Healthy Orange Chicken

Ingredients

• For the Chicken

  • 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • ¼ cup arrowroot starch or cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper

• For the True Orange Sauce

  • 1 packet (½ tsp) True Orange
  • ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 3 tbsp honey or maple syrup
  • 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
  • 1/2 tsp sesame oil (to taste)
  • 1 tbsp corn starch or arrowroot starch mixed with 2 tbsp water (to thicken sauce)

• For Garnish

  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • Zest of 1 orange (optional)

Directions

1. Step 1: Prepare the Chicken • In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with arrowroot starch, garlic powder, salt and pepper until evenly coated. • Heat a large skillet or wok over medium heat and add olive oil. • Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
2. Step 2: Make the Healthy Orange Sauce • In a small bowl, dissolve True Orange in chicken broth. • Add honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, Dijon mustard, ginger, garlic and red pepper flakes. Whisk until combined. • Pour the sauce into the skillet over medium heat. • Stir in corn starch or arrowroot starch slurry and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
3. Step 3: Combine & Serve • Add the cooked chicken back into the pan and toss to coat in the sauce. • Simmer for 1-2 minutes until heated through. • Serve over steamed rice, quinoa or cauliflower rice for a complete meal. • Garnish with sesame seeds, green onions and orange zest.