Easy Orange Chicken Meal Prep Recipe

Introduction

This Easy Orange Chicken Meal Prep is a flavorful, healthy option perfect for busy weekdays. Tender chicken pieces are coated in a tangy orange sauce, paired with fluffy rice and tender broccoli for a balanced meal.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
• 2 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger (grated)
• 1/2 tbsp orange zest
• 3 tbsp honey
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• Chopped green onion (for garnish)
• 2 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
• 1 cup rice
• 1.5 cups water
• Salt and black pepper (to taste)
• 2 small heads of broccoli

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes.
2. Step 2: Heat the sesame oil in a frying pan over medium heat and cook the chicken until browned, about 12-15 minutes.
3. Step 3: While the chicken cooks, combine orange juice, chicken broth, soy sauce, garlic powder, grated ginger, orange zest, honey, and black pepper in a small bowl to make the sauce.
4. Step 4: Remove the cooked chicken from the pan. Pour the sauce into the empty pan and cook, stirring frequently, until it thickens, about 5-10 minutes.
5. Step 5: Return the chicken to the pan and stir to coat all pieces evenly with the sauce. Sprinkle with chopped green onion and sesame seeds.
6. Step 6: While the chicken and sauce cook, rinse the rice and add to a saucepan with the water and a pinch of salt.
7. Step 7: Bring the rice to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer, cover, and cook for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for another 10 minutes. Fluff before serving.
8. Step 8: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cut the broccoli into florets, then add to the boiling water and cook for 3-4 minutes until tender. Drain well.
9. Step 9: Assemble your meal prep bowls by dividing the rice, orange chicken, and broccoli evenly into four containers.

Tips & Variations

• Substitute chicken breasts with thighs for juicier meat.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• Use brown rice instead of white rice for added fiber.
• Steam the broccoli instead of boiling for a fresher crunch.

Storage

Store the meal prep bowls in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave until warmed through before eating. For best texture, reheat broccoli separately or add it fresh.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, but be sure to fully thaw the chicken before cooking for even cooking and best texture.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

You can freeze this meal, but rice and broccoli may change texture when thawed. Freeze chicken and sauce separately and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Easy Orange Chicken Meal Prep Recipe

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This Easy Orange Chicken Meal Prep recipe features tender, bite-sized chicken breasts cooked in a flavorful orange sauce with garlic and ginger, served alongside steamed broccoli and fluffy rice. Perfect for preparing healthy, delicious meals ahead of time, this dish combines sweet and savory elements for a satisfying and balanced lunch or dinner option.

• Author: Sana
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Asian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Sauce

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp fresh grated ginger
• 1/2 tbsp orange zest
• 3 tbsp honey
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• Chopped green onion, for garnish
• 2 tbsp sesame seeds, for garnish

Rice

• 1 cup rice
• 1.5 cup water
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Broccoli

• 2 small heads of broccoli
• Pinch of salt (for boiling water)

Instructions

1. Prepare Chicken: Cut chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes for even cooking.
2. Cook Chicken: In a frying pan, heat sesame oil over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken and cook for about 12-15 minutes until browned and cooked through, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
3. Make Sauce: While chicken cooks, combine orange juice, chicken broth, low sodium soy sauce, garlic powder, grated ginger, orange zest, honey, and black pepper in a small bowl and mix well.
4. Cook Sauce: Remove the cooked chicken from the pan and set aside. Add the prepared sauce to the empty frying pan and cook over medium heat. Stir continuously, allowing the sauce to thicken, which will take approximately 5-10 minutes.
5. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the frying pan with the thickened sauce. Stir thoroughly to coat all pieces with the sauce evenly. Remove from heat.
6. Garnish Chicken: Sprinkle chopped green onion and sesame seeds over the chicken for added flavor and crunch.
7. Cook Rice: Rinse the rice under cold water. In a saucepan, combine rice, water, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let the rice sit, covered, for an additional 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving.
8. Prepare Broccoli: Bring a pot of water to a boil and add a pinch of salt. Wash broccoli and cut into florets. Add florets to the boiling water and cook for 3-4 minutes until tender but still crisp. Drain broccoli and set aside.
9. Assemble Meal Prep Bowls: Distribute the cooked rice evenly among 4 meal prep containers. Add the orange chicken and steamed broccoli to each container.
10. Storage: Cover and refrigerate the meal prep bowls for up to 3-4 days. Reheat before eating.

Notes

• Use low sodium soy sauce to keep sodium levels moderate.
• Adjust honey quantity based on desired sweetness.
• Ensure chicken is cooked completely to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Rice cooking times may vary based on rice variety—follow package instructions if different.
• Broccoli can be steamed instead of boiled for additional nutrients retention.
• For meal prep variety, consider adding sliced bell peppers or carrots to the broccoli during cooking.
• Reheat meals thoroughly before consuming.

Keywords: orange chicken, meal prep, healthy chicken recipe, chicken with broccoli, homemade orange sauce, easy dinner recipe