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- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces - 2 tablespoons sesame oil - 1 red bell pepper, sliced - 1 cup broccoli florets - 1 carrot, julienned - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 inch ginger, minced - 1/4 cup soy sauce - 1/4 cup fresh orange juice - 1 tablespoon orange zest - 1 tablespoon honey - 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry) - 2 tablespoons sesame seeds - Green onions, chopped (for garnish) This dish shines with its fresh and vibrant ingredients. You need chicken breast as the main protein. Cut it into bite-sized pieces to cook evenly. Fresh vegetables bring color and crunch. The red bell pepper, broccoli, and carrot add both taste and health. Aromatics like minced garlic and ginger boost the flavor. For the sauce, mix soy sauce, fresh orange juice, zest, and honey. This mix gives the dish a sweet and tangy kick. The cornstarch slurry is key for thickening the sauce, making it cling to the chicken and veggies perfectly. Finally, sprinkle sesame seeds for a nutty finish. Don’t forget the green onions for a fresh touch on top. These ingredients make your Orange Sesame Chicken Stir Fry both tasty and fun to eat! 1. Preparing chicken and vegetable ingredients Start with 1 pound of chicken breast. Cut it into bite-sized pieces. This helps it cook evenly. Next, wash and slice 1 red bell pepper. Cut it into thin strips. Then, take 1 cup of broccoli florets and 1 carrot. Julienne the carrot into thin matchsticks. Set these veggies aside. This mix adds color and crunch to your dish. 2. Preparing the sauce mix In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup of soy sauce and 1/4 cup of fresh orange juice. Add 1 tablespoon of orange zest and 1 tablespoon of honey. This mix gives your stir fry a sweet and tangy flavor. Finally, whisk in 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water. This slurry will help thicken your sauce later. 1. Stir-frying the chicken Heat 2 tablespoons of sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces. Cook for about 5 to 6 minutes. Stir often until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. When done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside. 2. Cooking the vegetables In the same skillet, add the sliced bell pepper, broccoli florets, julienned carrot, 2 cloves of minced garlic, and 1 inch of minced ginger. Stir-fry these for about 4 to 5 minutes. You want the veggies to be tender but still crisp. This keeps them bright and fresh. 3. Combining the chicken with the sauce and vegetables Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the orange sauce over everything. Stir well to coat all the ingredients evenly. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend nicely. 1. Thickening the sauce Keep cooking until the sauce thickens slightly. You’ll know it’s ready when it coats the chicken and veggies well. This adds a nice gloss and richness to the dish. 2. Garnishing the dish Once done, sprinkle sesame seeds over the stir-fry. Mix well to distribute the seeds. For a fresh touch, garnish with chopped green onions. This adds a pop of color and flavor. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious creation! - Optimal cooking temperatures: Heat your skillet or wok to medium-high. This helps the chicken sear nicely. - Timing for chicken and vegetables: Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes. Then, stir-fry the veggies for 4-5 minutes. This keeps them crisp. - Suggested spices and seasonings: Try adding crushed red pepper for some heat. A dash of black pepper also boosts flavor. - Alternative sweeteners: If you want less sugar, use maple syrup or agave. They add a nice touch without being too sweet. - Plating ideas for visual appeal: Serve the stir-fry in a bowl, topped with green onions. Use a colorful plate to make the dish pop. - Suggested side dishes to serve: Pair it with steamed rice or quinoa. They soak up the sauce well and balance the meal. {{image_2}} You can swap chicken for tofu or shrimp. Tofu works well for a vegetarian choice. It absorbs flavors and adds protein. For shrimp, use peeled and deveined shrimp. They cook quickly and add a nice texture. Feel free to change up the veggies. Try seasonal options like snap peas or zucchini. You can add or remove ingredients based on your taste. Want more crunch? Add water chestnuts. Prefer fewer carbs? Omit the carrots. You can adjust the sauce to suit your taste. If you like heat, add chili sauce for spice. For a less sweet version, cut back on honey. This way, you can create a sauce that's just right for you. To keep your Orange Sesame Chicken Stir Fry fresh, follow these steps: - Refrigeration: Place leftovers in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. This keeps the chicken juicy and the veggies crisp. - Freezing: If you want to save it for later, freeze the stir fry. Use a freezer-safe container or bag. It can last for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. When it's time to enjoy your leftovers, here’s how to reheat them: - Stovetop Method: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or oil to prevent sticking. Stir gently for about 5-7 minutes until heated through. - Microwave Method: Place in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a lid or damp paper towel. Heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway. Safety Tips: Always check that the chicken is hot all the way through. It should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Enjoy your meal safely! What can I substitute for soy sauce? You can use tamari for a gluten-free option. Coconut aminos is another good choice. Both options give a nice flavor without soy. Can I make this dish gluten-free? Yes, just use tamari instead of soy sauce. Make sure other ingredients do not contain gluten. How long does Orange Sesame Chicken Stir Fry last in the fridge? It lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container for best results. Can I make the sauce ahead of time? Yes, you can mix the sauce and store it in the fridge. This saves time when cooking. What’s the best way to cut chicken for stir fry? Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. This ensures even cooking and easy eating. What to serve with Orange Sesame Chicken Stir Fry? Serve it with rice or noodles for a complete meal. Steamed veggies also pair well. Can I serve this dish cold? Yes, you can serve it cold. It makes a great salad topping or lunch option. In this article, we explored how to make Orange Sesame Chicken Stir Fry. We covered all the ingredients, from chicken and veggies to the sauce mix. I shared step-by-step cooking instructions and tips for the best results. We also discussed variations, storage tips, and answered common questions. Now, you can create a delicious, customizable dish. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and ingredients. Make this meal your own, and savor every bite. Cooking should be fun and tasty!

Orange Sesame Chicken Stir Fry

Savor a delightful twist on dinner with this Orange Sesame Chicken Stir Fry! This quick and easy recipe features tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and a zesty orange sauce that will brighten your meals. Perfect for busy weeknights, you can whip it up in just 30 minutes!Enjoy a burst of flavor with every bite!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

2 tablespoons sesame oil

1 red bell pepper, sliced

1 cup broccoli florets

1 carrot, julienned

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 inch ginger, minced

1/4 cup soy sauce

1/4 cup fresh orange juice

1 tablespoon orange zest

1 tablespoon honey

1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)

2 tablespoons sesame seeds

Green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

In a large skillet or wok, heat sesame oil over medium-high heat.

    Add the chicken pieces and sauté for about 5-6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

      In the same skillet, add the sliced bell pepper, broccoli florets, julienned carrot, minced garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry for about 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.

        In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, fresh orange juice, orange zest, honey, and cornstarch slurry.

          Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the orange sauce over the mixture, stirring well until everything is evenly coated.

            Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.

              Once done, sprinkle sesame seeds over the stir-fry and mix well.

                Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4