Healthy Orange Sesame Chicken Quick and Easy Recipe

December 17, 2025August 1, 2025 by Chef Miles

Ingredients

List of Ingredients

– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

– 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce

– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice

– Zest of 1 orange

– 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (for sweetness)

– 1 tablespoon sesame oil (for depth of flavor)

– 2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water (for thickening)

– 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced (for warmth)

– 2 garlic cloves, minced (for aromatic flavor)

– 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for crunch)

– 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)

– Salt and pepper to taste

– 1 cup steamed broccoli (optional, for serving)

In this recipe, I focus on fresh and simple ingredients. You need chicken breast as the main protein. It cooks quickly and stays juicy. The sauce combines low-sodium soy sauce and fresh orange juice. This mix gives a sweet and savory flavor. Adding orange zest brightens the dish. Honey or maple syrup adds a touch of sweetness.

Sesame oil brings depth to the sauce. Minced ginger gives warmth, and garlic adds great aroma. For thickening, use cornstarch mixed with water. This keeps the sauce smooth. Sesame seeds add a nice crunch, while green onions provide a fresh garnish.

Optional broccoli adds color and nutrients. It’s a great way to round out the meal. You can serve this dish over the broccoli for a healthy touch. If you love bright flavors, this recipe is for you!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation of the Sauce

Start by whisking together the liquid ingredients. In a medium bowl, mix the low-sodium soy sauce, freshly squeezed orange juice, orange zest, honey or maple syrup, sesame oil, minced ginger, and minced garlic. Make sure everything blends well. This sauce will add a lot of flavor to your chicken. Set aside a small portion of the sauce. You will drizzle this over the dish when you serve it.

Cooking the Chicken

Next, heat a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Wait until it is hot. Once ready, add the bite-sized pieces of chicken. Spread them out in one layer for even cooking. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir occasionally. You want the chicken to be fully cooked and golden brown on the outside.

Combining and Thickening

Now it’s time to combine everything. Carefully pour the prepared orange sauce over the cooked chicken in the skillet. Make sure to coat all the chicken pieces evenly. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This helps the flavors meld together. Then, add the cornstarch mixture to the skillet. Stir continuously for about 1 to 2 minutes. This will thicken the sauce. Once thickened, remove the skillet from heat.

Finally, gently stir in the sesame seeds and half of the sliced green onions into the chicken mixture. This adds a nice crunch and flavor. When serving, spoon the orange sesame chicken over a bed of steamed broccoli if you like. Drizzle the reserved orange sauce over the top and garnish with the rest of the green onions. Enjoy your meal!

Tips & Tricks

Cooking Tips

– Ensuring chicken is cooked evenly: Cut your chicken into small, even pieces. This helps them cook at the same rate. When cooking, spread the pieces out in the skillet. Avoid overcrowding. Stir occasionally to brown all sides well. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F for safe eating.

– Achieving the right sauce consistency: Start with your sauce mixture in a bowl. After cooking the chicken, add the sauce to the pan. Let it simmer gently. This allows the flavors to meld. When thickening, use the cornstarch mixture. Stir it in quickly and keep mixing for one to two minutes. The sauce should be glossy and cling to the chicken.

Flavor Enhancements

– Suggested additions for flavor boost: Try adding crushed red pepper for heat. A splash of rice vinegar can add a nice tang. You can also toss in some bell peppers or snap peas for added crunch and color.

– Alternative sweetener options: If you want a different sweetness, use agave nectar or coconut sugar. These can add unique flavors while keeping it healthy. Adjust the amount to suit your taste, starting with less and adding more if needed.

Variations

Substitute Ingredients

If you want to switch things up, you can try different proteins. Instead of chicken, use tofu or shrimp. Tofu works well because it absorbs flavors. Shrimp cooks quickly and adds a nice texture.

You can also change the veggies. Broccoli is great, but you can add bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots. These add color and crunch. Feel free to mix and match based on what you like or have on hand.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this dish with whole grains for a balanced meal. Brown rice or quinoa works well. They soak up the sauce nicely and provide fiber.

For a complete meal, add a fresh salad or steamed vegetables. This gives you extra vitamins and makes your plate look vibrant. Try a simple cucumber salad or a side of roasted sweet potatoes for a tasty twist.

Storage Info

Storing Leftovers

To store your Healthy Orange Sesame Chicken, let it cool down first. Once cool, place it in an airtight container. This helps keep the chicken fresh. You can refrigerate it for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it. Use freezer-safe bags or containers for freezing. Just make sure to remove as much air as possible. This will help avoid freezer burn.

Reheating Instructions

When you’re ready to eat the leftovers, you can reheat them easily. Use a microwave for quick reheating. Place the chicken in a microwave-safe dish and cover it. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. This helps heat evenly. You can also reheat in a skillet. Add a splash of water to keep it moist. Heat on medium-low until warmed through. Either method keeps the flavors and texture nice. Enjoy your meal!

FAQs

What makes this Orange Sesame Chicken healthy?

This dish is healthy because it uses lean chicken breast, which is low in fat and high in protein. The low-sodium soy sauce helps cut down on salt. Fresh orange juice adds vitamin C, while honey or maple syrup provides natural sweetness. Ginger and garlic not only boost flavor but also offer health benefits, like anti-inflammatory properties. Adding broccoli as a side gives you fiber and essential vitamins.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, you can easily make this dish gluten-free. Simply swap the low-sodium soy sauce with gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Ensure that any additional sauces you use are also gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy the same great taste without gluten.

How can I adjust the sweetness level?

To change the sweetness, start by using less honey or maple syrup. Taste the sauce after mixing it and add more if needed. You can also try adding a bit of orange zest for a sweet kick without extra sugar. Balancing flavors is key, so taste as you go!

In this blog post, I covered how to make Orange Sesame Chicken from start to finish. We explored ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and tips for a great meal. Remember, you can make it your own with different ingredients and flavors. Storing leftovers and reheating properly helps save time. This dish is not only tasty but also healthy. I hope you try this recipe and enjoy the flavor and ease it brings to your tabl