If you’ve ever craved that crispy, tangy, sweet Orange Chicken but didn’t want to deal with the heavy grease or mystery ingredients, then you’re in for a treat. This homemade version is not only delicious, but it’s also packed with health benefits and, best of all, it’s free from gluten, dairy, soy, and refined sugar. Yes, you read that right – you can indulge in this dish without feeling guilty afterward. Let’s break down why this healthier take is a total game changer.
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Health Benefits
This Orange Chicken recipe is not only a flavor-packed dish but also one that’s loaded with nutrients from the ingredients you might already have in your kitchen. Let’s take a closer look at the health benefits of the key ingredients in this dish:
- Chicken: The star protein of this dish, chicken is rich in lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, as well as supporting immune function. It’s an excellent source of B vitamins (especially B6 and niacin), which help support brain function, energy metabolism, and healthy skin. Chicken is also high in selenium, an antioxidant that plays a role in thyroid function and immune defense.
- Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice is loaded with vitamin C, an essential nutrient that boosts your immune system, helps repair tissues, and promotes healthy skin. Vitamin C also acts as a powerful antioxidant, fighting off free radicals and reducing inflammation. Beyond that, the citrus flavor adds a natural sweetness to the dish without the need for refined sugars.
- Garlic: Garlic is a superstar in the health world. It’s known for its immune-boosting properties, thanks to its rich content of sulfur compounds, such as allicin. These compounds not only support heart health by helping lower cholesterol and blood pressure but also have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Garlic is also great for digestion and can help combat common colds and infections.
- Ginger: Ginger is an anti-inflammatory powerhouse, known for its ability to soothe the digestive system. It helps relieve nausea, reduce bloating, and improve overall gut health. Ginger is also a great way to ease muscle pain and inflammation, making it a perfect addition for those who work out regularly. Plus, it adds a zesty, warm kick to your dish that pairs wonderfully with the orange glaze.
- Coconut Aminos: Coconut aminos is a soy-free, gluten-free alternative to soy sauce, made from the sap of coconut trees. It has a naturally sweet, savory flavor that works beautifully in marinades, dressings, and stir-fries. It’s also lower in sodium compared to traditional soy sauce, making it a healthier option for those looking to reduce their salt intake. Coconut aminos is rich in amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins, supporting muscle growth and recovery.
- Chicken Broth: Chicken broth is more than just a base for soups and sauces – it’s packed with nutrients that support joint health, digestion, and immune function. It contains collagen, gelatin, and amino acids like glycine, which are known to support gut health and promote strong, healthy joints. Bone broth also contains minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, which help support bone and dental health.
These key ingredients come together in a dish that’s not only delicious but also a great way to nourish your body. With lean protein, immune-boosting antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds, and gut-friendly properties, this Orange Chicken is truly a win for both your taste buds and your health!
Nothing Like Panda Express, Trust Me
If you’re wondering how this homemade Orange Chicken stacks up against your local Panda Express, let me just say: it has nothing on this healthier version. I’m not here to knock Panda Express – hey, they do their thing – but let’s just say this dish has a cleaner flavor profile, with none of the weird preservatives, additives, or MSG that we often find in takeout. Plus, you can feel confident knowing exactly what’s going into your meal. No more “mystery meat” or “secret sauces.” You’re the boss here!
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 2 lbs chicken breasts (diced, organic – Get FREE high quality organic protein in every order here from Butcher Box)
- 2 eggs (large, whisked)
- 2/3 cup cornstarch
- Salt & pepper (to taste, about 1 1/2 tsp each)
- Ground cloves (to taste, about 1/4 tsp or so)
- 1/2 cup avocado oil
Sauce:
- 1/3 cup chicken bone broth (code COOKINGKATIELADY for a discount at @kettleandfire)
- 1/3 cup coconut aminos
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 3 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp ginger (minced)
- 1 tbsp chili paste
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice (about 4 oranges)
- 2 tbsp water + 2 tbsp cornstarch (for slurry to thicken sauce)
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Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a measuring cup or small bowl, combine all of the sauce ingredients. Whisk well to ensure everything is fully incorporated. Set the sauce aside for later.
- Prepare the Coating: In a small bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth and set aside. In another small bowl, combine the cornstarch, salt, pepper, and ground cloves. Mix well to distribute the seasoning evenly.
- Coat the Chicken: Working with one piece of chicken at a time, dip each piece into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then, transfer it to the cornstarch mixture, pressing lightly to coat the chicken evenly. Repeat this process for all the chicken pieces.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the avocado oil in a large wok or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding. This will help the chicken crisp up nicely. Cook each batch for about 8 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking. For best results, allow each side to cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes before flipping to achieve crispy edges. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a large plate.
- Make the Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low and carefully pour the prepared sauce into the same pan. Let the sauce bubble and simmer for a minute or two to bring out the flavors. Once it starts to bubble, reduce the heat to low.
- Thicken the Sauce: To thicken the sauce, make a cornstarch slurry by whisking together 2 tablespoons of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water in a small bowl. Gradually pour the slurry into the sauce while continuously whisking to prevent clumps. Allow the sauce to simmer undisturbed for 5 minutes, thickening as it cooks.
- Combine and Serve: Once the sauce has thickened, add the crispy chicken back into the pan. Toss gently to coat all of the chicken pieces in the sauce. Let it simmer together for another 1-2 minutes to fully heat through and ensure the chicken is well coated.
- Serve: Serve the orange chicken over rice or with your favorite vegetables. Enjoy!
Get high quality, organic meat from ButcherBox here. My link throws in free protein of your choice with every purchase!
Do Not Substitute The Avocado Oil
Avocado Oil has a high smoke point, which means it can withstand the high temperatures needed to achieve that crispy, golden brown coating on the chicken without breaking down into harmful compounds. Unlike olive oil, which has a lower smoke point and isn’t ideal for frying, avocado oil is perfect for dishes like this. It’s also packed with monounsaturated fats, which support heart health and lower cholesterol levels. Plus, it has a mild flavor, so it lets the other ingredients shine. Trust me, this is an oil that’s worth keeping on hand for all your cooking needs.
Coating Alternatives
Now, let’s talk about the coating. I use cornstarch to keep things on the lighter side and to make this dish gluten-free, but there are lots of other options! If you’re avoiding corn for any reason, you can swap it out for potato starch, arrowroot powder, or even rice flour. However, I personally prefer cornstarch because it gives that perfectly crisp coating.
If you’re not after the crunch and want a softer texture, you could even try a more delicate coating like almond flour – it won’t give you that classic crisp, but it adds a nice nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the orange glaze. But if you’re craving that deep-fried crispiness, cornstarch is your best bet.
Now, here’s something that made my cooking experience just a little bit easier: the other day, I discovered pre-diced chicken breasts at my local grocery store. Talk about a game changer! I was able to skip the tedious chopping and slicing. Seriously, this saved so much time and effort, and I’m never looking back. If you spot pre-diced chicken in your store, grab it!
How To Store
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
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I post all of my recipes on social media as well and you can stay up-to-date on what I am up to! Also, I love seeing people try my recipes! When make these, snap a picture and share it to your socials. Tag @cookingkatielady and #cookingkatielady so I can admire your masterpiece and share with others!
This homemade healthy Orange Chicken is the perfect balance of flavor and nutrition. It’s packed with lean protein, healthy fats, and anti-inflammatory spices while avoiding all those unhealthy additives. The hint of cloves and the crispy coating elevate this dish to a new level, and the use of avocado oil makes sure your chicken stays tender and delicious without any compromise on health. Whether you’re whipping it up for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish is guaranteed to leave everyone satisfied (and probably wondering how they can get their hands on that recipe).
Healthy Orange Chicken
Description
If you’ve ever craved that crispy, tangy, sweet Orange Chicken but didn’t want to deal with the heavy grease or mystery ingredients, then you’re in for a treat. This homemade version is not only delicious, but it’s also packed with health benefits and, best of all, it’s free from gluten, dairy, soy, and refined sugar. Yes, you read that right – you can indulge in this dish without feeling guilty afterward. Let’s break down why this healthier take is a total game changer.
Ingredients
Chicken:
Sauce:
Instructions
-
Prepare the Sauce: In a measuring cup or small bowl, combine all of the sauce ingredients. Whisk well to ensure everything is fully incorporated. Set the sauce aside for later.
-
Prepare the Coating: In a small bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth and set aside. In another small bowl, combine the cornstarch, salt, pepper, and ground cloves. Mix well to distribute the seasoning evenly.
-
Coat the Chicken: Working with one piece of chicken at a time, dip each piece into the beaten eggs, ensuring it's fully coated. Then, transfer it to the cornstarch mixture, pressing lightly to coat the chicken evenly. Repeat this process for all the chicken pieces.
-
Cook the Chicken: Heat the avocado oil in a large wok or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding. This will help the chicken crisp up nicely. Cook each batch for about 8 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking. For best results, allow each side to cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes before flipping to achieve crispy edges. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a large plate.
-
Make the Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low and carefully pour the prepared sauce into the same pan. Let the sauce bubble and simmer for a minute or two to bring out the flavors. Once it starts to bubble, reduce the heat to low.
-
Thicken the Sauce: To thicken the sauce, make a cornstarch slurry by whisking together 2 tablespoons of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water in a small bowl. Gradually pour the slurry into the sauce while continuously whisking to prevent clumps. Allow the sauce to simmer undisturbed for 5 minutes, thickening as it cooks.
-
Combine and Serve: Once the sauce has thickened, add the crispy chicken back into the pan. Toss gently to coat all of the chicken pieces in the sauce. Let it simmer together for another 1-2 minutes to fully heat through and ensure the chicken is well coated.
-
Serve: Serve the orange chicken over rice or with your favorite vegetables. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Nutrition Facts
Servings 8
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 363kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 16.7g26%
- Saturated Fat 2g10%
- Cholesterol 129.2mg44%
- Sodium 794.8mg34%
- Total Carbohydrate 27.5g10%
- Dietary Fiber 1.6g7%
- Sugars 16.1g
- Protein 25.5g51%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Did you make this recipe?
The next time you make it, snap a picture, and share it to your socials. Tag @cookingkatielady and #cookingkatielady so I can admire your masterpiece and share with others!:)
Please note that my nutrition label is approximate and can have slight rounding. Macros do not include the rice.
