#healthy #chicken #yummy

Healthy Orange Chicken

Related : Banana Oat Blender Muffins
Ingredients

2 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4 cups steamed broccoli or green beans
2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
sauce
2 cups of orange juice
1/4 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup amino coconut
3 tablespoons of honey
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon fresh ginger ***
1 tablespoon orange zest
1/2 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

Cleaned chicken + cut into 1 inch cubes. In a large skillet, cook the cubed chicken in the toasted sesame oil until the edges are brown and slightly crisp (about 5 to 10 minutes)
While the chicken is cooking, combine the sauce mixture in a separate bowl
Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the pan and place it on its side in another bowl.
Pour the sauce mixture into the same pan in which you cooked the chicken.
Bring the sauce mixture to a boil for 15-20 minutes, stirring every minute or so until it begins to thicken. (You will know that it has thickened when you scratch the pan and it moves away from the pan)
When the sauce thickens, add the cooked chicken + stir to coat the chicken
Serve over steamed broccoli or green beans for a paleo option or rice / quinoa.
Sprinkle with sesame seeds + enjoy!
*** If you replace ground ginger with fresh ginger, cut 1/4 to 1/4 tablespoon of it.

Instant Jar Instructions

IMPORTANT: If you make this recipe in the instant jar, you will need 3 teaspoons of cornstarch powder or arrowroot. You should also use half the amount of ingredients in the sauce recipe, except for the chicken broth. Ex: orange juice: 2 cups = 1 cup
Mix half the quantity requested in the recipe for orange juice, coconut aminos, honey, garlic powder, ginger, orange zest and pepper. Put aside.
Turn the instant pot to sauté at the highest heat. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of sesame oil and allow to heat. The Instant Pot will display the word "hot" when it is ready.
Cut the chicken breasts and dry them with paper towels. When the Instant Pot is hot, place the chicken breasts in the oil. You will have to do 2 at a time so as not to overload the pot. Sear them on each side for 2 minutes then flip just to get a golden color. You don't try to cook them.
Remove them and place them on a cutting board. Cut them into 1 inch pieces.
Return the diced chicken to the instant pan and pour the sauce mixture. Close the lid and put the vent to seal. Set it to manual high pressure for 3 minutes. Note that it will take 3-5 minutes for the pot to pressurize before the display starts counting down to the 3 minutes you have set. When finished, quickly release the steam by adjusting the valve on the drain. Make sure to use a towel or pot holder to do this so you don't get burned.
When the Instant Pot releases all the steam, the button lowers and you can safely open the lid.
Remove the chicken with a slotted spoon and place on a plate. Combine chicken broth and corn starch. Turn the Instant Pot over to sauté, again choosing the highest heat setting. Your sauce should start to bubble. Stream into the cornstarch suspension and whisk. Let the mixture boil for 7 to 9 minutes until it is nice and thick. Return the chicken to the sauce and select the "Keep Warm" setting on the instant pan. Serve over steamed broccoli or green beans for a paleo option or rice / quinoa.

Instructions for the instant pot:

To get your sauté on the highest setting, press sauté then press the setting button and choose "more" to set it to the highest setting.
It is very important that they are dried before putting them in hot oil so that they turn brown.
It is very important to brown the whole chicken breasts before dicing them. This ensures that the maximum surface area comes into contact with the pan and that the chicken actually turns brown. Browning the chicken is an important step. This seals the juices and ensures that the chicken does not release too much liquid during pressure cooking. This extra liquid affects the consistency of the sauce.
The sauce will appear thin until you add the corn starch suspension and reduce it. It's normal.

Ways to serve this healthy orange chicken:

Feed a crowd of hungry people? Serve it on a giant bowl of brown rice / quinoa + broccoli.
Are you trying to keep Paleo? Skip the rice entirely or make rice with cauliflower.
Not a big fan of cauliflower rice? Serve it on zoodles!
Broccoli, green beans or steamed cauliflower are great for vegetarian side dishes

What to do if the sauce does not thicken with this healthy orange chicken:
Give it time, I promise. Review the instructions listed in the recipe. The chicken should be completely removed from the pan and the sauce should boil for 15 to 20 minutes. Stir the sauce every few minutes, and once the sauce starts to come off the pan when you scrape it off, you'll know it's ready!
My sauce is browner than orange, is that correct?
Yes! It is very good! Your sauce may seem a little dark as these photos simply because of the ingredients you use. The color will have no impact on the flavor!