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Easy Orange Chicken Meal Prep

Featured in Master the Art of Main Course Creation.

This Easy Orange Chicken Meal Prep offers a healthier version of the popular Chinese-American dish that's perfect for busy weeks. Tender chunks of chicken breast are cooked in a sweet and tangy orange sauce made from fresh ingredients like orange juice, ginger, and honey. Paired with perfectly cooked rice and steamed broccoli, each container delivers a balanced meal with an impressive 62g of protein. The recipe comes together in just 35 minutes and creates four convenient meal prep containers that stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Rana
Updated on Mon, 03 Mar 2025 22:28:39 GMT
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Transform ordinary chicken into an extraordinary meal prep with this glazed orange chicken. Each container delivers sticky-sweet chicken pieces bathed in fresh orange sauce alongside fluffy rice and tender broccoli. The combination creates a balanced, protein-rich meal that rivals your favorite takeout while supporting your nutrition goals.

After countless attempts to recreate restaurant-quality orange chicken at home, this version quickly became our weekly meal prep staple. The way the citrus-infused sauce clings to each piece creates a dish that's both satisfying and nourishing.

Essential Bowl Elements

  • Chicken breasts: Create perfect protein foundation
  • Fresh orange juice: Provides authentic citrus flavor
  • Pure honey: Adds natural sweetness
  • Soy sauce: Delivers savory depth
  • Fresh ginger: Creates aromatic warmth
  • Sesame oil: Adds authentic Asian flavor
  • Fluffy rice: Forms perfect base
  • Fresh broccoli: Provides nutritional balance
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The Best Orange Chicken Meal Prep | flavorsenthusiasts.com

Creating Bowl Magic

Chicken Browning
Sear pieces until golden for flavor development.
Sauce Building
Combine citrus and savory elements perfectly.
Sauce Thickening
Simmer until syrupy consistency forms.
Perfect Coating
Return chicken to absorb rich flavors.
Rice Preparation
Cook properly for ideal fluffy texture.
Broccoli Blanching
Cook until vibrant green yet tender.
Strategic Assembly
Divide components for balanced portions.

Perfect Pairing Ideas

Serve these flavorful bowls with simple additions that enhance their Asian-inspired profile. Include a small container of chili oil for those who enjoy extra heat. For added freshness, pack a lime wedge to squeeze over just before eating. In our home, we love including pickled vegetables like cucumber or radish for contrasting textures and flavors.

Creative Variations

Transform these bowls with thoughtful adaptations while maintaining their satisfying nature. Try using chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier results. Create a pineapple version by adding chunks of fresh pineapple to the sauce. My family's favorite variation includes snow peas and water chestnuts for additional crunch.

Storage Success

Keep your meal prep fresh with proper techniques. Allow all components to cool completely before dividing into containers. For best texture, store sauce-covered chicken separately from rice and broccoli if possible. When reheating, add a splash of water to rice to restore moisture, and warm chicken gently to maintain its tender texture.

Prep Day Efficiency

Make meal prep day more streamlined with smart planning. Prepare rice in a rice cooker while focusing on the chicken. Cut all vegetables at once while water comes to a boil. Create an assembly line for portioning to speed up the process. The thoughtful organization makes this recipe even more convenient.

Dietary Adaptations

Modify these bowls for different needs while maintaining their delicious appeal. Create a gluten-free version using tamari instead of soy sauce. Make it vegan by substituting tofu for chicken and maple syrup for honey. The adaptable nature of this recipe makes it perfect for accommodating various dietary requirements.

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Orange Chicken Meal Prep | flavorsenthusiasts.com

After incorporating these bowls into countless weekly routines, I've discovered they're more than just convenient - they're genuinely delicious meals that prevent mid-week takeout temptations. Whether packed for lunch or enjoyed for dinner, these orange chicken bowls never fail to satisfy while supporting nutrition goals. The combination of quality ingredients and thoughtful preparation creates something truly special that makes healthy eating enjoyable.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well and often stay juicier when reheated.
→ How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use tamari or certified gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce.
→ Can I freeze these meal prep containers?
Yes, they freeze well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
→ What's the best way to reheat this meal?
Microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Adding a splash of water helps prevent the rice from drying out.
→ Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, though cooking time will increase to about 40-45 minutes for brown rice.

Healthy Orange Chicken Prep Bowls

A nutritious take on the classic orange chicken, with tender chicken breast in a tangy orange sauce, served with rice and broccoli.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
35 Minutes
By: Rana

Category: Main Courses

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Asian

Yield: 4 Servings (4 containers)

Dietary: Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Chicken

01 2 lbs chicken breasts, boneless, skinless
02 2 tbsp sesame oil

→ Sauce

03 1 cup orange juice
04 1/4 cup chicken broth
05 1/4 cup soy sauce, low sodium
06 1 tsp garlic powder
07 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
08 1/2 tbsp orange zest
09 3 tbsp honey
10 1/2 tsp black pepper

→ Topping

11 chopped green onion
12 2 tbsp sesame seeds

→ Broccoli and Rice

13 1 cup rice
14 1.5 cup water
15 salt and black pepper to taste
16 2 small heads of broccoli

Instructions

Step 01

Cut chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes.

Step 02

In a frying pan, heat up sesame oil and cook the chicken until it's brown. It will take around 12-15 minutes.

Step 03

While the chicken is cooking, mix all of the sauce ingredients together in a small bowl.

Step 04

Remove the cooked chicken and add the sauce to the empty frying pan. Cook the sauce until it thickens, stirring throughout. It will take around 5-10 minutes.

Step 05

Add the cooked chicken back into the frying pan and stir all the ingredients together to coat the chicken. Sprinkle with chopped green onion and sesame seeds.

Step 06

While cooking the chicken, cook the rice. Wash the rice and add it to a saucepan, then pour in the water. Add some salt. Bring the rice to boil and reduce to simmer for 10 minutes. Make sure you cover the saucepan with a lid. Let it sit for another 10 minutes (make sure you cook the rice as per instructions on the packet). Fluff your rice and leave it be.

Step 07

Fill a pot with water and bring to a boil. Add a pinch of salt. Wash the broccoli, cut away the stems from the crown, and slice your florets into pieces. Add florets into the boiling water and cook for 3-4 minutes until tender. Remove and drain your broccoli.

Step 08

Divide rice into 4 meal prep containers, and divide the orange chicken and broccoli. Your meal prep is ready! Keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days and reheat before eating.

Notes

  1. If the sauce is not thickening, combine 1 tbsp of cornstarch with 2 tbsp of water and add to the sauce
  2. Keeps in fridge for 3-4 days
  3. High in protein (62g per serving)
  4. Reheat before eating

Tools You'll Need

  • Frying pan
  • Saucepan with lid
  • Pot for boiling
  • Meal prep containers
  • Mixing bowl

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains soy

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 662
  • Total Fat: 15 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 71 g
  • Protein: 62 g