Description
These vibrant Orange Chicken Bowls feature tender, bite-sized chicken pieces coated in a sticky, tangy orange glaze, paired perfectly with sautéed fresh vegetables and served over fluffy rice or cauliflower rice. A quick and healthy weeknight meal that balances sweet, savory, and fresh flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Sauce
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari if needed)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
Vegetables
- 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup carrots, sliced
Base and Garnish
- 2 cups cooked rice or cauliflower rice
- Chopped green onions, for garnish
- Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
- Chopped cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Lightly season with salt and pepper. Heat a little oil in a hot skillet and cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, forming a flavorful base for the bowl.
- Make the Orange Sauce: While the chicken cooks, whisk together fresh orange juice, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, honey or maple syrup, and rice vinegar. Pour this mixture into the same pan with the chicken and simmer until it thickens into a sticky glaze that coats the chicken nicely.
- Cook the Vegetables: In a separate pan or the same skillet after the chicken is done, quickly sauté the bell peppers, broccoli florets, and carrots until they are tender-crisp, maintaining their vibrant color and crunch.
- Assemble the Bowls: Place cooked rice or cauliflower rice into serving bowls. Layer the sautéed vegetables on top, then spoon the orange-glazed chicken generously over them. Garnish with chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and chopped cilantro as desired.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, be sure to use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.
- Cauliflower rice is a great low-carb alternative to regular rice.
- You can substitute chicken thighs with breasts for a leaner option.
- Adjust the sweetness by using honey or maple syrup according to preference.
- Ensure vegetables are cooked just until tender-crisp to preserve nutrients and texture.
