My family loves Orange Chicken. It is one of our favorite meals to order when we are eating out.
I have tried making a couple different versions at home and they were always lacking something. I wanted a healthier version that wasn’t fried and I assumed the missing taste was due to the fact I was not breading and frying the chicken.
Then, I found this recipe over at Jenn’s Food Journey. I decided to try it and I am so glad that I did! I am thrilled with this recipe. It has earned a place in our favorites menu. Thanks, Jenn!
Stir Fry Recipes
If you’re like me and can’t have too many easy stir-fry dinners, here are a few more you’ll want to save for later. Spicy Chicken and Bacon Stir Fry has been one of my family’s favorite stir-fries ever since that first night when Sean made it for us.
Sriracha Honey Cashew Chicken Stir Fry is another family favorite that my kids devour lightning fast.
Stir-Fried Chicken and Bok Choy, this Garlic Lover’s Vegetable Stir Fry, and this Shrimp and Vegetable Stir Fry are all on my need-to-try-this list as well. If you’re a fan of better-than-take-out recipes to make at home, this Orange Chicken needs to be on your list as well.
Orange Chicken Stir Fry
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 3 red peppers thinly sliced
- 1 green pepper thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/3 cup water plus 1 tablespoon; divided
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (I used white balsamic, because I had it on hand)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 large garlic clove minced
- 3 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch or arrowroot
- 1 tablespoon light olive oil
Instructions
- Rinse the chicken and pat dry. Place the chicken in a single layer on a tray. Set it in the freezer for 30 minutes. Remove from the freezer and cut the chicken into very thin slices or chunks. (I'm planning to cut mine thinner next time.)
- In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and 1 tablespoon water. Stir until smooth and then set aside. In another small bowl, mix together all other ingredients, except for the chicken, the peppers and the oil.
- In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and quickly stir fry it until almost cooked through, about 4-5 minutes. Add the peppers and cook an additional 3-4 minutes. (I liked the peppers with a bit of a crunch to them. If you prefer them more tender, add them earlier with the chicken.) Now, whisk the starch mixture into the orange sauce and immediately pour the sauce into your hot skillet with the chicken and the peppers. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, cook just until the sauce thickens. Immediately remove from heat. Serve over rice. Enjoy!
My Journey With Candida says
Yum Stir Fry. I haven't done that in a long time. Looks yummy!
The Blonde Duck says
I have one planned for tomorrow!
Jenn says
Looks beautiful, Mary! Glad your family liked it. Although it's not exactly the same as the deep fried versions you get in restaurants, it's definitely a good healthy substitute 🙂 Have a great day!
Three-Cookies says
This sounds delicious. Strangely enough I have never heard of orange chicken. I would love to try this.
Miriam says
Happy Halloween!! Miriam@Meatless Meals For Meat Eaters
Bianca @ Confessions of a Chocoholic says
I love easy chicken recipes like this, thanks for sharing! I don't think I've ever made orange chicken at home, so I'm definitely giving this a try!
Juliana says
Great version of the orange chicken…I totally agree with you in regards to not deep fry the chicken. Looks delicious!
Hope you have a wonderful week ahead Mary 🙂
Tricia says
I love the colors and flavor combination. Yum! I hardly ever eat the deep fried stuff when we go out so this really appeals to me. I also LOVE your new profile photos – so pretty!
Autumn@Good Eats Girl says
We LOVE orange chicken at our house! I need to try this recipe ASAP!
Words Of Deliciousness says
My husband loves orange chicken. I will have to try this recipe for him.
Sonia (Nasi Lemak Lover) says
your orange chicken dish sound so refreshing and look yummy too!
Joanne says
I kind of miss the flavor of orange chicken, so I will definitely be trying this with tofu! sounds like a great sauce!
Anna @ hiddenponies says
Mmm, this looks so simple and delicious, I'll have to give it a try since I'm not a fan of the frying either.
Chris says
Boy that looks colorful and sounds great. I have no problem with the fried version, but this version sounds delicious too.
Becki's Whole Life says
Well, this is good to know. I have the same problem…finding that balance between not making something super fattening and still getting the flavor you want. Plus, I love love love peppers in a stir fry…I will have to try this one!
River Jordan says
I love your orange chicken dish – it is really healthy with a citrus twist, will try it myself!
Yours, River JOrdan http://streetfoodwarmsyourheart.blogspot.com/