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Easy Orange Chicken Meal Prep Recipe

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4.1 from 56 reviews

This Easy Orange Chicken Meal Prep is a flavorful and healthy dish perfect for busy weeknights or prepared lunches. Featuring tender chicken cubes cooked in a tangy orange sauce with honey and ginger, served alongside fluffy rice and steamed broccoli, it offers a balanced, delicious meal that you can store and enjoy for several days.

Ingredients

Chicken and Sauce

  • 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)

Rice

  • 1 cup rice
  • 1.5 cup water
  • salt (to taste)
  • black pepper (to taste)

Vegetables

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

Instructions

  1. Prepare Chicken: Cut chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking and quick browning.
  2. Cook Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of sesame oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken and cook until browned and fully cooked through, approximately 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Make Sauce: While the chicken cooks, combine orange juice, chicken broth, low sodium soy sauce, garlic powder, grated fresh ginger, orange zest, honey, and black pepper in a small bowl. Stir well to mix.
  4. Cook Sauce: Remove the cooked chicken from the pan and set aside. Pour the prepared sauce into the emptied frying pan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, about 5-10 minutes.
  5. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the chicken to the pan and stir thoroughly to coat the chicken pieces evenly with the thickened orange sauce.
  6. Garnish Chicken: Sprinkle chopped green onion and sesame seeds over the chicken for added flavor and presentation.
  7. Cook Rice: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Place rice in a saucepan with 1.5 cups of water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer, cover with a lid, and cook for 10 minutes. After cooking, remove from heat and let the rice sit, covered, for another 10 minutes. Fluff rice with a fork before serving.
  8. Prepare Broccoli: Fill a pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a boil. Wash the broccoli and cut florets into bite-sized pieces. Add florets to boiling water and cook for 3-4 minutes until tender but still crisp. Drain the broccoli well.
  9. Assemble Meal Prep Bowls: Divide the cooked rice, orange chicken, and steamed broccoli evenly among 4 meal prep containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat before eating.

Notes

  • Use low sodium soy sauce to control sodium levels in this dish.
  • Ensure not to overcook broccoli to maintain a crisp texture and vibrant color.
  • This meal prep is best stored in airtight containers in the fridge and consumed within 3-4 days for freshness.
  • You can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts if you prefer juicier meat.
  • Add chili flakes or sriracha for a spicy kick if desired.
  • For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce.