Skinny Orange Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’ve ever craved orange chicken but wanted to avoid the excess calories and fat, this Skinny Orange Chicken is the perfect solution. With baked chicken instead of deep-fried, this dish offers the same crunchy texture and vibrant citrusy flavor but without the heaviness. The homemade orange sauce is sweet, tangy, and packed with flavor, making it the star of the dish. It’s a healthier alternative that doesn’t sacrifice taste, and you’ll love how easy it is to prepare. Plus, it’s lower in calories, making it a great option for those looking to indulge without overdoing it.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or cooking spray)

• 1/4 cup cornstarch

• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Orange Sauce:

• 1/2 cup fresh orange juice (about 2 oranges)

• 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

• 1 tablespoon honey

• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

• 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch (to thicken the sauce)

• 1 tablespoon water (to dissolve cornstarch)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.

2. Prepare the chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and cornstarch until the chicken is well-coated. Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken or spray with cooking spray.

3. Bake the chicken: Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, flipping the chicken halfway through for even crispiness.

4. Make the orange sauce: While the chicken is baking, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

5. Thicken the sauce: In a small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in water, then add it to the simmering sauce. Stir until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.

6. Combine the chicken and sauce: Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven. In a large bowl, toss the crispy chicken with the orange sauce until the chicken is evenly coated.

7. Serve: Serve the Skinny Orange Chicken over steamed rice or with sautéed vegetables. Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions for added flavor and color.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 servings

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 25 minutes

• Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Make it spicier: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce for an extra kick.

• Use a different protein: You can substitute the chicken with shrimp, tofu, or even tempeh for a different take on this dish.

• Add vegetables: Stir in some sautéed bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for a complete, veggie-packed meal.

• Low-carb version: Serve over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option or skip the rice altogether for a lighter meal.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Freezing: For best results, freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately. You can store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.

• Reheating: Reheat the chicken and sauce together in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. If the sauce thickens too much during storage, add a splash of water to thin it out while reheating.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Yes! Chicken thighs will work well in this recipe. They’ll add a little extra flavor and tenderness, though they will have more fat compared to chicken breasts.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version. Make sure to also check your cornstarch to ensure it’s gluten-free.

How can I make this dish spicier?

If you prefer more heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add a small amount of sriracha or chili paste to the sauce. You can also add sliced fresh chilies as a garnish.

Can I make the chicken ahead of time?

You can bake the chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat the chicken in the oven, then toss with the orange sauce.

Can I use store-bought orange sauce?

While homemade sauce tastes best, you can use store-bought orange sauce if you’re in a pinch. Look for a low-sugar version to keep it lighter.

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure it’s fully thawed before cooking. Otherwise, the texture may not turn out as crispy. Thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight or use the microwave to defrost.

Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe is mildly spicy due to the optional red pepper flakes. If you prefer a milder version, simply omit them from the sauce.

How do I get the chicken crispy without frying it?

The key to getting crispy chicken is baking it at a high temperature (400°F). Coating the chicken with a light layer of cornstarch also helps create a crispy exterior without the need for frying.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the orange sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to use, simply reheat it and toss it with the freshly baked chicken.

Can I serve this with something other than rice?

Yes! You can serve it with cauliflower rice, quinoa, or even stir-fried vegetables for a low-carb or lighter option.

Conclusion

Skinny Orange Chicken is a lighter and healthier take on the classic Chinese takeout dish, but it still delivers the same bold, tangy, and delicious flavors. With crispy baked chicken, a homemade orange sauce, and just the right balance of sweetness and spice, this recipe is a guilt-free way to indulge in a favorite comfort food. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep. Try this healthy twist on orange chicken—you won’t miss the deep frying!

Skinny Orange Chicken

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• Author: Lisa
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Chinese
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Skinny Orange Chicken is a healthier twist on the classic Chinese takeout dish. This lightened-up version features crispy, baked chicken coated in a flavorful homemade orange sauce with a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy. Lower in calories than the traditional version, this easy-to-make recipe is great for weeknight dinners or meal prep without sacrificing flavor.

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Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or cooking spray)

• 1/4 cup cornstarch

• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Orange Sauce:

• 1/2 cup fresh orange juice (about 2 oranges)

• 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

• 1 tablespoon honey

• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

• 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch (to thicken the sauce)

• 1 tablespoon water (to dissolve cornstarch)

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Instructions

• Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.

• Prepare the chicken: Toss the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and cornstarch until they are evenly coated. Drizzle the chicken with olive oil or spray with cooking spray.

• Bake the chicken: Arrange the chicken in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.

• Make the orange sauce: While the chicken is baking, combine orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using) in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

• Thicken the sauce: In a small bowl, dissolve cornstarch in water and add it to the sauce. Stir until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.

• Combine the chicken and sauce: Once the chicken is done, toss it in the orange sauce until well-coated.

• Serve: Serve the Skinny Orange Chicken over steamed rice, sautéed vegetables, or your preferred side. Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions.

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Notes

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately for up to 3 months. Reheat together on the stovetop or in the microwave.Make-Ahead: The chicken can be baked ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven and toss with the freshly made orange sauce.