Description
This Orange Sesame Chicken is a healthier, homemade version of a takeout classic. It features crispy chicken bites tossed in a sticky, sweet, and tangy orange sauce with a touch of heat and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
- 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce or tamari
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced or grated
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (more or less to taste)
- 1/2 cup orange juice (preferably fresh)
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce or tamari
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
- Green onions and steamed rice, for serving
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, toss the chicken with 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, and 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Let sit 10 minutes.
- Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned all over and cooked through, about 5-8 minutes. Remove chicken to a plate.
- To the same skillet, add the ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the orange juice, orange zest, honey, 1/4 cup soy sauce, and ketchup. Bring to a simmer.
- Stir in the cornstarch-water mixture and cook until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Cook another 2-3 minutes until everything is warmed through.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve over rice.
Notes
- Use freshly squeezed orange juice for the best flavor.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to taste for more or less heat.
- Serve with steamed broccoli or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
- Chicken thighs provide more flavor and tenderness compared to breasts.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
