Sweet, spicy (or not) and flavorful – this makeover Asian Orange Chicken is a lighter and healthier alternative to the popular Chinese fast food take-out dish and it’s quick and easy to make!  This recipe came from SkinnyTaste and it was tested by Amanda!  This has become a favorite for her, particularly as we are trapped inside!

*image source

INGREDIENTS

For the Orange Sauce:

• 1/3 cup freshly-squeezed orange juice
• 1/4 cup reduced sodium chicken broth
• 2 tbsp soy sauce, Tamari for gluten-free
• 2 tbsp raw sugar
• 1 tbsp Chinese rice wine
• 1 tbsp sriracha, or more to taste
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
• 2 teaspoons corn starch

For the chicken:

• 20 oz skinless, boneless chicken breast, cut into small cubes
• kosher salt, to taste
• 1 1/2 tbsp corn starch
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 4 cloves minced garlic
• 1- inch grated ginger
• 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
• 2 tbsp chopped scallions
• 1/2 tsp sesame seeds, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Mix the orange sauce ingredients and set aside.  Amanda strongly recommends double or tripling the orange sauce because it is amazing!
2. Season the chicken lightly with salt and coat evenly with corn starch, set aside.
3. Heat a wok or fry pan on high heat, add 1 teaspoon of sesame oil and add half of the chicken. If you don’t have sesame oil, that is ok! Just use a neutral oil like vegetable oil.  Cook 2 to 3 minutes on each side until well browned, set aside.
4. Add 1 teaspoon of oil and chicken and repeat cooking 2 to 3 minutes on each side. Set aside with the rest of the chicken. 
5. Add remaining teaspoon of oil and quickly stir-fry the minced garlic and ginger until fragrant, about 1 minute.  Want to add veggies to this dish? See note below.
6. Add the orange zest then return the chicken to the pan.
7. Quickly stir the chicken then add the orange sauce and cook until the sauce thickens, about 1 to 2 minutes.
8. Divide between 4 plates and garnish with the scallion and sesame seeds.

VEGGIE NOTE: Do you like veggies? Add any stir fry veggies to your dish. It is recommended to fry up the veggies after the chicken has been cooked.  Remove the chicken from the wok or fry pan and stir fry your veggies using sesame oil or a neutral oil.  Add the chicken back to the fry pan with veggies and add in your orange sauce!