Healthy Orange Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my Healthy Orange Chicken Stir Fry Recipe that’s become a favorite in my kitchen. It’s fresh, tangy, and packed with vibrant veggies — plus you get that wonderful orange glaze without any guilt. Perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you want a meal that feels both indulgent and wholesome. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll want to make it again and again.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

All these ingredients come together to balance sweetness, tang, and a touch of heat. Plus, the coconut cauliflower rice adds a unique texture and subtle richness that really elevates the meal. Here’s what you’ll want to gather before diving in.

• Cauliflower: Choose a fresh head with firm, white florets—this is the base of your low-carb rice.
• Coconut oil: Adds a subtle tropical note to the cauliflower rice and helps keep it light.
• Fresh orange juice: Essential for that bright, citrusy sauce—skip the bottled juice for best flavor.
• Honey or agave nectar: For natural sweetness, balancing the tang of orange juice.
• Gluten free soy sauce: Adds umami depth without gluten; tamari works great too.
• Fresh ginger: Grated for warmth and a little zing, you’ll taste it in every bite.
• Cornstarch or arrowroot starch: Thickens the sauce, giving it that glossy finish.
• Red pepper flakes: Just a pinch to give the dish a mild, welcome heat.
• Orange zest: Intensifies the citrus flavor—don’t skip it!
• Toasted sesame oil: When added correctly, it gives a wonderful nutty aroma.
• Chicken breast: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking and lean protein.
• White onion: Adds sweetness and texture.
• Garlic cloves: Minced, for savory depth.
• Red bell pepper: Thin strips add crunch and color.
• Fresh green beans: Trimmed and chopped, they keep a nice snap.
• Raw cashews: Toasted for crunch and a buttery flavor.
• Green onion & toasted sesame seeds: For garnish — I love how they brighten up the dish visually and flavor-wise.

Variations

I love customizing this Healthy Orange Chicken Stir Fry Recipe depending on what’s in season or what I’m craving. Feel free to adapt it — this recipe is forgiving and makes a great canvas for your own twist.

• Vegetarian: Swap the chicken for a can of chickpeas—I’ve done this on meatless Mondays, and it’s just as tasty and hearty.
• Spice level: Add more red pepper flakes or even some chopped fresh chili if you like it hotter.
• Veggie swap: Try snow peas or broccoli instead of green beans for a different crunch.
• Grain base: While cauliflower rice is my favorite here, you can serve over brown rice or quinoa if that’s more your style.

How to Make Healthy Orange Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Cauliflower Rice Like a Pro

Start by washing your cauliflower and removing all the green bits. Then, break it into florets. I find a food processor is easiest here—you just pulse until you get nice grain-sized “rice.” A quick tip: wrap the processed cauliflower in a clean dish towel and squeeze out the extra moisture to avoid sogginess later on. Set it aside while you make the sauce and cook the chicken.

Step 2: Whip Up That Flavor-Packed Orange Sauce

In a bowl, combine freshly squeezed orange juice, honey, gluten free soy sauce, grated ginger, cornstarch, red pepper flakes, and orange zest. Whisk it all together until smooth and the cornstarch dissolves completely. This sauce is the heart of the dish, so don’t skip the zest—it punches up the flavor wonderfully.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken Until Perfectly Tender

Heat one tablespoon of toasted sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then cook them for about 5-6 minutes until they’re completely cooked through and no longer pink inside. Once done, transfer the chicken to a bowl and keep the pan’s heat going—you’ll use that same pan for your veggies and sauce next.

Step 4: Sauté Your Veggies and Cashews for Crunch

Add the remaining half tablespoon of sesame oil to the pan, lowering the heat to medium. Toss in chopped onion and cook for about two minutes until it softens. Then add minced garlic, bell pepper strips, green beans, and raw cashews. Stir and cook for about 4-6 minutes—you want the green beans to still have a slight crunch; that contrast is what makes this stir fry so satisfying.

Step 5: Cook the Coconut Cauliflower Rice

While your veggies cook, warm half a tablespoon of coconut oil in another skillet over medium heat. Add the cauliflower rice and stir occasionally for about 5 minutes. Season lightly with salt and pepper. You’ll find the coconut oil lends this “rice” a mild, cozy flavor that pairs perfectly with the citrusy chicken.

Step 6: Bring It All Together with the Orange Sauce

Pour the orange sauce into your veggie-filled skillet. Stir frequently as it thickens—this usually takes just a couple minutes. Add the cooked chicken back in and stir to coat everything evenly. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it all simmer for 2-3 minutes for that perfect sticky glaze that clings to every bite.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Serve the stir fry right over your warm coconut cauliflower rice. I always finish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions to brighten the dish and add a pop of color. Sometimes, if I’m feeling fancy, a little fresh cilantro adds great herbaceous notes.

How to Serve Healthy Orange Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

Garnishes

My go-to garnishes are green onions and toasted sesame seeds because they add a fresh crunch and nutty aroma. Sometimes, I toss on chopped cilantro or a few extra red pepper flakes for some heat and color contrast. These little touches make your presentation pop and the flavors shine.

Side Dishes

If you want to bulk this up or serve alongside, steamed broccoli or sautéed snap peas pair beautifully. Or try a simple Asian-style cucumber salad for a cool, crisp side that contrasts nicely with the warm stir fry.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this Healthy Orange Chicken Stir Fry Recipe in mini lettuce cups—super fresh and fun to eat. Another favorite is plating the stir fry in a hollowed-out roasted orange for a stunning citrus presentation that doubles as decoration.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and it keeps beautifully for 3-4 days. The cauliflower rice doesn’t get mushy, and the chicken stays tender. Just be sure to cool everything completely before refrigerating to keep flavors fresh.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish a couple of times. For best results, freeze the chicken stir fry and cauliflower rice separately so textures stay as close to fresh as possible. When thawed, the sauce thickens nicely, but reheating gently helps it stay saucy.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming the stir fry over medium heat in a pan with a splash of water or broth just to loosen the sauce—microwaving works too but can dry it out a bit. The cauliflower rice does best reheated quickly in a skillet with a little oil.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Healthy Orange Chicken Stir Fry Recipe really hits the sweet spot between healthy and indulgent. It’s become my go-to when I want something vibrant, satisfying, and quick without the guilt. I love how easy it is to tweak and how it always impresses my family. Give it a try—you’ll probably end up loving it as much as I do!

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