Orange-Ginger Chicken Stir Fry
This quick and easy stir fry is so easy to adapt to what you have on hand and what your family likes – and when you do the chopping ahead of time, you’re just 15 minutes away from a delicious and satisfying meal.
This quick and easy stir fry is so easy to adapt to what you have on hand and what your family likes – and when you do the chopping ahead of time, you’re just 15 minutes away from a delicious and satisfying meal.
- juice of 1 orange
- 2 tbsp. water
- 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced (may substitute chicken
- 1 â½â tbsp. thrive culinary algae oil divided
- â…“ cup coconut aminos
- 2 tsp. orange zest
- 2 cloves garlic minced (may substitute 1 tsp. garlic powder)
- 1 tsp. freshly grated ginger (may substitute â½ tsp. drie
- 1 small head broccoli cut into florets (about 4 cups)
- â½ cup sliced onion
- 3 medium carrots peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper any color, thinly sliced
- 2 green onions white and green parts thinly sliced
- Carbohydrate 9.62625 g
- Cholesterol 65.77089365 mg
- Fat 1.638261347 g
- Fiber 2.18324998728931 g
- Protein 27.32669455825 g
- Saturated Fat 0.41842120525 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (221g)
- Sodium 108.038760125 mg
- Sugar 7.44300001271069 g
- Trans Fat 0.45019870525 g
- Calories 166 calories
Step-by-step
- Combine coconut aminos, orange juice, zest, water, and garlic, and ginger (if using dried; if using fresh, reserve for later) in a small bowl. Set aside.
- Heat ½ Tbsp. oil in a large sauté pan, wok, or skillet over high heat (medium-high if using a cast iron skillet).
- Add half of the chicken and cook until no longer pink in the center. Remove chicken to a plate and repeat with another ½ Tbsp. oil and remaining chicken.
- Wipe pan clean (if desired) before adding ½ Tbsp. oil. When the pan is hot, add onions and carrots and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes.
- Add broccoli and peppers, continue to stir for another 3-4 minutes, then add fresh garlic and ginger (if using), and cook another 30 seconds or until fragrant.
- Add chicken back to the pan with the vegetables, then pour sauce over everything. Stir to coat, add green onions, and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until meat is warmed through and vegetables are tender to your liking.
- Top with toppings of choice.
- Serve over cauliflower rice for a Whole30-friendly option or with rice or rice noodles, if desired.
Orange-Ginger Chicken Stir Fry: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook healthy and delicious meals can feel like a constant battle. Between juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and after-school activities, the last thing I want is to spend hours in the kitchen. That's why I've become a huge fan of quick and easy recipes, and this Orange-Ginger Chicken Stir-fry is a true lifesaver. It's packed with flavor, ready in under 30 minutes, and easily customizable to suit everyone's preferences.
The beauty of this stir-fry lies in its adaptability. I often adjust the vegetables based on what's fresh at the market or what's already in my fridge. Sometimes I add bell peppers, other times it's snow peas or zucchini. The key is to use whatever vibrant vegetables you enjoy. The orange and ginger combination provides a bright, zesty flavor that complements the chicken perfectly. It's a burst of sunshine on a plate, and the perfect antidote to a long day.
One of my favorite things about this recipe is that you can prep the ingredients ahead of time. I usually chop the vegetables and marinate the chicken while I'm doing other things, which cuts down on cooking time significantly. This makes it a perfect weeknight meal when time is of the essence. Even my picky eaters love this dish, and it's become a regular fixture in our meal rotation.
The recipe is incredibly versatile. Serve it over cauliflower rice for a healthier, lower-carb option, or stick with classic white rice or rice noodles for a more traditional approach. You can also experiment with different protein sources. Shrimp or tofu would also work beautifully in this recipe.
Beyond the ease and deliciousness, this stir-fry is also a great way to get a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals. The abundance of vegetables ensures that my family is getting essential nutrients alongside a tasty and satisfying meal. It's a win-win situation!
I’ve even started adapting this recipe for lunch. The leftovers are just as delicious the next day, making it a perfect meal-prep option. It’s quick to pack and satisfying enough to keep me energized throughout the afternoon. This Orange-Ginger Chicken Stir-fry isn’t just a quick weeknight dinner; it’s become a family favorite, a versatile staple, and a testament to how delicious and healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s a testament to the power of simple, flavorful ingredients combined with a little bit of creativity.
The vibrant colors of the vegetables, the aromatic ginger and orange, the tender chicken…it’s all a celebration of fresh, healthy ingredients. It's not just a meal; it’s a mindful moment, a small act of self-care in the midst of a busy week. And that’s something I truly appreciate.
Tips and Variations:
Make it spicier: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a kick.
Add more vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, snap peas, or water chestnuts.
Make it a complete meal: Serve over brown rice, quinoa, or noodles.
Prep ahead: Chop the vegetables and marinate the chicken the night before to save time.
This Orange-Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry is more than just a recipe; it’s a simple pleasure that brings my family together around a delicious and healthy meal. It’s a testament to the joy of cooking and the satisfaction of creating something nourishing and delicious from scratch. Give it a try – I’m confident it will become a regular in your kitchen too!
