Orange Chicken Chunks
Juicy chicken chunks glazed with a tangy orange sauce, featuring pineapple, vegetables, and a hint of soy, perfect for a flavorful and colorful Asian-inspired meal.
Ingredients
- 6 chicken breasts ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp garlic salt ⓘ
- 1 tsp paprika ⓘ
- 1/2 cup salad oil ⓘ
- 1 (9 oz) can pineapple chunks
- 1 1/4 cups chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 1/4 cups wine vinegar ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sliced celery ⓘ
- 1 small green pepper ⓘ
- 1 large onion ⓘ
- 1 large tomato
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp dark brown sugar ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp cornstarch ⓘ
- 1/2 cup water ⓘ
- 3 Florida oranges ⓘ
Instructions
- Sprinkle chicken breasts with garlic salt and paprika.
- Heat salad oil in a large skillet.
- Add chicken and cook for 5 minutes until white.
- Add syrup from pineapple, chicken broth, and vinegar.
- Cover and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add sliced celery, chopped green pepper, and sliced onion.
- Cover and cook for 5 minutes.
- Add tomato wedges and pineapple chunks.
- Blend soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, and water to make a sauce.
- Add the sauce to the skillet and stir constantly until mixture thickens and boils.
- Cook for 1 minute longer.
- Add orange sections and toss lightly.
- Serve over fried rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter twist, you can substitute chicken thighs for breasts, which will add more flavor and moisture. If you're out of garlic salt, a mix of regular salt and minced garlic works well. For a vegetarian option, consider using tofu or tempeh instead of chicken. This dish also pairs nicely with a side of Stir-Fried Chicken And Veggies for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the orange chicken chunks over fluffy fried rice for a delicious meal. A fresh cucumber salad or steamed broccoli makes an excellent side dish to balance the flavors. For an easy lunch, consider packing leftovers in a bento box with some fresh fruit and a small portion of chow mein for a delightful, balanced meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally. Be careful not to overcook, as the chicken can become dry.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Orange Chicken Chunks contains roughly 539 calories, with 5g protein, 95g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (78% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (65% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and protein. It also contributes 10g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but be sure to thaw it completely before cooking to ensure even cooking. It's best to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or use the defrost setting on your microwave.
What can I substitute for wine vinegar?
If you don't have wine vinegar, you can use apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar as a substitute. Both will add a nice acidity to the dish without overpowering the flavors.
Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to include other vegetables such as bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for added color and nutrition. Just be sure to adjust cooking times as needed to keep everything tender-crisp.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).