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HOME » Asian

30-Minute Healthy Orange Chicken

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If you're craving the bold and zesty flavors of Asian cuisine, this dish is a must-try. This 30-minute recipe offers a healthier homemade alternative to take-out, allowing you to savor the delicious flavors of Thai cuisine right in the comfort of your kitchen.🥡😋 

30-Minute Healthy Orange Chicken

How to Make Orange Chicken

Note: The full instructions are provided in the recipe card below.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and oil with a fork until almost frothy, about 1 minute. Add the chicken to the mixture and allow it to sit for 10 to 15 minutes.

For the sauce: Combine the sauce ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.

To Cook: Add the cornstarch to a large ziplock bag. Add the marinated chicken to the bag, seal, and shake until fully coated.

Heat the oil in a wok or large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Once it just begins to smoke, add the marinated chicken. Cook without touching the chicken until the bottom turns golden brown, about 2-3 minutes.

Flip to brown the other side for 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a big plate and remove the pan from the stove. Let cool for 2 to 3 minutes. Place the pan back onto the stove and turn to medium heat.

Wipe the skillet with a paper towel, leaving about 1 to 2 tablespoons of oil in the skillet. Add the dried chili, the white part of the green onion, ginger, and garlic. Stir-fry until it releases its fragrance, about 1 minute.

Stir the sauce again to dissolve the cornstarch completely. Pour into the pan along with the green part of the green onion. Stir and cook until it thickens. Add the chicken pieces back to the skillet and toss to coat the chicken with the sauce.

If desired, garnish with sesame seeds. Transfer the Orange Chicken to a plate and serve over white rice. Enjoy!

Pair with

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  • Arroz Verde (Green Rice)
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Recipe

Easy Orange Chicken

by Camila Benitez
30-Minute Healthy Orange Chicken
If you're craving the bold and zesty flavors of Asian cuisine, this dish is a must-try. This 30-minute recipe offers a healthier homemade alternative to take-out, allowing you to savor the delicious flavors of Thai cuisine right in the comfort of your kitchen. 🥡😋
  • Español
  • Print Recipe Pin Recipe Add to Collection Go to Collections
    Prep Time 15 minutes mins
    Cook Time 3 minutes mins
    Total Time 18 minutes mins
    Course Healthy, Main Course
    Cuisine Chinese
    Servings 10
    Calories 171 kcal

    Equipment

    • Measuring cups
    • Zester
    • Large Bowl
    • Parchment paper
    • Baking  Sheet

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 lb (453.59 g) boneless skinless breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks, about 1 inch to 1¼ inches.

    For the Marinade:

    • 1 tablespoon peanut oil , avocado oil, or canola oil
    • ¼ teaspoon granulated garlic
    • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper or ground black pepper
    • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

    For the Coating:

    • ½ cup cornstarch
    • 1 egg

    For the Orange Chicken Sauce:

    • 2 tablespoons orange zest
    • ½ cup orange juice
    • 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
    • 1 tablespoon reduced-sodium soy sauce
    • 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine or dry sherry
    • 2 tablespoons light brown sugar or granulated
    • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
    • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

    For the Stir-fry

    • ¼ cup peanut oil , avocado oil, canola oil, or vegetable oil
    • 3 green onions , sliced (white part for cooking and the green part for garnishing)
    • 3 cloves garlic , minced
    • 1 tablespoon ginger , minced
    • 2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds for garnish (Optional)
    • 3 dried red chili , optional

    Instructions
     

    • In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and oil with a fork until almost frothy, about 1 minute. Add the chicken to the mixture and allow sitting for 10 to 15 minutes. For the sauce: Meanwhile, combine the sauce ingredients in a small bowl, and set aside. To Cook: In a large ziplock bag, add the cornstarch. Add the marinated chicken into the bag, seal, and shake until fully coated. Heat the oil in a wok or large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until hot, and once it just begins to smoke, add the marinated chicken. Cook without touching the chicken until the bottom turns golden brown, about 2-3 minutes. Flip to brown the other side for 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer chicken to a big plate and remove the pan from the stove. Let cool for 2 to 3 minutes. Place the pan back onto the stove and turn to medium heat. Wipe the skillet with a paper towel, leaving about 1 to 2 tablespoons of oil in the skillet. Add the dried chili, the white part of the green onion, ginger, and garlic. Stir-fry until it releases its fragrance, about 1 minute.
    • Stir the sauce again to dissolve the cornstarch completely. Pour into the pan along with the green part of the green onion. Stir and cook until it thickens.
    • Add the chicken pieces back to the skillet and toss to coat the chicken with the sauce. Garnish with sesame seeds, if desired. Transfer the Orange Chicken to a plate and serve over white rice. Enjoy!

    Notes

    How to Store & Re-Heat
    • To store:  Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or a resealable bag. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure that the container is tightly sealed to prevent moisture loss and contamination. 
    • To reheat: It is recommended to use the oven or stovetop rather than the microwave. To reheat in the oven, preheat it to around 300°F (150°C), place the chicken in an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil to prevent drying, and heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. On the stovetop, heat a pan over medium heat, add a small amount of oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking, and stir-fry the chicken until heated thoroughly.
    If you prefer to use the microwave for convenience, place the chicken in a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a damp paper towel to retain moisture, and heat in intervals of 30 seconds to 1 minute, stirring in between, until it reaches the desired temperature.
    Make-Ahead
    To make Thai Sweet Chili Chicken ahead of time, marinate the chicken in the mixture, store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, and prepare the orange sauce separately, keeping it in the fridge until needed. When you're ready to serve, cook the chicken until crispy and heated, reheat the sauce separately, and assemble the dish by pouring the warm sauce over the cooked chicken.
    How to Freeze
    To freeze Thai Sweet Chili Chicken, allow the cooked chicken to cool completely, portion it into individual or family-sized servings, and pack them in freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Label and date the packages, then place them in the freezer. Thai Sweet Chili Chicken can be frozen for 2-3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the desired portion in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it in the oven, stovetop, or microwave until heated through. Ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature before serving.

    Nutrition

    Nutrition Facts
    Easy Orange Chicken
    Amount per Serving
    Calories
    171
    % Daily Value*
    Fat
     
    9
    g
    14
    %
    Saturated Fat
     
    2
    g
    13
    %
    Trans Fat
     
    0.01
    g
    Polyunsaturated Fat
     
    3
    g
    Monounsaturated Fat
     
    4
    g
    Cholesterol
     
    45
    mg
    15
    %
    Sodium
     
    178
    mg
    8
    %
    Potassium
     
    233
    mg
    7
    %
    Carbohydrates
     
    12
    g
    4
    %
    Fiber
     
    0.4
    g
    2
    %
    Sugar
     
    4
    g
    4
    %
    Protein
     
    11
    g
    22
    %
    Vitamin A
     
    148
    IU
    3
    %
    Vitamin C
     
    9
    mg
    11
    %
    Calcium
     
    20
    mg
    2
    %
    Iron
     
    1
    mg
    6
    %
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

    Nutrition Disclaimer: The nutritional information provided is an estimate, calculated using standard data sources. Actual values may vary based on ingredient brands, preparation methods, and portion sizes. This information is for general reference only and should not be considered a substitute for professional dietary advice.

     

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    Published: Aug 18, 2020 · Last Updated: Jul 7, 2025 by Camila Benitez · This post may contain affiliate links

    About

    Welcome to Camila Made! My name is Camila Benitez. Here, I share our family's favorite recipes, all tried and loved, from holiday feasts and entertaining to everyday family meals and plenty of baked goods! 🍪😜

    More about me →

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