There’s something unbelievably satisfying about this Skinny Orange Chicken Recipe that makes it a standout weeknight meal. It perfectly balances sweet and tangy flavors while keeping things light and healthy, so you can indulge without the guilt. Tender chicken bites are coated in a glossy, citrus-kissed sauce that’s bursting with flavor, thanks to simple ingredients like orange marmalade, low sodium soy sauce, and just a hint of spicy ginger. It’s a dish that warms you up, brightens any dinner table, and converts skeptics into fans in no time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started on this Skinny Orange Chicken Recipe means gathering straightforward ingredients that each play an important role. From the tender chicken breasts that provide a lean protein base to the zesty sauce components that bring all the flavors together, every element is essential for a balanced and delicious outcome.
- Chicken breasts: Use boneless, skinless chicken cut into 1-inch cubes for quick, even cooking and easy bite-sized pieces.
- Low sodium chicken broth: Adds savory depth while keeping the recipe light and not overly salty.
- Sweet orange marmalade (Smuckers preferred): Brings that perfect natural sweetness and citrus punch without artificial flavors.
- Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce: Adds a subtle smoky and tangy twist that elevates the sauce complexity.
- Low sodium soy sauce: Provides a salty umami flavor that balances the sweetness in the sauce.
- Ground ginger: A touch of warmth and spice that pairs beautifully with the orange notes.
- Onion powder: Adds subtle savory undertones without overpowering the dish.
- Minced garlic: Offers aromatic richness and savory punch to the sauce.
- Cornstarch: Used as a thickening agent to give the sauce that irresistible glossy finish.
- Cooking spray: For lightly coating the skillet, ensuring the chicken cooks evenly without sticking.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, for simple seasoning that enhances the chicken’s natural flavor.
How to Make Skinny Orange Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
Start by whisking together the low sodium chicken broth, sweet orange marmalade, Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce, low sodium soy sauce, ground ginger, onion powder, and minced garlic in a medium saucepan. Bring this vibrant mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, then lower the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes. This slow simmer concentrates the flavors and reduces the sauce to a luscious intensity. Finally, stir in the cornstarch to thicken the sauce to that perfect consistency that clings to every piece of chicken.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
While your sauce is simmering, lightly coat a large skillet with cooking spray and heat it over medium-high. Add the cubed chicken pieces and cook them, turning occasionally, until they are no longer pink inside—about twelve minutes. Season with a touch of salt and pepper as they cook to enhance the natural flavors. Properly cooked chicken will have a tender and juicy texture, which is key for the success of this recipe.
Step 3: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Once the chicken is cooked through, pour the beautifully thickened orange sauce right into the skillet. Toss and stir gently, making sure every morsel is evenly coated in that glossy, tangy sauce. This step is where the magic happens, transforming simple chicken bites into a dish bursting with flavor that’s sure to impress.
How to Serve Skinny Orange Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Skinny Orange Chicken Recipe, consider sprinkling it with toasted sesame seeds or freshly chopped green onions. These garnishes add a bit of crunch and a fresh pop of color, making the dish more inviting. A thin wedge of orange on the side can also enhance the citrus aroma and provide a beautiful visual touch.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with fluffy jasmine rice or steamed brown rice, which soak up the flavorful sauce effortlessly. For a low-carb option, serve the chicken atop cauliflower rice or alongside lightly sautéed green beans or broccoli. The vegetable sides add freshness and balance, making the meal feel complete and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to mix things up, serve the chicken lettuce wraps style, using crunchy iceberg or butter lettuce leaves. Drizzle extra sauce on top and garnish with thinly sliced red chili for a hint of heat. Another crowd-pleasing idea is to layer the chicken over a bed of quinoa or even toss it into a tortilla for a lively orange chicken wrap – perfect for on-the-go meals or casual lunches.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Skinny Orange Chicken Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure it cools to room temperature before sealing to preserve the fresh flavors and texture. The sauce may thicken further; simply stir in a tablespoon of water when reheating to loosen it back up.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. Label it with the date and defrost overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Avoid freezing the chicken without sauce, as it can dry out and lose its delicious texture.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken and sauce mixture in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. This helps maintain the tender chicken texture and keeps the sauce silky. Avoid microwaving at high heat, which can dry out the chicken and alter the sauce consistency.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will add a bit more richness and juiciness to the dish, making it even more flavorful. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure they are cooked through.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be, as long as you use gluten-free soy sauce and BBQ sauce. Make sure to check labels carefully to keep the dish free from gluten-containing ingredients.
How spicy is the Skinny Orange Chicken Recipe?
The recipe itself is mild and slightly sweet with aromatic warmth from ginger and garlic, but there is no heat unless you add chili or spicy elements yourself. It’s perfect for all taste buds.
Can I make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?
For a vegan twist, substitute the chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The sauce remains deliciously tangy and sweet, fitting well with plant-based proteins.
What’s the best rice to serve with this dish?
Jasmine rice is a classic choice due to its fragrant aroma and slightly sticky texture, which complements the sauce beautifully. Brown rice is a nutritious alternative with a nuttier flavor and more chew.
Final Thoughts
This Skinny Orange Chicken Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate—bright, comforting, and totally satisfying. Whether you’re whipping it up for a family dinner or seeking a healthier take on a classic favorite, it delivers big on taste with minimal fuss. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience how easy yet bursting with flavor a weeknight meal can be!
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
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Skinny Orange Chicken recipe is a healthier take on the classic favorite, featuring tender chicken breast pieces cooked in a flavorful, homemade orange sauce that is both sweet and tangy. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner and pairs beautifully with steamed rice.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 3 – 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
Sauce
- 1 1/2 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup sweet orange marmalade (Smuckers recommended)
- 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, sweet orange marmalade, BBQ sauce, low sodium soy sauce, ground ginger, onion powder, and minced garlic. Whisk these ingredients together thoroughly. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a low boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Thicken the Sauce: After simmering, whisk in the cornstarch evenly to the sauce. Continue simmering the sauce until it thickens to a glaze-like consistency, stirring occasionally to prevent lumps.
- Cook the Chicken: Spray a large skillet with cooking spray and heat it over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken breasts to the skillet and cook them until no longer pink in the center, approximately 12 minutes. Season the chicken lightly with salt and pepper during cooking.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Pour the thickened orange sauce directly into the skillet with the cooked chicken. Stir well to ensure each piece of chicken is thoroughly coated with the sauce.
- Serve: Serve the orange chicken immediately over steamed rice or your preferred side. Enjoy this flavorful, lighter version of orange chicken!
Notes
- For best results, use low sodium chicken broth and soy sauce to keep sodium levels moderate.
- Adjust the sweetness by reducing the amount of orange marmalade if desired.
- You can substitute chicken breasts with boneless skinless thighs for a juicier result but it will slightly increase fat content.
- Leftover orange chicken stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure the soy sauce used is gluten-free.
