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Healthy Orange Chicken

Healthy Orange Chicken

The ultimate comfort food, Healthy Orange Chicken combines crispy chicken with a tangy orange sauce for an easy weeknight dinner. Perfectly balanced and freezer-friendly, this dish will satisfy your cravings while keeping it light. Make it tonight and enjoy the delicious flavors!
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 345

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces chicken thigh, boneless, skinless
  • 1/2 cup flour, all-purpose
  • 2 medium egg
  • 1 cup panko (Japanese bread crumbs)
  • 1/2 cup orange juice
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce, low sodium
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon vinegar, rice
  • 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger root, fresh
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 3 tablespoons water

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Baking Sheet
  • Whisk
  • Oven
  • Frying pan

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a large cookie sheet. It’s essential to have your oven hot, ensuring your chicken gets that perfect crispiness.
  2. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. This not only makes it easier to cook but also helps each piece absorb the flavors beautifully.
  3. In three separate bowls, place the flour, eggs, and panko. Make sure to whisk the eggs gently until combined; this will be your binding agent for the chicken.
  4. Coat each piece of chicken in the flour, ensuring it’s completely covered. Then dip it into the whisked egg, and finally coat it in the panko. This three-step process gives the chicken its delicious crunch.
  5. Once all the pieces are coated, place them on the greased cookie sheet. Make sure to leave space between the pieces to allow for even cooking.
  6. Now, bake the chicken for about 15 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. You want to keep an eye on it; the aroma will be mouthwatering!
  7. While the chicken is baking, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, add the orange juice, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Stir until well combined.
  8. In a small dish, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth. Add this to the sauce mixture. Bring it to a boil, stirring continuously until it thickens. This sauce is what makes your chicken shine!
  9. Once the chicken is done baking, pour the sauce over the cooked chicken. Toss to coat evenly, ensuring every piece is covered in that delightful orange goodness.
  10. Serve immediately with rice or steamed veggies for a complete meal. Enjoy the fruits of your labor with your loved ones!

Notes

  • Tip 1: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
  • Tip 2: You can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately. When ready to serve, bake the chicken from frozen for 20 minutes at 350°F to ensure it’s heated through.
  • Tip 3: This dish is delightful over a bed of rice, but it also pairs well with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
  • Tip 4: Feel free to add in your choice of vegetables, like bell peppers or broccoli, during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrition.
  • Tip 5: For a bit of heat, add some crushed red pepper or sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick.