If you’re craving a vibrant, tangy dinner that doesn’t weigh you down, this Skinny Orange Chicken Recipe is an absolute game changer. Imagine tender chicken cubes lightly sauteed to juicy perfection, then lavishly coated in a bright, citrusy sauce that’s both sweet and savory without the guilt. This dish captures all the bold flavors you love from takeout orange chicken but with a fraction of the calories and none of the heaviness. It’s easy to whip up in just 30 minutes, making weeknight dinners something to look forward to!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients come together beautifully in this Skinny Orange Chicken Recipe, each playing a vital role in building that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and vibrant color. From the fresh chicken breasts to the sweet zing of orange marmalade, every item is thoughtfully chosen to keep this dish light yet satisfying.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cubed chicken is lean, cooks evenly, and soaks up the citrus sauce perfectly.
- Low sodium chicken broth: Adds depth and savory notes without excess saltiness.
- Sweet orange marmalade (Smuckers): Brings natural sweetness and bright orange flavor, essential for that signature zing.
- Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce: Provides a smoky undertone that balances the citrus tones superbly.
- Low sodium soy sauce: Adds umami and salty depth while keeping sodium in check.
- Ground ginger: Gives a gentle warmth and subtle spice to the sauce.
- Onion powder: Infuses mild sharpness that enhances the overall savoriness.
- Minced garlic: Offers aromatic pungency that wakes up every bite.
- Cornstarch: A small amount to thicken the sauce to a glossy, clingy perfection.
How to Make Skinny Orange Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Orange Sauce
Start by combining the chicken broth, sweet orange marmalade, BBQ sauce, soy sauce, ground ginger, onion powder, and minced garlic in a medium saucepan. Whisk it all together until smooth and place over medium heat. Bringing it to a gentle boil then lowering the heat to a simmer lets those vibrant flavors meld beautifully. After about 15 to 20 minutes, whisk in the cornstarch to thicken the sauce, stirring until it reaches that shiny, irresistible glaze consistency.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
While your sauce simmers and thickens, prepare the chicken. Spray a large skillet with cooking spray to keep things light and heat it over medium-high. Add the cubed chicken and cook for roughly 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until each piece is cooked through and no longer pink inside. A sprinkle of salt and pepper at this stage accentuates the natural flavor of the chicken without overpowering the sauce.
Step 3: Combine Sauce and Chicken
Once the chicken is perfectly cooked, pour the luscious orange sauce right into the skillet. Toss everything together so each tender piece glistens with that sweet and tangy glaze. This step is where the magic happens, turning simple chicken into a dish bursting with flavor and ready to steal the show.
How to Serve Skinny Orange Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Skinny Orange Chicken Recipe even further, sprinkle some freshly chopped scallions or cilantro over the top. The herbs add a fresh pop of color and a touch of brightness that complements the citrus sauce wonderfully. A few sesame seeds can also add a delightful crunch and a bit of nuttiness, making each bite more exciting.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or cauliflower rice if you’re aiming to keep it super light. The rice soaks up the tangy sauce perfectly, making sure no drop goes to waste. For some extra crunch and nutrition, try serving it alongside a medley of steamed broccoli or snap peas, which provide a nice fresh contrast to the sweet, rich chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the Skinny Orange Chicken Recipe over a bed of quinoa or even inside lettuce wraps for a low-carb option. You can also turn this into a vibrant salad topping with some crunchy greens and shredded carrots. No matter how you present it, the bright orange sauce always steals the show, making every meal feel special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Skinny Orange Chicken Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce tends to thicken further when chilled, so give it a good stir or add a splash of water when reheating to refresh the texture.
Freezing
If you want to prepare this recipe in advance, it freezes wonderfully. Just cool the chicken and sauce completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove.
Reheating
Reheat your leftover Skinny Orange Chicken Recipe in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally. To avoid drying out the chicken or thickening the sauce too much, add a small splash of water or broth if needed. This keeps all those mouthwatering flavors vibrant and the chicken tender.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a bit more richness and stay juicy, which many people love in this recipe. Just adjust cooking time slightly to ensure they’re cooked through.
Is this sauce very sweet?
The Skinny Orange Chicken Recipe balances sweetness from the marmalade with savory and tangy notes. It’s sweet but not overpowering, so you get that delicious orangey flavor without it being cloying.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just make sure to use gluten-free soy sauce and BBQ sauce varieties. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To add some heat, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes while cooking the sauce or add a dash of hot sauce to taste. It pairs wonderfully with the sweet citrus flavors.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Definitely! The flavors are bright and approachable, and the chicken bites are perfect for little hands. You can adjust seasonings if your kids prefer less spice or milder flavors.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a delicious, healthy alternative to takeout orange chicken, this Skinny Orange Chicken Recipe is the answer. It’s quick, full of flavor, and packed with wholesome ingredients that make dinner feel like a celebration. Give it a try and watch everyone ask for seconds — it’s that good!
Print
Skinny Orange Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American-Chinese Fusion
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Skinny Orange Chicken recipe is a flavorful, healthier twist on a classic takeout favorite. Featuring tender, bite-sized chicken breast pieces cooked in a tangy and sweet orange sauce made from orange marmalade, low sodium chicken broth, and a punch of ginger and garlic, it’s a quick 30-minute meal perfect for busy weeknights. The sauce simmers to a luscious thickness and coats the chicken beautifully for a satisfying dish served best over rice.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 3 – 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Cooking spray (for skillet)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 1 1/2 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup sweet orange marmalade (Smuckers)
- 1/4 cup Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce
- 3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine the chicken broth, orange marmalade, BBQ sauce, low sodium soy sauce, ground ginger, onion powder, and minced garlic. Whisk the ingredients together until well blended. Place the saucepan on medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to reduce slightly. Whisk in the cornstarch and continue to simmer until the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency.
- Cook the Chicken: While the sauce simmers, spray a large skillet with cooking spray and heat it over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken breasts to the skillet, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken until it is no longer pink in the center and has a slightly golden exterior, about 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to cook evenly.
- Combine and Serve: Pour the thickened orange sauce directly into the skillet with the cooked chicken. Stir thoroughly to coat all the chicken pieces evenly with the flavorful sauce. Serve this delicious Skinny Orange Chicken hot over a bed of steamed rice or your preferred side dish. Enjoy!
Notes
- Using low sodium ingredients helps control the salt content in the dish.
- If preferred, substitute chicken breasts with boneless skinless thighs for juicier meat.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- To make it spicier, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce while simmering.
- Ensure the sauce is fully simmered to properly thicken before adding to the chicken.
