Orange Chicken Oriental(Weight Watchers Recipe)
A flavorful orange chicken dish with a tangy citrus sauce, perfect for those craving Asian-inspired comfort food with a healthy twist. Suitable for quick weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place chicken on a baking sheet and season both sides with salt, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Bake at 425°F for 25 minutes or until done. Transfer to a large shallow casserole and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, combine chicken bouillon, water, frozen orange juice concentrate, soy sauce, artificial sweetener, and thyme.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Add the dissolved cornstarch and cook until the sauce thickens.
- Stir in the julienne orange rind if using.
- Pour the sauce over the baked chicken, cover, and bake at 425°F for an additional 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, marinate the chicken in soy sauce and garlic powder for at least 30 minutes before baking. You can substitute fresh orange juice for the frozen concentrate if desired, but you may need to adjust the sweetness. If you prefer a thicker sauce, consider adding a cornstarch slurry earlier in the cooking process. This dish pairs beautifully with Chicken And Broccoli Stir-Fry.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Orange Chicken over a bed of steamed rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious sauce. It goes well with a side of stir-fried vegetables like broccoli or snap peas. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with a light salad or some egg rolls for a delightful contrast in textures.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, ensuring it heats evenly without drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Orange Chicken Oriental(Weight Watchers Recipe) contains roughly 106 calories, with 3g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (56% of the Daily Value) and iron (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1299mg per serving (56% of the Daily Value).
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 boneless chicken breasts instead of chicken pieces?
Yes, boneless chicken breasts work well in this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the baking time as they may cook faster than bone-in pieces. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
Is there a way to make this dish spicier?
Absolutely! You can add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture for an extra kick. Adjust the amount according to your heat preference.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator for up to a day. When ready to serve, bake as instructed, adding a few extra minutes if needed to heat through.
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).