If you are looking for a delightful, flavorful dish that won’t weigh you down, this Skinny Orange Chicken Recipe is an absolute gem. Imagine tender, juicy chicken cubes coated in a luscious, tangy orange sauce that carries just the right touch of sweetness and savory depth. It’s a nostalgic take on a classic favorite but reinvented to be lighter, healthier, and perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests without guilt. The balance of citrus and umami flavors makes every bite sing, and the best part is, it’s surprisingly simple to make with everyday ingredients you likely already have on hand.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Skinny Orange Chicken Recipe comes together with a handful of ingredients that keep things straightforward yet impact-packed. Each one plays a crucial role: from the chicken’s tenderness to the sauce’s bright, sweet-savory harmony and the subtle hints of garlic and ginger that bring everything to life.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cut into 1-inch cubes for even cooking and perfect bite-sized pieces.
- Low sodium chicken broth: Adds moisture and a mild savory base without extra salt.
- Sweet orange marmalade: The star ingredient providing natural citrus sweetness and texture.
- Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce: Gives a rich depth and smoky undertone to the sauce.
- Low sodium soy sauce: Brings the essential umami flavor while keeping salt in check.
- Ground ginger: Offers warmth and a little zing to brighten the sauce.
- Onion powder: A subtle, savory background note to round out the flavors.
- Minced garlic: Adds aromatic pungency that enhances every bite.
- Cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce to the perfect coating consistency.
How to Make Skinny Orange Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Orange Sauce
Start by whisking together all the sauce ingredients — chicken broth, orange marmalade, BBQ sauce, soy sauce, ginger, onion powder, and garlic — in a medium saucepan. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce it to a simmer without covering it. Let it bubble away for 15 to 20 minutes so the flavors can meld beautifully. Finally, stir in cornstarch to thicken the sauce, continuing to cook until it reaches a luscious, glossy texture.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken Cubes
While your sauce is simmering, heat a large skillet with a light spray of cooking oil. Add the chicken cubes and cook over medium-high heat until they’re no longer pink inside, about 12 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This step ensures your chicken is juicy and perfectly cooked, ready to soak up all that amazing orange sauce.
Step 3: Combine and Coat
Once the chicken is cooked, pour the thickened orange sauce directly into the skillet. Stir well to coat every piece generously with the flavorful glaze. The sauce clings to the chicken, making each bite bursting with vibrant orange notes and a subtle smoky aftertaste. It’s as tasty as it is tempting!
How to Serve Skinny Orange Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
To brighten each plate, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or sliced scallions on top. A scattering of toasted sesame seeds adds a pleasant crunch and a nutty nuance that elevates the dish visually and flavor-wise. These small touches create a polished look and fresh aroma that make dinner feel special.
Side Dishes
This Skinny Orange Chicken Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple steamed jasmine rice or cauliflower rice for a lighter option. Crisp green vegetables like steamed broccoli, snap peas, or a fresh crunchy slaw complement the sweet and tangy sauce perfectly, balancing the meal with texture and color.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your dish into a stunning bowl by layering the orange chicken over fluffy rice, then adding quick-pickled thin carrots or cucumbers on the side for acidity and crunch. Or wrap it in warm lettuce cups for a refreshing, low-carb handheld meal that’s as fun to eat as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Skinny Orange Chicken Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to deepen overnight, making the next day’s meal just as satisfying and easy to enjoy straight from the fridge or gently warmed.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating to maintain the dish’s texture and vibrant flavor.
Reheating
Gently reheat the chicken and sauce together in a skillet over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the sauce thickens too much, splash a little water or chicken broth to loosen it back to a glossy, saucy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will add extra juiciness and richness, making the dish a little more indulgent but still deliciously healthy.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, simply substitute the soy sauce with tamari or another gluten-free soy sauce alternative. The rest of the ingredients are naturally free from gluten.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the orange sauce can be made a day ahead and refrigerated. Reheat it gently before adding to freshly cooked chicken to keep it tasting fresh and vibrant.
What can I use instead of sweet orange marmalade?
If you don’t have orange marmalade, try using fresh orange juice with a little added honey or sugar and a touch of orange zest to mimic that citrus sweetness and texture.
How spicy is this Skinny Orange Chicken Recipe?
This recipe is mild with no heat added, but you can easily add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce if you like a little kick.
Final Thoughts
This Skinny Orange Chicken Recipe is such a versatile, vibrant dish that brings bright citrus flavors and balanced savoriness to your table without any heaviness. It’s quick to prepare, perfect for busy nights, yet impressive enough for company. I promise, once you try this recipe, it’ll become one of your go-to favorites when you want something tasty and a little lighter. Enjoy every bite and share the joy!
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 offers a healthier twist on the classic favorite with juicy, bite-sized chicken breast cubes cooked in a flavorful, homemade orange sauce made from sweet orange marmalade, low sodium chicken broth, and a blend of spices. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a quick, delicious meal perfect for a weeknight dinner served over rice.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 3 – 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Cooking spray
Orange Sauce
- 1 1/2 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup sweet orange marmalade (e.g., 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, sweet orange marmalade, BBQ sauce, soy sauce, ground ginger, onion powder, and minced garlic. Whisk the mixture thoroughly to combine all ingredients. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a low boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to reduce slightly.
- Thicken the Sauce: Whisk the cornstarch into the simmering sauce gradually to avoid lumps, and continue simmering for a few more minutes until the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency.
- Cook the Chicken: Spray a large skillet with cooking spray and heat over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken breasts in a single layer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center, about 12 minutes. Season lightly with salt and black pepper during cooking.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Pour the thickened orange sauce into the skillet with the cooked chicken. Stir gently to coat all the chicken pieces evenly with the sauce. Allow it to heat together for 1 to 2 minutes so the flavors integrate.
- Serve: Serve the orange chicken hot over a bed of steamed rice or your choice of side. Enjoy this delicious, healthier take on a classic favorite.
Notes
- Using low sodium chicken broth and soy sauce helps keep this recipe heart-healthy and lower in salt.
- The sweet orange marmalade provides natural sweetness, so additional sugar is unnecessary.
- To make the dish gluten-free, ensure the soy sauce is gluten-free or substitute with tamari.
- Adjust the simmer time for the sauce if you prefer a thicker or thinner consistency.
- If cooking for a crowd, the recipe can be easily doubled or tripled.
