Lighten-Up Takeout at Home
Orange chicken is a takeout staple for a reason. It's freakin' good. It's crunchy, sticky, sweet, tangy, savory, and just plain addictive. Unfortunately, like most takeout, it's usually loaded with deeply unsettling amounts of sodium, fat, preservatives, and mystery ingredients -- eek!
So if you're looking to satisfy that takeout craving sans the inevitable guilt and bloat that follows, then have I got a treat for you. This healthy orange chicken recipe packs the same classic orange chicken flavor you love using only fresh ingredients and lightened-up cooking methods. I dare-say it's better than the "real thing".
Healthed-Up Orange Chicken Recipe
Prep Time: 10 Minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 Minutes
By using whole, organic ingredients and sautéing rather than breading and frying the chicken, this lightened-up orange chicken recipe is a nourishing meal fit for your family. Serve it with brown rice and stir fried vegetables for a quick and easy weeknight meal.
Ingredients
2.5 lbs. organic boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite size pieces
salt and white pepper
3 tbsp. avocado oil
orange chicken sauce (recipe below)
sliced scallions for garnish
Orange Chicken Sauce
1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
Zest of one orange
4 cloves of garlic, minced
1 tsp. freshly grated ginger
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup soy sauce (or Tamari or Coconut Aminos)
1/4 cup rice wine vinegar
3 tbsp. organic sweet thai chili sauce
1 tsp. red pepper flakes
3 tbsp. corn starch
Method:
Whisk together all the ingredients for the sauce mixture and set aside.
Season the chicken generously with salt and white pepper. Heat oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sauté for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
Pour in the orange chicken sauce, and stir to combine. Let the sauce come to a boil, then boil for an additional minute or two until thickened. Remove from heat and serve immediately with brown rice, quinoa, or vegetables.
Garnish with scallions.
BrookeSheCooks is a professional personal chef and in-home catering service providing gourmet-quality, custom meals to busy families in the DFW area. No shopping, no cooking, no clean-up. For booking and availability contact brookeshecooks@gmail.com.