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For a healthier alternative to a favorite Chinese dish, try this Orange Chicken and Asparagus. Serve over rice or noodles, or enjoy on its own!

I’m always a fan of some classic Orange Chicken (especially served over a bed of tender white crock pot rice), but sometimes it’s nice to lighten it up a little bit. This version is healthier and *spoiler alert*, it’s actually easier to make too!

Orange chicken and asparagus served over white rice


Simple and Healthy, But Delicious

Some Asian recipes can be time consuming and not that great for you, but today, I’m super excited to share with you a simple, healthy recipe for Orange Chicken and Asparagus, that you will love.

With just a few ingredients, you can make this in no time and feel good about eating it too!

The sauce for this recipe is super simple—it’s pretty much just soy sauce, honey and orange juice. Although it’s so simple, it packs big flavor. It’s almost hard to believe it’s considered healthy! I also love that its just simple enough, that my picky kids liked it too.

Next time you want a healthy dinner in a snap, I highly recommend this Orange Chicken and Asparagus!

Fresh asparagus to use for orange chicken and asparagus recipe

Did I Mention It’s A One Pot Meal??

Yep, you heard me. ONE pot (as if this recipe couldn’t get any better!!).

CHICKEN. Heat sesame oil in a large skillet. Sauté sliced chicken, garlic and red pepper flakes for about 7 minutes.

ASPARAGUS. Add chopped asparagus and cook for an additional 3 minutes.

SAUCE. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, sesame seeds, and juice and zest of 1 orange. Add to skillet and cook for 1 minute.

SERVE. Serve plain or over rice of your choice (like Fried Rice or Cauliflower Rice).

You could also serve it with some Asian sides, like:

Additions: Orange Chicken is an easy food to add veggies to. Some common favorites include broccoli, snap peas, and bell peppers. If you add too many extra veggies you might want to double the amount of sauce you make so that everything gets covered with orange sauce.

Orange chicken cooking in a skillet

A Great Make-Ahead Recipe

Making ahead of time: You can prep all the ingredients 1-2 days ahead of time and store them in separate containers in the fridge until you’re ready to cook them all. You can also store them in separate freezer bags and freeze for 2-3 months. When you are ready to use, allow the chicken and other ingredients to thaw in the fridge then cook according to recipe instructions.

  • If you are freezing the ingredients you will want to blanch the asparagus first. You do this by bringing a pot of water to boil. Add the cut asparagus and boil for 3-5 minutes depending on the size of the stalks. Drain and immediately put the asparagus in cold water. Once they’ve cooled dry them and put them in a freezer safe bag.

Leftovers:  Put leftovers in an airtight container and store in the fridge for 3-4 days. For longer storage, put in the freezer for 2-3 months. For best results reheat in a skillet, stir until hot. If you’re in a hurry you can reheat in the microwave. 

Orange chicken with asparagus served over white rice

Here are more Asian chicken recipes we love:

5 from 11 votes

Orange Chicken and Asparagus Recipe

By: Lil’ Luna
For a healthier alternative to a favorite Chinese dish, try this Orange Chicken and Asparagus. Serve over rice or noodles, or enjoy on its own!
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Total: 15 minutes

Ingredients 

  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 4 oz chicken sliced into strips
  • 1 tsp minced garlic
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 2 cups asparagus chopped
  • 1 tsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp honey
  • 1 tsp sesame seeds
  • 1 juice and zest of orange
  • rice (optional)

Instructions 

  • Heat sesame oil in a large skillet. Sauté sliced chicken, garlic and red pepper flakes for about 7 minutes. Add chopped asparagus and cook for an additional 3 minutes.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, sesame seeds, and juice and zest of 1 orange. Add to skillet and cook for 1 minute. Serve plain or over rice of your choice.

Nutrition

Calories: 463kcal, Carbohydrates: 18g, Protein: 28g, Fat: 32g, Saturated Fat: 7g, Cholesterol: 85mg, Sodium: 429mg, Potassium: 755mg, Fiber: 5g, Sugar: 10g, Vitamin A: 2335IU, Vitamin C: 17.7mg, Calcium: 96mg, Iron: 7mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Chinese
Making this recipe? Tag us!
Share it with us on Instagram using the hashtag #lilluna, so we can see what you’re creating in the kitchen!

Adapted from: Fitness Magazine



About Kristyn

My name is Kristyn and I’m the mom of SIX stinkin’ cute kids and the wife to my smokin’ hot hubby, Lo. My mom’s maiden name is Luna, and I’m one of the many crafty “Lil’ Lunas” in the fam. On this site I like to share all things creative - from recipes to home decor to gifts and home decor ideas. Welcome!

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19 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    I love asparagus is added to a recipe. It’s one of my favorite veggies. The chicken is easy to make and yummy!