Healthy Orange Chicken Recipe: 30-Minute Better-Than-Takeout Dinner

Here are some healthy orange chicken dinner ideas to try today. General Tso’s Chicken is a sweet and spicy dish with a reddish-brown sauce, often garnished with broccoli and dried red chili peppers. In contrast, Orange Chicken has a sweet and tangy orange-flavored sauce with a bright orange hue, typically lacking the spiciness of General Tso’s. Upgrade Homemade Fried Rice by tossing in leftover orange chicken and broccoli. You could also serve your leftovers in a lettuce leaf (like in my Lettuce Wraps recipe). Yes, fresh mandarin oranges can be used as a substitute for canned ones.

is orange chicken healthy

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is orange chicken healthy

The high sugar, calorie, and fat content make it a dish that is best enjoyed sparingly. For most healthy individuals, indulging in a dish like orange chicken once a month is a reasonable approach. This helps to maintain a diverse and nutrient-dense diet while still allowing for occasional treats. It’s crucial for individuals who regularly enjoy dishes like orange chicken to be aware of the sugar content and its potential impact on health. Moderation is key, and it’s recommended to balance out meals with low-sugar options and plenty of vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. When we delve into the cooking process of orange chicken, one aspect that deserves a closer look is the method of deep frying involved.

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A 5.7 ounce serving of orange chicken is 370 calories, with is unimeal a scam 13 grams of protein, 18 grams of fat, and 44 grams of carbs, following the recipe and portions below. Air fryers have taken the culinary world by storm, and for good reason. They provide a healthier alternative to deep frying by circulating hot air around the food, creating a crispy outer layer while keeping the inside juicy.

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It soaks up into every nook and cranny of the chicken and really takes this dish to another level. Garlic and ginger are the aromatic backbone of this healthy orange chicken, providing warmth and depth that make the whole dish come alive. To incorporate Orange Chicken into a healthy diet, it is a good idea to set limits on how often and how much of the dish is consumed. For example, enjoying Orange Chicken once a week or once a month can be a good way to indulge in the dish without overdoing it. It is also important to balance Orange Chicken with other healthy foods and to pay attention to overall calorie and nutrient intake.

Caloric Content and Nutritional Value of Orange Chicken

  • Use a small, sharp knife to make a shallow cut along both sides of each membrane, then gently lift out the segment, leaving the seeds behind if encountered.
  • A standard serving of orange chicken can hover between 600 to 1,500 milligrams of sodium, which accounts for a significant portion of the recommended daily intake.
  • If you want a fresher citrus note, add a little extra zest right before serving instead of more juice.
  • The flavors of the sauce tend to deepen after a day, making it even more delicious when reheated.
  • A mom to two daughters, Riley and Ryan, and wife to NBA MVP and superstar Stephen Curry, Ayesha hosts her own show, “Cookin’ with the Currys,” on Comcast SportsNet Bay Area.
  • It’s packed with lean protein, healthy fats, and anti-inflammatory spices while avoiding all those unhealthy additives.

Fresh orange juice and zest give it a brightness that bottled sauces just can’t match, and the honey adds natural sweetness without the corn syrup crash. I learned the hard way that using bottled orange juice makes the sauce taste flat, so always go fresh if you can. Through trial and error, I discovered that this simmering time is crucial. You’ll see the sauce transform from thin and watery to thick and glossy, coating every piece of healthy orange chicken perfectly.

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Things rated an ‘A+’ are typically necessary for survival (for example, water). I hope you love this recipe as much as my family does. Give it a try this week and let me know how it turns out! Drop a comment below with your experience or any variations you try. Chicken thighs are actually my preference when I’m in the mood for juicier, more flavorful meat. They have a bit more fat than breasts, which means they stay moist even if you slightly overcook them.

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All nutrition information is based on average values for ingredients and is rounded in accordance with current U.S. Variation in serving sizes, preparation techniques, product testing and sources of supply, as well as regional and seasonal differences may affect the nutrition values for each product. In addition, product formulations change periodically. You should expect some variation in the nutrient content of the products purchased in our restaurants.

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When I say ridiculously tender, I mean it just melts in your mouth. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used for a juicier texture. Here’s everything you will need to make this lighter orange chicken recipe at home. Made with only a few ingredients, it’s full of flavor, and easy to make. This dish is one I always turn to when I need something easy and healthy.

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This approach ensures that you’re still providing your body with the necessary nutrients without exceeding your daily caloric needs. But if you’re craving that deep-fried crispiness, cornstarch is your best bet. Emily Dingmann is a recipe developer, nutrition expert, and founder of My Everyday Table. She specializes in creating easy, healthy recipes that help busy parents feed their families well every single day, without the stress. With a degree in Nutrition and over 20 years of experience, Emily shares family-friendly meals that are practical, nourishing, and full of flavor. Learn more about Emily’s approach to everyday cooking and nutrition here.

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This is a vegan version that uses chickpeas instead of chicken or tofu.