Healthy Orange Chicken Stir Fry with Cauliflower Rice Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that’s vibrant, flavorful, and downright good for you, then this Healthy Orange Chicken Stir Fry with Cauliflower Rice Recipe is going to become your new favorite. I absolutely love how this dish combines a tangy orange glaze with tender chicken and crunchy veggies, all served over light, fragrant cauliflower rice. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner that feels indulgent but checks all the boxes for health-conscious cooks like us. Keep reading, because I’m sharing all my tips to help you nail it every time!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love about this Healthy Orange Chicken Stir Fry with Cauliflower Rice Recipe is how simple and fresh the ingredients are. Each one plays a role in bringing balance—sweet, savory, spicy, and satisfying. When shopping, look for a firm cauliflower and fresh green beans to keep that crisp texture you’ll love.

• Cauliflower: The foundation for cauliflower rice—look for a fresh, dense head for the best texture.
• Coconut Oil: Adds a subtle tropical flavor that complements the orange sauce beautifully.
• Fresh Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed is key—it brightens the dish unlike anything bottled can.
• Honey or Agave Nectar: Sweetens the sauce naturally; you can adjust sweetness to your liking.
• Gluten-Free Soy Sauce: Adds umami; make sure to choose a gluten-free brand if you’re sensitive.
• Fresh Ginger: Gives that warm, zingy kick that lifts the whole dish.
• Cornstarch or Arrowroot Starch: For thickening the sauce to that perfect glaze consistency.
• Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch lends subtle heat—adjust if you like it spicier or milder.
• Orange Zest: Intensifies orange flavor with aromatic oils—don’t skip it!
• Toasted Sesame Oil: Use in two parts—one for cooking chicken, one for veggies to deepen flavor.
• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast: Cut into large, bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
• White Onion: Adds sweetness when sautéed—chunks hold up well in the stir fry.
• Garlic Cloves: Minced and fragrant—never underestimate garlic for flavor!
• Red Bell Pepper: Thin strips for vibrant color and a crunch that contrasts nicely.
• Fresh Green Beans: Trimmed and cut to 2-inch pieces, they bring a fresh snap.
• Raw Cashews: Toasted cashews add a buttery crunch and richness.
• Green Onion and Toasted Sesame Seeds: Garnishes that make the dish pop visually and texturally.

Variations

This recipe is super flexible, which is one reason I keep coming back to it. I encourage you to adjust the veggies based on what you have or what’s in season. It’s fun and rewarding to make this dish your own.

• Vegetarian Version: I swap the chicken for chickpeas sometimes, and honestly, it’s a delicious twist that satisfies the same craving.
• Spice Level: If you’re like me and enjoy some heat, bump up the red pepper flakes or add a splash of sriracha into the sauce.
• Vegetables: Try adding snap peas or broccoli florets for extra green goodness. Just remember to adjust cooking times so everything stays crisp-tender.
• Rice Alternative: If cauliflower rice isn’t your thing, basmati or jasmine rice works wonderfully for a more traditional feel.

How to Make Healthy Orange Chicken Stir Fry with Cauliflower Rice Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cauliflower Rice

Start by breaking the cauliflower into florets. You can either grate it by hand or pulse it in a food processor—trust me, the food processor is a huge time-saver here. Once it looks like rice, squeeze it in a clean kitchen towel to remove extra moisture. This step is super important so your cauliflower rice doesn’t turn mushy when cooking.

Step 2: Make the Orange Sauce

Whisk together the freshly squeezed orange juice, honey, gluten-free soy sauce, grated ginger, cornstarch, red pepper flakes, and orange zest in a bowl. This sauce is where all the magic happens—the cornstarch thickens it up beautifully while the zest amps up the orange flavor.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat a large skillet over medium-high and add 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame oil. Toss in your chicken pieces, season them well with salt and freshly cracked pepper, and cook until golden brown and cooked through—about 5 to 6 minutes. Once done, set the chicken aside so you can build flavor with the veggies.

Step 4: Sauté the Veggies and Cashews

Add the remaining half tablespoon of sesame oil to the pan and toss in the onion first. Cook just until it’s translucent, about 2 minutes. Then add garlic, red bell pepper, green beans, and raw cashews. Stir and cook for another 4 to 6 minutes—you want those green beans still crunchy for the best texture contrast.

Step 5: Cook the Cauliflower Rice

Meanwhile, heat the coconut oil in a separate skillet over medium heat. Add the cauliflower rice and sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper. I love how light and fragrant this rice tastes compared to traditional options.

Step 6: Combine and Finish

Pour the orange sauce into your veggie and cashew skillet. Stir continuously as the sauce thickens—it comes together pretty quickly. Toss the cooked chicken back in, stir well to coat everything, then reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to get that perfect glaze.

Serve the stir fry immediately over your coconut cauliflower rice, and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions. If you want to get fancy, a little fresh cilantro works wonders here.

How to Serve Healthy Orange Chicken Stir Fry with Cauliflower Rice Recipe

Garnishes

I always go for green onions and toasted sesame seeds because they add a fresh crunch and that nutty aroma that pairs perfectly with the orange sauce. Sometimes I throw on a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro for a pop of herbal brightness too — it really wakes up the flavors.

Side Dishes

This dish stands beautifully on its own, but if you want a little something on the side, a simple cucumber salad or steamed edamame works great. For an extra touch, a light miso soup or some pickled vegetables balance the sweetness nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

One of my favorite presentation ideas for a dinner party: serve the stir fry in a hollowed-out orange half or carved bell pepper bowl. It adds charm and a burst of color that gets everyone excited before their first bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After cooling, I store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The cauliflower rice keeps nicely, and the chicken stays juicy without drying out. I usually eat leftovers within 2-3 days for the best texture and flavor.

Freezing

I’ve had good luck freezing just the stir fry (without the cauliflower rice) in freezer-safe containers. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently—cauliflower rice tends to become watery when frozen, so I prefer making it fresh each time.

Reheating

Reheat the stir fry in a skillet over medium-low heat to maintain the sauce’s glaze and keep veggies crisp. I usually make fresh cauliflower rice to serve alongside for the best texture, but microwaving leftover rice works in a pinch.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Healthy Orange Chicken Stir Fry with Cauliflower Rice Recipe holds a special place in my dinner rotation because it’s both nourishing and exciting. Every time I cook it, I’m reminded how satisfying healthy cooking can be without compromising flavor or family favorites. Give it a try—you’ll love how fresh and vibrant it feels, and I bet it’ll become your go-to meal just like it did for me.

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