Healthy Orange Chicken Dish (Printable Version)

Tender chicken simmered in a zesty orange-honey glaze with ginger, garlic, and a hint of spice.

# Ingredients Required:

→ Orange Sauce

01 - 120 ml freshly squeezed orange juice (about 2 medium oranges)
02 - 2 teaspoons grated orange zest
03 - 45 ml honey or 45 ml brown sugar, adjust to taste
04 - 45 ml low sodium soy sauce
05 - 15 ml rice vinegar
06 - 2 teaspoons peeled and grated fresh ginger or 1 teaspoon ground ginger
07 - 2 garlic cloves, minced (approximately 2 teaspoons)
08 - 60 ml chicken broth
09 - 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil (optional, roasted sesame oil preferred)
10 - 15 ml cornstarch
11 - 15 ml water

→ Chicken

12 - 680 grams boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 2 cm cubes
13 - 5 ml low sodium soy sauce
14 - 0.25 teaspoon ground white or black pepper
15 - 15 ml cornstarch
16 - 30-45 ml mild cooking oil (vegetable, avocado, grapeseed, or peanut oil)

→ To Serve (Optional)

17 - Pinch of red pepper flakes
18 - Sliced green onions
19 - Toasted sesame seeds
20 - Steamed rice or quinoa

# Guide to Cooking:

01 - Combine orange juice, zest, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, chicken broth, and optional toasted sesame oil in a small saucepan. Heat over medium until boiling, then reduce to medium low and simmer for 3-4 minutes.
02 - Mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl to form a slurry. Stir into the simmering sauce and cook for 2-3 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and set aside.
03 - Place chicken pieces in a bowl. Add soy sauce and pepper, toss to combine. Sprinkle cornstarch over chicken and mix until evenly coated. Pat chicken dry with paper towels for even browning.
04 - Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, for 4-6 minutes until browned and nearly cooked through.
05 - Pour orange sauce over chicken and toss to coat evenly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until chicken is cooked through. Add red pepper flakes if desired for spiciness.
06 - Garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve alongside steamed rice or quinoa.

# Extra Suggestions:

01 - Patting the chicken dry before cooking ensures better browning and texture.
02 - Freshly squeezed orange juice and zest enhance the natural citrus flavor significantly.