Let’s talk take-out…or take-in for that matter. I like a good Asian inspired meal just as much as the next person and have yet to find a good Chinese place near our apartment. An issue for sure! That is, until this Orange Chicken came into my life.
It’s no fry & no fuss so win win.
Fried chicken is to die for, don’t get me wrong. Yet sometimes, I need to skip the extra step and go for the slightly healthier version of it. And I still haven’t mastered the art of frying…maybe one day.
Until then, a lighter version will be perfect.
Have you ever had Orange Chicken that doesn’t have a lot actual orange flava in it? I’m not a fan so I made it my mission to incorporate a lot of OJ & zest. I had no idea how much juice was actually in an orange until now…love discovering things like that!
Anyways….this Orange Chicken has the perfect amount of heat from some red pepper flakes and hot sauce. A sweetness like no other with the orange and maple syrup. Together it’s a heavenly combo.
Orange Chicken for a quick “take-in” option
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There’s something about making a home-made version of take-out that is so satisfying to me. It’s cheaper, quicker and, in this case, so much more yummier! I also tend to keep a well-stocked pantry so I literally just need to buy an orange and I was good to go. I guess experimenting with tons of different ingredients has it’s perks. 
Of course, you can’t just have chicken as a meal..even its delish! So I roasted some broccoli as a side, nothing special but it went perfectly with it. Classic Chinese combo for sure.
So, next time, just say no to take out and give this a try.
Orange Chicken
Ingredients
– 1-2 chicken breasts, cubed
– 1 tablespoon coconut or olive oil
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 bouillon cube
– 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
– zest of 1 orange
– juice of one orange
– 1/4 cup maple syrup
– 1/4 cup light soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon hot sauce
– 1-2 teaspoon garlic
– 1 teaspoon ground ginger
– a pinch of red pepper flakes
Directions
1.) Add coconut or olive oil into a pan on medium heat. Brown the chicken until it’s cooked all the way through.
2.) Once the chicken is cooked, remove from the pan and set aside.
3.) Add in the rest of the ingredients into the pan and stir.
4.) Let it cook and reduce until the sauce has thickened. You’ll know it’s done when you can coat the back of a spoon and leave a line when you run your finger through it.
5.) Add the chicken back in and coat with the sauce.
6.) Serve with your favorite veggies and enjoy!
Your turn!
How do you remake some take-out favorites?
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