freeze Healthy Orange Chicken (just the chicken and sauce, not the rice) in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, and you’ll have homemade takeout at the ready any night of the week.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce seems too thick. The microwave works in a pinch, but the stovetop method keeps everything glossy and tender, just like freshly made Healthy Orange Chicken.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in Healthy Orange Chicken; they’re a bit juicier and provide an even richer flavor. Just adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure they’re cooked through.

Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, simply swap the soy sauce for tamari and double-check that your hoisin sauce is certified gluten-free. This quick change makes Healthy Orange Chicken perfect for anyone avoiding gluten.

Can I use bottled orange juice?

For the absolute best flavor and brightness, fresh orange juice can’t be beat, but bottled juice will work in a pinch. Try to use a variety that’s not from concentrate for a closer-to-fresh taste in your Healthy Orange Chicken.

How spicy is this recipe?

Healthy Orange Chicken is gently spicy as written, thanks to chili garlic sauce and chili flakes. If you prefer more heat, just increase the chili garlic sauce or flakes to taste—or leave them out for a more kid-friendly version.

Can I prep this in advance?

Definitely! You can marinate the chicken up to a day ahead and even pre-mix the sauce ingredients. Store them separately in the fridge, then just combine and cook when you’re ready for fresh, restaurant-style Healthy Orange Chicken in minutes.

Final Thoughts

Now that you have all the tips, tricks, and variations for making Healthy Orange Chicken at home, I hope you’re inspired to give it a go! It’s a cheerful, nourishing dish that never fails to impress, whether you serve it for a quick weeknight meal or as the star of a dinner party. Roll up your sleeves, grab some oranges and chicken, and treat yourself to homemade takeout that’s better—and healthier—than ever!