If you’re craving a dish that bursts with vibrant citrus flavor but without all the guilt, this Skinny Orange Chicken Recipe is going to be your new favorite. Imagine tender, juicy chicken cubes drenched in a luscious, tangy-sweet orange sauce that’s perfectly balanced by a hint of ginger and garlic. It’s a simple yet stunning meal that brings the comfort and excitement of takeout right to your kitchen, all while keeping it light and wholesome. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual weekend dinner, this recipe hits all the right notes and is sure to become a household staple.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but pack such a punch together. Each one plays a key role: from the savory undertones of low sodium soy sauce and chicken broth to the bright burst of sweet orange marmalade, you’ll see how easy it is to create layers of flavor that feel indulgent but stay light.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts (3 – 4, cut into 1-inch cubes): The lean protein base that soaks up all the delicious sauce beautifully.
- Low sodium chicken broth (1 1/2 cups): Adds moisture and depth without overpowering the fresh orange notes.
- Sweet orange marmalade (1 cup): The star ingredient delivering that signature citrus sweetness and texture.
- Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce (¼ cup): Provides a smoky sweetness to complement the tangy orange zest.
- Low sodium soy sauce (3 tablespoons): Brings umami and balances out the sweetness with a mild saltiness.
- Ground ginger (¼ teaspoon): Offers a gentle warmth and spice that brightens the sauce.
- Onion powder (¼ teaspoon): Adds subtle savory depth without needing fresh onions.
- Minced garlic (½ teaspoon): Infuses the sauce with that essential aromatic punch.
- Cornstarch (½ tablespoon): The magic thickener turning the sauce into a glossy glaze that clings perfectly to chicken.
How to Make Skinny Orange Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Orange Sauce
Start by whisking together all the sauce ingredients except the cornstarch in a medium saucepan. This simple blend of broth, marmalade, BBQ sauce, soy sauce, ginger, onion powder, and garlic is your flavor powerhouse. Bring it to a low boil over medium heat, then reduce heat and let it gently simmer uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes. This slow simmer lets the flavors meld and intensify beautifully. Once the sauce has cooked down, whisk in the cornstarch to help it thicken into that sticky, irresistible glaze we all love in orange chicken.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
While the sauce is simmering, spray a large skillet with cooking spray to keep things light and add your cubed chicken. Cook the chicken over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even browning and no raw spots. It should take around 12 minutes for the chicken to cook through and turn opaque. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance the natural flavors.
Step 3: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Once your sauce is thick and the chicken is perfectly cooked, pour the thickened orange sauce right into the skillet. Toss everything together gently so each piece of chicken gets coated in that luscious citrus glaze. The result is a glossy, fragrant dish ready to be served.
How to Serve Skinny Orange Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes take this dish from great to absolutely stunning. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top to add a subtle crunch and nutty flavor. A scattering of chopped green onions adds freshness and a pop of color, making every bite look as vibrant as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This Skinny Orange Chicken Recipe pairs beautifully with fluffy steamed white rice or brown rice, which soaks up all the flavorful sauce without overwhelming the dish. For a low-carb option, try cauliflower rice or lightly steamed veggies like broccoli or snap peas to keep the meal light and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress your guests, serve the chicken over a bed of spiralized zucchini or quinoa for added texture and nutrients. For a fun twist, use lettuce cups instead of rice to make handheld bites that are perfect for casual gatherings or lunchboxes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Skinny Orange Chicken Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors meld even more as it rests, making it taste like you made it fresh all over again.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, but for best results, freeze the chicken and sauce separately to maintain optimal texture. Store each in freezer-safe containers for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or drying out. You can add a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickens too much during storage. Microwave reheating is possible but stirring midway helps avoid hot spots.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of chicken for this Skinny Orange Chicken Recipe?
Absolutely! While boneless skinless chicken breasts work great, you can substitute chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful result. Just adjust cooking time accordingly to ensure they’re cooked through.
Is the sauce very sweet?
The sweetness is nicely balanced by the savory soy sauce and tangy BBQ flavors, resulting in a harmonious glaze that’s not overly sugary. If you prefer less sweetness, feel free to reduce the orange marmalade slightly.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap out the soy sauce for tamari or another gluten-free soy sauce alternative and confirm your BBQ sauce is gluten-free. Cornstarch naturally is gluten-free, so no worries there.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To kick up the heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce while it simmers or stir in some sriracha just before serving. The spicy warmth pairs beautifully with the citrus flavor.
What’s the best way to serve this for meal prep?
This dish stores wonderfully in meal prep containers with a side of rice and steamed vegetables. Portion out individual servings for quick and satisfying lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the combination of bright, citrusy orange sauce mingling with tender chicken pieces, and this Skinny Orange Chicken Recipe delivers that magic in a light, wholesome way. It’s straightforward to make, versatile, and bursting with flavor that everyone will love. I can’t wait for you to try it and watch it become a beloved classic in your home, too!
Print
Skinny Orange Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Skinny Orange Chicken recipe offers a healthier twist on the classic takeout favorite, featuring tender, bite-sized chicken breasts cooked in a flavorful, homemade orange sauce made with sweet marmalade, low sodium soy sauce, and a hint of ginger. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight meal served over rice.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 3 – 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Cooking spray
- 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, soy sauce, ground ginger, onion powder, and minced garlic. Whisk together thoroughly. Place the pan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a low boil.
- Simmer the Sauce: Reduce heat to low and allow the sauce to simmer uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps to concentrate the flavors and slightly reduce the liquid.
- Thicken the Sauce: Whisk in the cornstarch until dissolved and continue simmering the sauce until it thickens to a glaze-like consistency.
- Cook the Chicken: While the sauce simmers, spray a large skillet with cooking spray and heat over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken pieces to the skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Pour the thickened orange sauce over the cooked chicken in the skillet. Stir until all the chicken pieces are well coated with the sauce.
- Serve: Serve the orange chicken hot over steamed rice or your choice of side, and enjoy this flavorful, healthy dish.
Notes
- Use low sodium soy sauce and chicken broth to reduce the sodium content.
- Make sure the chicken is cooked fully to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Cornstarch is key to thickening the sauce and achieving the right glaze; mix it well to avoid lumps.
- If you prefer a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce while simmering.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American-Chinese
