Paleo Orange Chicken (Whole30, Oven Baked, Healthy)
Healthy Paleo Orange Chicken recipe with crispy baked chicken coated in a Chinese orange sauce with a perfect sweet-and-tart balance.
Healthy Paleo Orange Chicken recipe with crispy baked chicken coated in a Chinese orange sauce with a perfect sweet-and-tart balance.
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 2 tbsp coconut aminos
- 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- â¼ tsp coarse salt
- avocado or olive oil
- 1.5 lbs. chicken breasts ( cut to bite size cubes)
- â…› tsp ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp arrowroot flour or sweet potato starch/flour
- 3-4 cloves large garlic ( finely chopped)
- 2 slices ginger ( finely chopped)
- â½ tsp red pepper flakes ((optional))
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- â…“ cup orange juice
- â½ tsp arrowroot powder
- half one whole orange ( sliced into bite sized pieces)
- 1-2 bulbs scallions ( finely chopped)
- baby bok choy ( quartered and blanched, as much as you like)
- Carbohydrate 0.601827500760816 g
- Cholesterol 122.0125 mg
- Fat 46.8804250003679 g
- Fiber 0.169000006044632 g
- Protein 0.513975000045649 g
- Saturated Fat 29.2692200000507 g
- Serving Size 1 1 people (71g)
- Sodium 327.565625000099 mg
- Sugar 0.432827494716184 g
- Trans Fat 3.24780875001285 g
- Calories 419 calories
Step-by-step
- Place a large rimmed sheet pan, unlined, in the bottom rack of the oven. Preheat the oven with the sheet pan inside to 425F (400F convection oven).
- Dice and lightly coat the chicken with salt, pepper, baking soda, and arrowroot flour. Set the chicken aside in the fridge.
- Once the oven reaches the temperature. Carefully remove sheet from oven and grease with 2 tbsp avocado or olive oil. Place chicken pieces one-by-one over the sheet pan. Try not to overlap each other much.
- Bake at lower rack for 10 minutes. Use this time to prepare aromatics and make the orange sauce. Set them aside ready to use.
- Remove sheet from oven, using a metal spatula and tongs, loosen chickens from sheet and carefully flip each piece. Continue to bake until second side is golden and crispy, about 8-10 minutes longer.
- Right before chicken is done baking (about 5 minutes prior). Preheat a large skillet with 1 tbsp oil. When hot, lower the heat to medium, add garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Season with a pinch of salt and saute until fragrant (about 10-15 seconds).
- Stir the orange sauce one more time then add it to the skillet. The sauce should become thicker pretty quickly, stir-often. Add baked chicken. Toss and coat the sauce over for about 30 seconds.
- Off heat, garnish with extra orange slices, scallions, and blanched bok choy.
My Go-To Weeknight Paleo Dinner: Paleo Orange Chicken
As a busy working mom, finding healthy and delicious meals that don't take hours to prepare is a constant struggle. I'm always on the lookout for recipes that are both nutritious and easy, and this Paleo Orange Chicken has become a family favorite. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner because it’s quick, easy, and the whole family loves it – even the picky eaters! Gone are the days of spending hours in the kitchen slaving over a hot stove! This recipe delivers amazing flavour and a satisfying crunch without the added stress.
What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. It's easily adaptable to whatever vegetables I have on hand. Sometimes I add broccoli florets, other times it's snap peas or even some leftover roasted vegetables. The beauty of it lies in its simplicity; it’s a blank canvas upon which you can paint your own culinary masterpiece. You can also experiment with different types of chicken. I've used bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs before, and the result is incredibly juicy and flavorful.
The key to this recipe is getting that perfect balance of sweet and tangy. The orange sauce is incredibly simple to make, yet it delivers a burst of flavour that complements the crispy chicken perfectly. I always make extra sauce because it’s so delicious, my kids love dipping their veggies in it. Trust me, you'll be adding this to your weekly meal rotation in no time. It's not just a healthy choice but also a time-saving miracle! This recipe has been a real lifesaver on those busy evenings when I'm short on time but still want to put a delicious and healthy meal on the table.
Beyond the Dinner Table: This recipe isn’t limited to just weeknight dinners. It’s also fantastic for meal prepping. Prepare a large batch on the weekend, and you'll have delicious and healthy lunches for the entire week. The leftovers are equally delicious cold or reheated, making this a truly versatile and convenient option.
Tips and Tricks for Success:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Ensure your chicken pieces are evenly spaced on the baking sheet for even cooking and crispy results.
- Prep ahead: You can prepare the chicken and orange sauce ahead of time to make weeknight cooking a breeze.
- Adjust the spice: Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference.
- Get creative with veggies: Experiment with different vegetables to add variety and extra nutrients. The possibilities are endless!
- Make it a complete meal: Serve this Paleo Orange Chicken over cauliflower rice or quinoa for a more complete and filling meal.
This recipe is more than just a meal; it's a testament to the idea that healthy eating doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. It's a reminder that even on the busiest of days, we can prioritize our health and well-being by making smart and delicious food choices. The joy of cooking should be celebrated, not dreaded, and this recipe helps make that a reality. So, go ahead, try it out, and enjoy the delicious results. You won't regret it!
Reader Interactions:
What are your favorite go-to weeknight dinners? Share your recipes and tips in the comments below! I'd love to hear from you and discover new ideas to add to my culinary repertoire. Let's connect and share our love of healthy and delicious food together!
