Craving Orange Chicken Without The Guilt? Try This Lightened-up Recipe!

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.