Description
This Zesty & Healthy Orange Chicken is a lighter take on a takeout classic, featuring tender chicken coated in a naturally sweet and tangy orange sauce. Perfectly served over rice and steamed veggies, it’s a flavorful and nutritious meal!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 2 cups orange juice
- 1/4 cup coconut aminos (or soy sauce alternative)
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1/2 tablespoon orange zest
Optional for Serving:
- 4 cups steamed broccoli or green beans
- 2 cups cooked rice
Instructions
- Sear the Chicken – Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken cubes and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and slightly crispy. Remove and set aside.
- Whisk the Sauce – In a bowl, mix all sauce ingredients until well combined.
- Thicken the Sauce – Using the same pan, pour in the sauce mixture and bring it to a boil. Stir frequently for 15-20 minutes until the sauce thickens. You’ll know it’s ready when it starts to pull away from the pan as you scrape it.
- Combine & Serve – Add the cooked chicken back to the pan, coating it well with the sauce. Serve hot over steamed vegetables and rice.
Instant Pot Method:
- Brown the Chicken – Set the Instant Pot to sauté on high heat. Heat 2 tablespoons of sesame oil and sear whole chicken breasts for 2 minutes per side. Remove and dice into 1-inch pieces.
- Pressure Cook – Return diced chicken to the pot and pour in the sauce mixture (using only half the amount of ingredients listed for the sauce). Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on Manual High Pressure for 3 minutes. Quick release when done.
- Thicken the Sauce – Remove the chicken and turn the pot back to sauté mode. Mix 1/4 cup chicken stock with 3 teaspoons cornstarch, then slowly whisk it into the sauce. Boil for 7-9 minutes until thickened.
- Finish & Serve – Return the chicken to the sauce and switch to “Keep Warm” mode. Serve over steamed broccoli or rice.
Notes
- Use freshly squeezed orange juice for the best flavor.
- For a crispier texture, lightly coat the chicken in cornstarch before pan-searing.
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less honey.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes (stovetop) / 15 minutes (Instant Pot)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop / Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired