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I have worked hard on this recipe, so I am stoked that I am finally posting it to my website! This Healthy Orange Chicken is sweetened using honey instead of refined sugar, and it is so so good. I personally don’t even taste the honey, but it sure does add the perfect sweetness in addition to the natural sugar in orange juice. Orange chicken from restaurants is often full of MSG’s, refined sugar, flavors, harmful chemicals, and more. So who would’ve thought that there could be a healthy version that’s still absolutely delicious? You’ll definitely have to give this version a try. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed!!

Nutritional benefits of this recipe

Chicken – Rich in tryptophan, which promotes serotonin. Also rich zinc, selenium, iron, and b-vitamins. Eating protein helps regulate cravings, hunger, blood sugar, weight, and energy.
Honey helps improve blood pressure, manage cholesterol, and boost the immune system. It also has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. It’s rich in vitamin C, Vitamins B5, B3, and B2, along with minerals such as calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium and zinc.
Oranges have a wonderful profile of antioxidants, vitamins, fiber, and more. It’s nutrient dense and delicious.
Ginger has anti-microbial benefits and is rich in antioxidants, helping balance our gut microbiome and manage free radicals. It helps reduce nausea, bloating, and intestinal gas. Promotes immune health.
Coconut aminos – made by fermenting coconut palm sap with sea salt. It is significantly lower in sodium compared to soy sauce, though, so it’s a healthier alternative.

Ingredients for Healthy Orange Chicken

Chicken breast – or chicken thigh

Orange – the fresh juice and some of the zest

Honey – or maple syrup should work. I’ve also tried with coconut sugar but it didn’t turn out quite as sticky.

Rice vinegar

Coconut aminos – this is a healthy version of soy sauce. It’s just as delicious but much less processed and much more nutrient-dense.

Garlic

Fresh ginger root

Arrowroot starch

Broccoli

Bell pepper – I used red bell pepper for extra color.

Rice – I used brown rice, but basmati would be more traditional.

Broth for cooking rice

How to make Healthy Orange Chicken

Prep rice according to package instructions. Cook in chicken broth instead of water for more flavor.
Sauce: Mix all ingredients together in a small or medium pot or saucepan. Bring to a simmer then turn the heat to low-medium to lightly simmer for 20 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat when done.
Veggies: Preheat a pan to medium heat. Add veggies to the preheated pan with butter and cook for about 15 minutes, stirring often. Put the top on the pan to steam them a few minutes if needed. The larger the veggies are cut, the longer it takes to cook.
Chicken: Dice up the chicken then toss in salt and arrowroot powder. Preheat a pan to a little above medium heat with tallow, avocado oil, or butter and add the chicken pieces in a single layer (this may take a couple batches). Cook for a few minutes on each side until cooked through. Remove and set aside. Repeat process until all the chicken is cooked, and add more oil as needed.
Toss the chicken in the sauce until thoroughly coated. Some of the sauce may fall to the bottom, so just stir it up again before scooping onto the bowls.
To serve: Add a bed of rice to a bowl and top with the veggies and orange chicken. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top if desired.
Please be sure to leave a comment and rating if you try this recipe! I would love to hear your feedback and your engagement on my website means more than you know!

Kitchen tools needed

Small pot / saucepan

Large sauté pan for cooking chicken

Skillet for cooking veggies

Cutting board and knife

Modifications

Sub maple syrup in place of the honey if desired. I’ve also tried coconut sugar – it didn’t turn out quite as sticky but was still delicious!
If you want a strong orange flavor, then add more orange zest to the sauce! I made a version that was much heavier on the orange and loved it, so add to your hearts delight if you love a strong orange flavor.
To make the chicken more simple, feel free to omit the arrowroot powder from the coating. You can just sauté the chicken in a pan with salt and that’s it! That’s how I made it a couple times and it was still delicious. the arrowroot powder coating just adds a little bit of that crispy breaded feeling to the chicken.
Add sliced onion to the veggie mixture for more flavor if desired.

Other recipes you’ll love

Ginger Sesame Chicken Stir Fry

Ginger Fried Rice

I hope you love this Healthy Orange Chicken! Please be sure to leave a comment and rating if you give it a try. I love hearing feedback and your engagement on my website allows me to continue creating recipes for you! 🙂