Healthier Than Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe
Enjoy a healthier twist on a takeout favorite with this Orange Chicken recipe. Made with lean chicken and a lighter, flavorful orange sauce, it's a nutritious and delicious alternative to Panda Express. Perfect for a quick, homemade meal!
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INGREDIENTS
Orange Chicken
- 2 large chicken breasts, 1 pound
- salt & black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons olive oil , divided
Orange Chicken Sauce:
- ¾ cup orange juice, freshly squeezed
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar, or honey
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons zest from 1 orange
- ½ teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic , minced
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes , or more to taste, optional
For Serving
- chopped scallions
- toasted sesame seeds
INSTRUCTIONS
- Get everything ready before you start cooking because it goes quickly. Cut the chicken into 1-inch pieces and put them in a medium bowl. Add some salt, pepper, and sprinkle cornstarch over the chicken. Toss it all together.2 large chicken breasts, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, salt & black pepper
- In another bowl, mix the sauce ingredients by whisking them together.¾ cup orange juice, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 2 teaspoons zest from 1 orange, ½ teaspoon grated fresh ginger, 2 cloves garlic , ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat for a few minutes. When the pan is hot, add half of the chicken. Make sure the pieces aren’t crowded so they can brown nicely. Cook for about 4 minutes, then flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the chicken is slightly browned and reaches 165°F. For the second batch, add another tablespoon of olive oil to the pan. When done, move the chicken to a plate.3 tablespoons olive oil
- Pour the sauce into the hot skillet. It should thicken in about a minute. Stir and scrape the pan to get any brown bits mixed in. Remove from heat. Add the chicken back into the skillet and toss to coat. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and scallions. Serve right away.toasted sesame seeds, chopped scallions
- It’s great with steamed rice, yellow rice, udon noodles, or lo mein noodles.
NOTES
- Can I make chinese orange chicken ahead of time and reheat it? As we are not using any thick coating for this chicken, you could make it ahead. You may need some extra sauce for reheating though. For the best taste and texture, serve it right after cooking.
- Don’t overcook the chicken. Since it will cook more in the sauce, just brown it for about 1 to 2 minutes on each side. Cooking times can vary based on your stove and the thickness of the chicken.
- To Store. You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- To Freeze. Just store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat it in the microwave or in a skillet. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then heat in a skillet.
ADD YOUR OWN PRIVATE NOTES
NUTRITION
Calories: 355kcalCarbohydrates: 31gProtein: 26gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 72mgSodium: 640mgPotassium: 790mgFiber: 1gSugar: 22gVitamin A: 236IUVitamin C: 80mgCalcium: 36mgIron: 1mg
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