Healthy Orange Chicken

Recipe From: Laura Watson

Move ova, Panda Express!  We just put your bunz outta biz with this Amazing Healthy Orange Chicken recipe!  hahaha :)    This was absolutely delicious!  And such a heavenly aroma filled the kitchen as the kids helped me make it.

Just as we were getting ready to serve, Brooklyn came up with the impressive idea to add some pineapple chunks.  Oh wow!  Might I say..... it was the perfect addition. 

Do enjoy the yumminess.   :)

ORANGE CHICKEN INGREDIENTS:

2 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

salt and pepper

2 Tbsp. avocado oil

orange chicken sauce (ingredients below)

toppings: thinly-sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, orange zest

ORANGE CHICKEN SAUCE INGREDIENTS:

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup orange juice

1/2 cup honey

*1/3 cup soy sauce

1/4 cup rice wine vinegar

3 Tbsp. cornstarch

*1/2 tsp. ground ginger

1/2 tsp. white pepper

zest of one orange

pinch of crushed red pepper flakes

*pineapple chunks

Additional side:

1 cup dry quinoa or rice

2 cups chicken broth

DIRECTIONS:

TO MAKE THE CHICKEN:

Season chicken generously with salt and pepper.  Heat oil in a large saute pan over medium-high heat. Add chicken and saute for about 4-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and nearly cooked through.

Pour in the orange chicken sauce, and stir to combine. Let the sauce come to a boil, then boil for an additional minute or two until thickened. Remove from heat and serve immediately over quinoa or rice. Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds and additional orange zest.

TO MAKE THE ORANGE CHICKEN SAUCE:

Whisk all ingredients together until combined. If you would like the sauce to be even sweeter, add an extra 2-4 tablespoons of honey.

**I threw all the ingredients for the sauce into my blender for a smoother texture.   I used freshly grated ginger instead of ground--- just a preference.   Just before serving, I added pineapple chunks.  Also, to lighten the sodium intake, use Braggs Liquid Amino. It's a healthier alternative to regular soy sauce and even tastes better.