Name: 30 Minute Healthy Orange Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast, diced; 1/2 cup orange juice; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp cornstarch; 2 tbsp honey; 1 tbsp garlic, minced; 1 tbsp ginger, minced; 1 tbsp vegetable oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Chopped green onions for garnish

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About this recipe

This orange chicken cooks in 30 minutes. It uses real orange juice and a small list of things. The taste is bright and a little sweet. If you like fast orange meals, try this easy orange chicken for another simple idea.

Why make this recipe

You can make a warm meal fast. The sauce uses no heavy cream or lots of oil. It fits a busy night and a healthy plan. For more simple healthy dinner ideas, see these healthy chicken recipes.

How to make 30 Minute Healthy Orange Chicken

You make a quick marinade and cook the chicken in a pan. The sauce thickens fast on the heat. You can use this method with a short list of items. For an even simpler take, look at the 3-ingredient orange chicken idea.

Ingredients

1 lb chicken breast, diced
1/2 cup orange juice
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp garlic, minced
1 tbsp ginger, minced
1 tbsp vegetable oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped green onions for garnish

Directions

In a bowl, mix together orange juice, soy sauce, cornstarch, honey, minced garlic, and ginger to create a marinade.
Add the diced chicken to the marinade and let it sit for about 10 minutes.
Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat.
Add the marinated chicken to the pan and cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Pour any remaining marinade into the pan and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions.

How to serve 30 Minute Healthy Orange Chicken

Serve over white rice or brown rice. Add steamed broccoli or a green salad on the side. For ideas on sides and plating, see this roasted orange chicken recipe for more pairings.

How to store 30 Minute Healthy Orange Chicken

Let the chicken cool to room temperature. Put it in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before you reheat.

Tips to make 30 Minute Healthy Orange Chicken

Pat the chicken dry so the pieces brown well. Use fresh orange juice for a bright taste. Cook in one layer and do not crowd the pan. If the sauce needs thickening, mix a small extra pinch of cornstarch with water and stir it in on the heat. For a baked option, see the bang bang chicken bake for a hands-off bake method.

Variation (if any)

Add sliced bell pepper or snap peas in the last 2 minutes of cook time.
Use thigh meat for a juicier bite.
Add red pepper flakes or sriracha for heat.
Swap honey for brown sugar for a deeper sweet note.

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: Yes. Thaw it fully first. Pat it dry before you dice it.

Q: Can I make this gluten free?
A: Use gluten free soy sauce or tamari. Check your cornstarch and other labels.

Q: Can I cook this in a wok?
A: Yes. A hot wok works well and gives a nice sear.

Q: How do I reheat without drying the chicken?
A: Reheat gently in a pan with a splash of water or orange juice. Heat on low until warm.

Q: Can I make the sauce ahead?
A: You can mix the sauce parts ahead and keep in the fridge for a day. Mix again before you cook.

30 Minute Healthy Orange Chicken