This simple orange chicken cooks fast and stays light. It has bright orange taste and a small amount of sugar. If you want another quick orange dish, try the easy orange chicken recipe for a different take.
why make this recipe
You can make this meal in about 30 minutes. It uses clean parts and a short sauce. It gives you a warm, bright dinner that kids and adults like. For an even simpler orange dish, see the 3-ingredient orange chicken for fast prep.
how to make 30 Minute Healthy Orange Chicken
Use steady heat and a light hand with the sauce. Cook the chicken first so it browns and stays moist. Stir the sauce in and let it turn thick. This quick pan method also works well for other fast meals like 30-minute creamy tuscan sausage pasta, so you can reuse the same steps for other dinners.
Ingredients :
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions for garnish
Directions :
- In a bowl, whisk together orange juice, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger.
- Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add the cubed chicken and cook until browned.
- Pour the orange mixture over the chicken and let it simmer.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water, then add to the pan to thicken the sauce.
- Cook until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is thickened.
- Season with salt and pepper, and garnish with green onions before serving.
how to serve 30 Minute Healthy Orange Chicken
Serve this chicken with plain rice or brown rice to soak the sauce. Add steamed green beans or a simple salad on the side. For a full meal idea, pair it with a dish like healthy chicken parmesan with roasted veggies for more veg and fiber.
how to store 30 Minute Healthy Orange Chicken
Let the chicken cool to room heat. Put it in a sealed box or jar. Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan on low heat so the sauce stays smooth. Do not leave it out more than two hours.
tips to make 30 Minute Healthy Orange Chicken
- Cut the chicken in same-size cubes so it cooks even.
- Browning the chicken gives more taste.
- Whisk the sauce well so honey mixes in.
- If the sauce is too thin, add a little more cornstarch mix.
- For a slow cook idea, you can learn from an easy crockpot healthy chicken and make a milder version in a slow pot.
variation (if any)
- Make it spicy: add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a little sriracha.
- Make it gluten free: use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce.
- Add veg: toss in bell peppers or broccoli near the end so they stay crisp.
FAQs (minimum three FAQ)
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?
A: Yes. Thighs stay moist and add more flavor. Cook a few minutes longer if needed.
Q: Is orange juice fresh or store-bought better?
A: Fresh orange juice gives a brighter taste, but store juice works fine.
Q: Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
A: Yes. Keep it in the fridge and add to cooked chicken when ready. Heat well before serving.
Q: How can I make this less sweet?
A: Use less honey or add a splash of rice vinegar to balance the sweet.
Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: You can freeze for up to 2 months, but the sauce may change texture. Thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.
30 Minute Healthy Orange Chicken
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low-Calorie
Description
A quick and light orange chicken dish that combines sweetness and savory flavor, perfect for a family meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions for garnish
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together orange juice, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger.
- Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add the cubed chicken and cook until browned.
- Pour the orange mixture over the chicken and let it simmer.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water, then add to the pan to thicken the sauce.
- Cook until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is thickened.
- Season with salt and pepper, and garnish with green onions before serving.
Notes
For a full meal idea, pair with plain rice or brown rice and steamed green beans or a simple salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
