It’s surprising to me that it took me this long to post an Asian inspired recipe to the blog. I think I could eat sushi, thai, or some form of Asian cuisine a few times a week and sometimes I do. My husband loves orange chicken, but most of the time orange chicken is fried and then tossed in a sugar laden sauce. Additionally, if you ever cook Asian food at home you probably know it takes no less than 100 ingredients to make it taste good. This is not the case with my 5 ingredient Healthier Orange Chicken. Healthier than the typical restaurant dish, but still crispy and flavorful.
Sometimes the best way to reduce the ingredients in a recipe is to find one ingredient that does the work of many. Such is the case with Organic Teriyaki Sauce. Now, I don’t like to get preachy, but if you want this to stay a healthier recipe, you’re going to have to read the ingredients and make sure that there aren’t a ton of added chemicals and sugar in your teriyaki sauce. The one I purchase has nothing but things like Tamari (gluten free soy sauce), corn starch, ginger, and various spices. Yes, this is a dish that’s higher in sugar, but by going organic with the sauce you’ll have less refined sugar. Keep in mind you’re saving a good bit not having to buy all of those individual ingredients so you can afford the good stuff here.
There is a technique in this recipe you may or may not have used and that is zesting. Zesting an orange, lemon or lime requires that you get the yummy skin off the outside, but none of the white bitter pith. You can use the smallest side of a box grater for this technique or purchase a citrus zester. You’ll simply rub the side of the orange onto the grater. Using this technique gets all of the essential oils from the orange and gives you that super orange-y good flavor. Don’t skip this step, because it’s truly important when there are only 5 ingredients in the sauce. Zesting is what makes this orange chicken.
The perfect sides for this 5 ingredient healthier orange chicken are steamed veggies and brown rice. You can make this super simple by purchasing frozen vegetables. There are so many yummy options these days and they are as healthy as fresh vegetables. Healthy doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive and this recipe is proof of that. Enjoy!
5 Ingredient Healthier Orange Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp. orange zest
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/2 cup organic teriyaki sauce
- 1 tsp. jalapeno, minced
- 1 tbsp. avocado oil
- 3 tbsp. corn starch
Instructions
- Trim the boneless skinless chicken thighs of all visible fat. Cut in small 1 inch pieces. Place the chicken into a zip top bag with the cornstarch and shake until evenly coated.
- Pour the teriyaki sauce into a bowl. Add the zest, juice, and jalapeno.
- Heat the avocado oil in a skillet until it's shimmering. Add the chicken and toss until browned. You may need to do this in two batches depending on how big your pan is. You want all the chicken touching the pan. When the chicken is cooked through, pour the sauce over top. Allow it to cook in the sauce for about a minute until the mixture is thickened.
- Serve with steamed broccoli and rice or quinoa. Add scallions for garnish.
Recipe Notes
You could use chicken breast for the recipe, but the boneless thighs are much more affordable and will have the same texture as the orange chicken dishes you're used to.
See ya later, takeout! Seriously though, who needs delivery when you have this deliciousness readily available with only 5 ingredients! Magical. This recipe is magical.
Thank you so much Karly!!! You’re the best! I hope you try it and love it!
This recipe is amazing! Only a few ingredients and easy to make. The flavor of this dish is better than takeout – also better on your wallet and waistline too! 🙂
Thanks Amber! So Happy you loved it!