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You won’t believe what I’m cooking up for dinner tonight. So, with the constant struggle of trying to be budget-conscious and eat a bit healthier, I am going to tackle one of our favorite Chinese takeout dishes – Orange Chicken. I’m managing to create a homemade version that’s not only lower in calories but also packed with flavor.. I thought I’d share what my plan is to make this and maybe you can give it a try sometime. I promise this recipe is all the satisfaction of takeout without the extra calories.
And here’s the kicker – not only is this homemade Orange Chicken a winner in the taste department, but it’s also a lifesaver for those of us keeping an eye on our Weight Watchers Points or following a healthy eating plan. I did the math, and the points on this one are surprisingly low. It’s like having our favorite takeout without derailing our efforts. I know, I know – it sounds too good to be true, but trust me, it’s the real deal.
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RELATED: Shrimp and Broccoli in Garlic Sauce with Weight Watchers Points
And in case you didn’t know….
What is Orange Chicken?
Orange Chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish that features bite-sized pieces of battered and fried chicken tossed in a sweet and tangy orange-flavored sauce. The dish typically combines crispy chicken with an orange glaze made from ingredients like orange juice, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and sometimes ginger or garlic. It strikes a perfect balance between savory and sweet, creating a deliciously satisfying and flavorful meal. Orange Chicken has become a staple on many Chinese takeout menus with its delicious combo of textures and tastes.
Print Recipe
This homemade Orange Chicken combines crispy, bite-sized pieces of egg-white-coated chicken with a zesty orange glaze featuring fresh orange juice, ginger, garlic, and a touch of heat, creating a flavorful and satisfying dish.
Course Main Course
Cuisine Chinese
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Servings 4
Ingredients
- 1.5 Lbs Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast, Cut into Bite Size Pieces
- 1 Large Egg White
- 2 Tbl Cornstarch
- Salt/Pepper to Taste
- Vegetable Cooking Spray
- 1 Tbl Vegetable Oil
- 1 Cup Fat Free Chicken Stock/Broth
- 1/4 Cup Fresh Orange Juice (2 Medium or 1 Large Orange)
- Zest of a large Orange
- 3 Tbl Truvia Brown Sugar Substitute
- 3 Tbl Soy Sauce
- 1 Tbl Fresh Ginger or 1/4 Tsp of Dried Ginger
- 3 Cloves Garlic, Minced
- 1 Tbl Water
- 1 Tbl Cornstarch
- 1 Tbl Rice Vinegar
- Pinch of Dried Red Pepper Flakes or Whole Dried Chilis, Optional
- Diced Green Onions for Garnish, Optional
Instructions
Add the chicken to a large bag or bowl and season with salt and pepper to taste, Next add the egg white and cornstarch and whisk together, let it sit for 10 minutes.
Spray a large skillet with vegetable cooking spray over high heat. Next add the oil into the skillet. Add the chicken pieces and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes or until it's nicely browned (they will not be cooked through). Now add the ginger and garlic and allow to cook for about a minute
Add the chicken stock, orange juice, orange zest, brown sugar, hot pepper flakes, rice vinegar and soy sauce into the pan and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium and allow it to cook for about 10 minutes or until the mixture has reduced by about half.
Stir together the cornstarch with the water and add it to the chicken mixture. Allow everything to cook together for a few minutes or until the sauce has thickened.
Sprinkle in the green onions and enjoy it over steamed rice or cauliflower rice.
On Weight Watchers, each serving is only 4 WW Points.
What other Diet Plans Does this Recipe Fit Into?
- Low-Carb Diet: The recipe is relatively low in carbohydrates, especially if you are mindful of the amount of cornstarch used and the sugar content in the sauce.
- Gluten-Free Diet: The recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
- Paleo Diet: With a few adjustments, such as using coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and ensuring the cornstarch is paleo-friendly, this recipe can align with paleo dietary principles.
- Diabetic-Friendly Diet: Controlling portion sizes and being mindful of the carbohydrate content can make this recipe suitable for those following a diabetic-friendly diet.
- Whole30: With minor modifications to the ingredients (using compliant soy sauce and cornstarch), this recipe can be adapted to fit into the Whole30 program.
Frequently Asked Questions about Chinese Orange Chicken Recipe
Certainly! Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) for the Orange Chicken recipe:
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
- Absolutely! You can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time as needed. Also if you use thighs, it will change the WW Points for this recipe.
- Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
- Yes, you can try using tofu or a plant-based protein substitute instead of chicken. Also, use a vegan egg substitute for the egg white, and ensure the sauce ingredients are plant-based.
- How can I make it spicier?
- Increase the amount of hot pepper flakes in the sauce or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce to achieve a spicier kick.
- Can I prepare the chicken in an air fryer instead of frying in oil?
- Certainly! Coat the chicken as instructed, spray the top of the chicken with vegetable cooking spray and then air fry until crispy. It might take a bit of experimentation to get the timing right for your specific air fryer model.
- What sides pair well with this Orange Chicken?
- Serve it over steamed rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice. Vegetables like broccoli or snap peas make excellent side choices.
- How do I store leftovers?
- Store leftover Orange Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven or on the stovetop for best results.
- Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
- Certainly! Prepare the sauce and refrigerate it in a sealed container. Reheat before combining it with the cooked chicken.
- Is there a substitute for cornstarch for a low-carb version?
- You can try using arrowroot powder or xanthan gum as a low-carb alternative to cornstarch.
- Can I freeze the Orange Chicken?
- Freezing may affect the texture of the chicken, but you can freeze the sauce separately. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop.
- How do I adjust the recipe for a larger crowd?
- Simply double or triple the ingredients accordingly, but ensure your cooking utensils and pans can accommodate the increased quantity.
RELATED:WEIGHT WATCHERS TASTES LIKE TAKEOUT CHINESE PINEAPPLE CHICKEN
This homemade Orange Chicken recipe is a versatile delight, fitting seamlessly into your healthy eating plan or Weight Watchers. Whether you’re on a low-carb plan, need some gluten-free options, or simply looking for a flavorful and healthier alternative, this healthy orange chicken recipe promises to satisfy your cravings!
