Zesty Orange Chicken

AuthorJoshua SmithDifficultyIntermediate
Yields4 Servings
Prep Time10 minsCook Time35 minsTotal Time45 mins
 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
 4 cups steamed broccoli or green beans
 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil
For the Sauce:
 1 cup orange juice
 ¼ cup chicken broth (optional, ensure no added salt)
 ¼ cup coconut aminos
 3 tbsp honey
 1 tsp garlic powder
 2 tsp fresh ginger, grated
 ½ tbsp orange zest
 ½ tsp pepper
1

Begin by cleaning and cutting the chicken into 1-inch cubes.

2

In a large frying pan, heat the toasted sesame oil. Add the chicken cubes and cook until the edges turn a golden brown and have a slight crispiness, approximately 12-15 minutes.

3

While the chicken is sizzling away, whisk together all the sauce ingredients in a separate bowl.

4

Once the chicken is fully cooked, transfer it to a separate bowl and set aside.

5

In the same pan, pour in the sauce mixture. Bring it to a boil and let it bubble away for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken during this time (you'll know it's ready when it pulls away from the pan as you scrape).

6

Add the cooked chicken back into the pan, ensuring each piece gets a generous coating of the zesty orange sauce.

7

Serve your orange chicken over steamed broccoli or green beans for a paleo-friendly meal. Alternatively, you can use rice or quinoa. Finish off with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and dive in!

Special Notes and Tips:

  • If you're substituting ground ginger for fresh ginger, use only 1/2 teaspoon.
  • The chicken broth in the sauce is optional but adds a richer flavor. Ensure it has no added salt.
  • For an extra kick, consider adding a pinch of red chili flakes to the sauce.
  • This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad or stir-fried veggies for a complete meal.

Ingredients

 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
 4 cups steamed broccoli or green beans
 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil
For the Sauce:
 1 cup orange juice
 ¼ cup chicken broth (optional, ensure no added salt)
 ¼ cup coconut aminos
 3 tbsp honey
 1 tsp garlic powder
 2 tsp fresh ginger, grated
 ½ tbsp orange zest
 ½ tsp pepper

Directions

1

Begin by cleaning and cutting the chicken into 1-inch cubes.

2

In a large frying pan, heat the toasted sesame oil. Add the chicken cubes and cook until the edges turn a golden brown and have a slight crispiness, approximately 12-15 minutes.

3

While the chicken is sizzling away, whisk together all the sauce ingredients in a separate bowl.

4

Once the chicken is fully cooked, transfer it to a separate bowl and set aside.

5

In the same pan, pour in the sauce mixture. Bring it to a boil and let it bubble away for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken during this time (you'll know it's ready when it pulls away from the pan as you scrape).

6

Add the cooked chicken back into the pan, ensuring each piece gets a generous coating of the zesty orange sauce.

7

Serve your orange chicken over steamed broccoli or green beans for a paleo-friendly meal. Alternatively, you can use rice or quinoa. Finish off with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and dive in!

Zesty Orange Chicken