healthy orange chicken
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Healthy Panda Express

If you love the bold, comforting flavors of your favorite Chinese takeout but want a version that supports your health and healing goals, this Healthy Orange Chicken with Veggie Fried Rice is for you. Inspired by the classic Panda Express dish, this recipe is made entirely with clean, organic ingredients—from freshly squeezed orange juice to pasture-raised chicken and vibrant veggies. It’s packed with zesty, naturally sweet flavors, nourishing ingredients, and satisfying textures that feel indulgent without compromising your wellness. Whether you’re prepping meals for the week or making a quick dinner for the family, this takeout-fakeout combo delivers all the comfort with none of the junk.

What makes this recipe truly special is the intention behind every ingredient. Instead of deep-frying or using processed sauces, the chicken is pan-seared until golden and tossed in a tangy homemade orange glaze sweetened with honey and brightened with fresh citrus. The veggie-packed fried rice is tossed in coconut aminos for a lower-sodium alternative and cooked with anti-inflammatory aromatics like garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Together, these dishes make a balanced, feel-good meal that’s easy to make, satisfying to eat, and nourishing from the inside out.

healthy homemade orange chicken with healthy homemade vegetable rice

My Favorite Brands to Use in This Recipe:

  • Coconut Aminos – Soy-free alternative to traditional soy sauce that’s lower in sodium and free from common allergens. Made from the fermented sap of coconut blossoms, it offers a slightly sweet, umami-rich flavor without the added MSG, gluten, or excessive salt often found in soy sauce. It’s a gentler, cleaner option for those looking to reduce inflammation, support thyroid health, or simply eat more mindfully—making it a great swap for any nourishing, whole-food recipe.
  • Bell & Evans Organic Chicken – Their chickens are raised without antibiotics or added hormones, fed a 100% organic, all-vegetable diet, and humanely cared for from hatch to harvest. What truly sets them apart is their air-chilled process. Instead of using chlorinated water baths like many brands, Bell & Evans air-chills their chicken resulting in better flavor, improved texture, and no added water weight. It means a crispier sear, juicier bites, and a more pure, natural taste. I trust it every time I want to serve something clean, simple, and truly delicious.
  • Lundberg Rice – My top choice for health-conscious kitchens because it’s organic, non-GMO, and grown using sustainable, eco-friendly farming practices. Unlike conventional rice brands, Lundberg prioritizes soil health, biodiversity, and water conservation so you’re not just nourishing your body, you’re supporting the planet too. Their rice is also tested for arsenic and other contaminants, making it a safer option.
  • Organic Vegetables – Organic produce is grown without synthetic pesticides or GMOs, preserving natural nutrients and flavors while reducing exposure to toxins. Opting for fresh, organic vegetables ensures you’re getting the cleanest, most nutrient-dense ingredients in every bit
  • Freshly Juiced Oranges – Fresh orange juice is naturally sweeter and more vibrant than store-bought varieties, which often contain added sugars, preservatives, and flavor enhancers. By juicing at home, you’re getting pure, unprocessed juice packed with vitamin C, antioxidants, and immune-supporting enzymes. It takes just a few minutes, and the fresh, zesty flavor it brings to the orange chicken sauce is totally worth it. Cleaner, brighter, and better for you.
healthy homemade orange chicken with healthy homemade vegetable rice

Healthy Orange Chicken With Veggie Fried Rice

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Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time1 hour

Ingredients  

Orange Chicken

  • 2 lbs Organic Chicken
  • 1/4 cup Cornstarch
  • 4 cloves Garlic
  • 1/4 cup Sesame Oil
  • 1/3 cup Coconut Aminos or Soy Sauce (Coconut Aminos has less sodium than Soy Sauce)
  • 1.5 cups Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice
  • 3 tbsp Honey
  • 1 tsp Onion Powder, Salt, Pepper
  • Green Onions & Sesame Seeds for garnish

Veggie Fried Rice

  • 1 cup Rice (already cooked and cooled)
  • 1 tbsp Honey
  • 2 tbsp Sesame Oil
  • 1 tsp RIce Vinegar
  • 1 small Onion (diced)
  • 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder & Onion Powder
  • 1 tbsp Fresh Ginger (minced)
  • 3 tbsp Green Onions
  • 1/2 cup Carrots
  • 1/2 cup Peas
  • 1/2 cup Corn
  • 1/2 cup Broccoli
  • 1/4 cup Coconut Aminos or Soy Sauce (Coconut Aminos has less sodium than Soy Sauce)

Instructions 

For the Orange Chicken

  1. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, then toss them in 1/4 cup cornstarch until fully coated. Set aside.
  2. In a saucepan, heat 2 tbsp sesame oil over medium heat.
  3. Add the 4 clove garlic and minced 2 tbsp ginger, sautéing for 3-5 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Stir in the 1/3 cup coconut aminos, 1.5 cups orange juice, 3 tbsp honey, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  5. Simmer the sauce over medium-low heat for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it slightly reduces and thickens. Be patient trust the process. It will thicken beautifully with time.
  6. In a separate pan over medium heat, warm the remaining 2 tablespoons of sesame oil.
  7. Add the cornstarch-coated chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding.
  8. Let the chicken cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes per side to ensure it browns evenly.
  9. Once the chicken is browned and cooked through, pour the orange sauce over it and toss to coat.
  10. Simmer for 10 minutes, letting the sauce thicken and coat the chicken. While it cooks, you can start preparing the rice and let the sauce gently simmer in the background.

Veggie Fried Rice

  1. Prepare the rice according to package instructions. Let it cool completely (best if made a day ahead!)
  2. Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent.
  3. Stir in minced garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant.
  4. Mix in the diced carrots, garlic powder, onion powder, and rice vinegar. Sauté for 5 minutes until the carrots are tender.
  5. Add the cold rice to the skillet, breaking apart any clumps.
  6. Stir in the coconut aminos and honey, ensuring the rice is evenly coated.
  7. Add the peas, corn, broccoli, and the white parts of the green onion, cooking until heated through.
  8. Garnish with the remaining green onion and enjoy with your orange chicken!

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