Craving Orange Chicken Without The Guilt? Try This Lightened-up Recipe!
What To Know
- If you like spicy food, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a teaspoon of Sriracha sauce to the orange sauce.
- Instead of cooking the orange chicken light in a skillet, you can bake it in the oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-25 minutes.
- This orange chicken recipe light is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways.
Are you a fan of classic orange chicken but want to enjoy it without the guilt? If so, this blog post is for you! We’ll share a delicious and easy-to-follow orange chicken recipe light that is packed with flavor and perfect for a healthier lifestyle.
The Health Benefits of Orange Chicken Recipe Light
This orange chicken recipe light offers several health benefits compared to traditional orange chicken dishes. Here are a few reasons why you should consider trying it:
- Lower in Calories: This recipe uses lean chicken breasts and reduced-sugar orange sauce, making it lower in calories than traditional orange chicken.
- Reduced Fat: This recipe uses less oil and butter than traditional orange chicken, making it a healthier choice for those watching their fat intake.
- Rich in Protein: Chicken is a great source of protein, which is essential for building and maintaining muscle mass.
- Packed with Vegetables: This recipe includes a variety of vegetables, such as bell peppers and carrots, which provide essential vitamins and minerals.
- Easy to Digest: This recipe is easy to digest, making it a good choice for those with sensitive stomachs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this orange chicken recipe light, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped carrots
- 1/4 cup reduced-sugar orange marmalade
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make this delicious orange chicken recipe light:
1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces and set them aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and carrots and sauté until softened.
3. Add the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides.
4. Make the Orange Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the orange marmalade, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, ginger, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
5. Thicken the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth. Add the cornstarch mixture to the orange sauce and whisk until thickened.
6. Combine the Chicken and Sauce: Pour the orange sauce over the chicken and vegetables in the skillet. Stir to coat evenly.
7. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
8. Serve: Serve the orange chicken light over rice or your favorite side dish.
Tips for Making the Best Orange Chicken Recipe Light
Here are a few tips for making the best orange chicken recipe light:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh ingredients will give your orange chicken light the best flavor.
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Overcooked chicken will be tough and dry. Cook it just until it is cooked through.
- Adjust the Sauce to Your Taste: If you like a sweeter sauce, add more honey. If you like a spicier sauce, add more ginger or red pepper flakes.
- Serve Immediately: Orange chicken light is best served immediately after it is made.
Variations on the Orange Chicken Recipe Light
Here are a few variations on the orange chicken recipe light that you can try:
- Use Different Vegetables: Instead of bell peppers and carrots, you can use other vegetables, such as broccoli, snap peas, or zucchini.
- Add a Spicy Kick: If you like spicy food, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a teaspoon of Sriracha sauce to the orange sauce.
- Make it Gluten-Free: To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce and cornstarch.
- Bake It: Instead of cooking the orange chicken light in a skillet, you can bake it in the oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-25 minutes.
Orange Chicken Recipe Light: A Versatile Dish
This orange chicken recipe light is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are a few ideas:
- Serve It Over Rice: Orange chicken light is a classic dish that is often served over rice.
- Make It a Stir-Fry: Serve the orange chicken light over a bed of stir-fried vegetables.
- Add It to a Salad: Add some orange chicken light to your favorite salad for a protein-packed meal.
- Use It as a Sandwich Filling: Use the orange chicken light as a filling for sandwiches or wraps.
The Perfect Meal for Any Occasion
This orange chicken recipe light is perfect for any occasion. It’s a great choice for a weeknight dinner, a potluck, or a party. It’s also a great way to use up leftover chicken.
Popular Questions
Q: Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken for this recipe. Just be sure to thaw it completely before cooking.
Q: How can I make this recipe even healthier?
A: There are a few ways to make this recipe even healthier. You can use brown rice instead of white rice, reduce the amount of honey in the sauce, or add more vegetables.
Q: What are some good side dishes to serve with orange chicken light?
A: Some good side dishes to serve with orange chicken light include rice, stir-fried vegetables, salad, or sandwiches.