Name: Healthy Orange Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American Asian Fusion
Ingredients: 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil (2 tablespoons for Instant Pot method); 2 cups orange juice (1 cup for Instant Pot method); 1/4 cup coconut aminos (2 tablespoons for Instant Pot method); 3 tablespoons honey (1.5 tablespoons for Instant Pot method); 1 teaspoon garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon for Instant Pot method); 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (1/4 teaspoon for Instant Pot method); 1/2 tablespoon grated fresh ginger (1/4 tablespoon for Instant Pot method); 1/2 tablespoon orange zest (1/4 tablespoon for Instant Pot method); 3 teaspoons cornstarch or arrowroot powder; 1/4 cup chicken stock; 4 cups steamed broccoli or green beans; 2 cups cooked rice

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 283 reviews

If you’re looking to delight your taste buds without compromising your health goals, this Healthy Orange Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a vibrant, flavorful dish that captures all the zesty sweetness of orange chicken while keeping things lighter and more nourishing. This recipe transforms humble chicken breasts into a saucy, citrus-infused masterpiece that’s perfect for weeknights or special dinners alike. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be hooked on how delicious healthy cooking can be!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a close-up of many cooked chicken pieces in a light beige pan. The chicken pieces are light golden-brown with some parts slightly browned, giving them a textured look. A wooden spatula is lifting some of the pieces from the pan, showing the soft and tender texture of the chicken. The background is a white marbled surface, making the chicken and pan stand out clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

With just a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients, this recipe comes together beautifully. Each component plays a vital role — from the juicy chicken to the naturally sweet orange juice, and the fragrant ginger and garlic that bring the dish to life.

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into 1-inch cubes for quick, even cooking and tender bites.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a mild fruity flavor and helps brown the chicken nicely.
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil: Provides a nutty aroma that complements the orange sauce.
2 cups orange juice: The heart of this recipe, offering fresh citrus sweetness that brightens everything up.
1/4 cup coconut aminos: A soy-free alternative that adds umami depth and a touch of saltiness.
3 tablespoons honey: Natural sweetness that balances the citrus and spices harmoniously.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses subtle savory notes without overpowering the sauce.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds gentle heat to round out the flavor profile.
1/2 tablespoon grated fresh ginger: Zesty and warming, ginger brings that signature citrus-ginger kick.
1/2 tablespoon orange zest: Concentrated orange oils that enhance the brightness and aroma.
4 cups steamed broccoli or green beans: Crisp-tender veggies for color, crunch, and nutrition.
2 cups cooked rice: A comforting base that soaks up all the luscious sauce.

How to Make Healthy Orange Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Sides

Start by cooking your green beans (or broccoli) and rice according to their package instructions so they’re ready to go when the chicken is done. This sets the stage for a perfectly balanced meal with vibrant veggies and satisfying grains.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

In a large sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken, letting it cook for about 10 minutes. Be patient here — the goal is to get golden brown edges and a lightly crispy texture that will give the dish a delightful contrast.

Step 3: Mix the Sauce

While that chicken cooks, whisk together your orange juice, coconut aminos, honey, garlic powder, black pepper, fresh ginger, and orange zest in a bowl. This sauce is where all the magic happens, combining sweet, tangy, and savory into one gorgeous glaze.

Step 4: Remove Chicken and Begin Sauce Reduction

Once your chicken is fully cooked with those irresistible brown edges, transfer it to a clean bowl for a moment. Pour the sauce mixture into the same pan, ensuring it captures all those tasty browned bits left behind. Bring the sauce to a boil and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring regularly until it thickens and becomes glossy.

Step 5: Combine Chicken and Sauce

When the sauce is perfectly thick and bubbly, add the chicken back into the pan. Stir gently so every piece gets beautifully coated with the luscious orange glaze.

Step 6: Serve Over Veggies and Rice

This Healthy Orange Chicken Recipe shines best when spooned over your steamed green beans or broccoli and a fluffy bed of rice, soaking up all those vibrant flavors.

How to Serve Healthy Orange Chicken Recipe

A white round plate on a white marbled surface holds three sections of food. On the left is a mound of steamed white rice with soft, separated grains. To the right of the rice is a pile of cooked green beans with a smooth, fresh texture. In front of the green beans, there are golden-brown chicken pieces covered in a shiny sauce sprinkled with white sesame seeds. Nearby, a golden spoon filled with sesame seeds, a whole orange, and a half-cut orange are placed on the surface. A gold fork and knife rest partially visible to the left of the plate. The overall look is fresh and colorful with balanced portions. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle some thinly sliced green onions or sesame seeds on top for added crunch and a pop of color. Fresh cilantro or a few extra orange zest curls also elevate the presentation and add a refreshing touch.

Side Dishes

Besides steamed broccoli or green beans, this dish is fab partnered with cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option, or even a simple cucumber salad for some cool contrast. Each side helps balance the sweetness of the chicken with freshness or subtle texture contrasts.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve this Healthy Orange Chicken Recipe in lettuce cups for a light, handheld delight. You could also build a vibrant bowl topped with avocado slices, shredded carrots, and crunchy nuts to create a colorful, nutrient-packed meal that’s as beautiful as it is tasty.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover orange chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making it even more delicious when reheated.

Freezing

This dish freezes well too! Transfer leftovers into a freezer-safe container, leaving a bit of room for expansion. Frozen orange chicken will keep nicely for up to 2 months without losing its vibrant flavor.

Reheating

When reheating, warm your orange chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat to preserve the sauce’s texture and keep the chicken tender. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickens too much. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can dry the chicken out.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative and often remain juicier. Just adjust cooking time slightly to ensure they are cooked through and enjoy the richer flavor they bring.

Is coconut aminos necessary, or can I substitute soy sauce?

You can substitute soy sauce if you’re not avoiding gluten or soy. Coconut aminos offer a slightly sweeter and milder flavor, but soy sauce works well to deliver the savory umami this recipe needs.

What’s the best way to zest an orange?

Use a microplane or fine grater to carefully zest only the colorful outer skin, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath. This zest packs a lot of aromatic oils that brighten the sauce wonderfully.

Can this recipe be made in the Instant Pot?

Yes! The recipe adapts perfectly for the Instant Pot with slight modifications for sauce quantities and cooking times, making it even easier on busy days without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Is the dish spicy?

Not really—it has a gentle warmth from the black pepper and fresh ginger but remains sweet and tangy rather than hot. You can easily add crushed red pepper flakes if you want a spicy kick.

Final Thoughts

This Healthy Orange Chicken Recipe is a true winner for anyone craving a bright, satisfying meal that feels indulgent but is good for you. It’s a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and fresh that’s sure to become a staple in your weekly rotation. Don’t hesitate to try it out—you’ll love how effortlessly this dish brings joy to your plate.