Low-Calorie Orange Chicken Recipe :A Deliciously Easy Comfort Dish

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Low in Calories: Each serving comes in at under 300 calories.

• Full of Flavor: Maintains the sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy notes of traditional orange chicken.

• Easy to Make: Simple steps and readily available ingredients.

• Healthier Alternative: Uses lean chicken breast, less sugar, and no deep-frying.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

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

• 2 tbsp cornstarch

• 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)

For the Sauce:

• 1/3 cup freshly squeezed orange juice

• 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce

• 1 tbsp rice vinegar

• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (for natural sweetness)

• 1 tsp orange zest

• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (to thicken)

• Optional: 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes for heat

For Garnish:

• Sliced green onions

• Sesame seeds

• Orange zest

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:

• In a bowl, combine chicken pieces, cornstarch, soy sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss until chicken is evenly coated.

2. Sauté the Chicken:

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

• Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked.

• Remove the chicken and set aside.

3. Make the Orange Sauce:

• In the same skillet, add garlic and ginger, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.

• Pour in orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, orange zest, and red pepper flakes (if using).

• Bring to a gentle simmer.

4. Thicken the Sauce:

• Stir in the cornstarch-water mixture.

• Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring, until the sauce thickens.

5. Combine Chicken & Sauce:

• Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.

• Toss to coat the chicken evenly with the orange sauce.

• Cook for another 1-2 minutes to heat through.

6. Serve:

• Garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and a sprinkle of orange zest.

• Pair with steamed broccoli or cauliflower rice for a complete low-calorie meal.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 280

• Protein: 28g

• Carbohydrates: 16g

• Fat: 10g

• Fiber: 1g

• Sugar: 7g

Pro Tips for Perfect Low-Calorie Orange Chicken

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh orange juice and zest elevate the flavor.

2. Skip Deep Frying: Sautéing keeps the dish lighter while still giving a crispy edge.

3. Adjust Sweetness & Heat: Add more honey for sweetness or red pepper flakes for heat.

4. Meal Prep Friendly: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast? Yes, but chicken thighs are slightly higher in calories. Opt for skinless, boneless thighs if preferred.

Q2: How do I make this recipe gluten-free? Use tamarind or coconut amino instead of soy sauce and ensure the cornstarch is certified gluten-free.

Q3: Can I air-fry the chicken for extra crispiness? Absolutely! Air-fry the coated chicken at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.

Q4: What’s the best side dish for this low-calorie orange chicken? Steamed vegetables, cauliflower rice, or a simple green salad complement the dish perfectly.

Q5: Can I make the sauce ahead of time? Yes, the sauce can be made and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat and mix with freshly cooked chicken.

Final Thoughts

This low-calorie orange chicken offers all the tangy, sweet, and savory flavors you love without derailing your healthy eating goals. Quick to make, delicious, and satisfying—it’s the perfect guilt-free takeout alternative. Give it a try and enjoy the best of both worlds: flavor and fitness!