Healthy Orange Chicken Stir Fry with Cauliflower Rice Recipe

If you’re craving a vibrant, satisfying dish that keeps things light but packs a punch of flavor, I’ve got just the thing for you. This Healthy Orange Chicken Stir Fry with Cauliflower Rice Recipe has become one of my absolute favorite dinners to whip up on busy weeknights – it’s fresh, zingy, and comforting all at once. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find it’s a keeper in your recipe rotation!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together perfectly to balance sweetness, savory, and a little heat. Plus, the cauliflower rice is surprisingly easy to prep and gives you a satisfying base without the carbs of regular rice.

• Cauliflower: Pick a fresh, firm head for the best texture in your rice – it’s the star of the healthy swap here.
• Coconut oil: Adds a subtle richness when cooking the cauliflower rice.
• Orange juice: Freshly squeezed really makes a noticeable difference – that bright citrus flavor is everything.
• Honey or agave nectar: Just a touch to sweeten the sauce naturally.
• Gluten-free soy sauce: Choose your favorite brand that’s naturally brewed for depth in the sauce.
• Fresh ginger: Grated fresh for that warm, spicy zing – it keeps the flavors lively.
• Cornstarch or arrowroot starch: This thickens the sauce nicely without heaviness.
• Red pepper flakes: Adds a gentle kick – adjust to your spice preference.
• Orange zest: Don’t skip this; the zest boosts the citrus notes beautifully.
• Toasted sesame oil: For that nutty aroma and flavor in the stir fry vegetables and chicken.
• Boneless skinless chicken breast: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking and easy serving.
• White onion: Adds sweetness and texture to the veggies.
• Garlic cloves: Minced fresh – garlic is always a good idea!
• Red bell pepper: Thinly sliced for color and crunch.
• Fresh green beans: Trimmed and cut – they bring a fresh snap.
• Raw cashews: Toasted lightly in the stir fry for pleasant crunch and richness.
• Green onion & toasted sesame seeds: Optional garnishes, but they truly bring this dish together visually and flavor-wise.

Variations

I love how flexible this Healthy Orange Chicken Stir Fry with Cauliflower Rice Recipe is. Feel free to tweak it to suit your pantry or dietary needs — that’s part of the fun in making a recipe your own!

• Vegetarian version: Swap out chicken for a can of chickpeas — it’s one of my favorite plant-based tweaks and still delivers hearty protein.
• Spice it up: Add more red pepper flakes or even a dash of sriracha if you want a fiery edge; my husband swears by this variation!
• Veggie swap: Try swapping green beans for snap peas or broccoli for extra freshness and crunch.
• Low sodium: Use reduced-sodium soy sauce and adjust the seasoning; I often do this for a gentler flavor.

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

Step 1: Prep the Cauliflower Rice

Start by trimming your cauliflower and breaking it into florets. Using a food processor makes this so much easier—I toss half the florets in at a time and pulse until it looks like rice grains. One trick I learned is to make sure you squeeze excess moisture out with a clean dish towel; this prevents soggy “rice” when cooking. Set aside the dry cauliflower rice while you prep the rest.

Step 2: Whip Up the Orange Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together fresh orange juice, honey, gluten-free soy sauce, freshly grated ginger, cornstarch, red pepper flakes, and the zest from one big orange. The cornstarch dissolves easily this way, preparing a perfectly smooth sauce that’ll thicken beautifully when cooked. I always like to whisk well here to avoid any lumps later on.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat a large pan over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil. Season your chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then cook them in the pan for about 5-6 minutes until they’re no longer pink inside and have a nice golden crust. This step locks in the juices. Once cooked, set the chicken aside but keep the pan hot — the sauce and veggies come next!

Step 4: Sauté the Veggies and Cashews

Add the remaining ½ tablespoon sesame oil to the same pan over medium heat, then toss in your onions. Cook until just translucent, about 2 minutes, then add minced garlic, bell pepper strips, green beans, and raw cashews. I like to sauté for 4-6 minutes here—green beans should stay a little crunchy for that perfect texture balance.

Step 5: Cook the Cauliflower Rice

While your veggies cook, heat ½ tablespoon coconut oil in a separate large skillet over medium heat. Toss in your prepared cauliflower rice and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This is where it transforms from a raw veggie to a light, fluffy base that feels like traditional rice but without the carbs.

Step 6: Combine and Simmer

Pour the orange sauce into the pan with the veggies and stir frequently. You’ll see it start to thicken—a good sign! Add the cooked chicken back in, stirring well to coat. Turn the heat down to medium-low and let everything simmer for 2-3 minutes so the flavors meld and the sauce thickens a bit more.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Dish out the steaming-hot stir fry over your coconut cauliflower rice. For that last touch, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onion on top. If you’re feeling fancy, a little fresh cilantro is divine here, too. Right at this moment, you know you’ve created something special!

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

Garnishes

I love finishing this dish with thinly sliced green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds—they add a wonderful fresh bite and a subtle nuttiness. Sometimes I throw on a few chopped cilantro leaves for a little herbal brightness that cuts through the sweetness of the sauce perfectly.

Side Dishes

This stir fry is so filling I usually serve it on its own, but if you’re feeling indulgent, a simple miso soup or steamed edamame pairs beautifully. For a crunchy side, pickled cucumber salad works wonders to add a tart contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I like serving this in individual small bowls with the cauliflower rice molded into a neat dome using a measuring cup, topped with the chicken stir fry and sprinkled with garnishes. It makes the dish look restaurant-worthy but takes almost no extra effort!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The cauliflower rice holds up nicely, and the sauce soaks into the chicken and veggies, making every bite flavorful. Make sure to cool everything before storing to keep it fresh longer.

Freezing

Freezing works, but I recommend freezing the chicken stir fry and cauliflower rice separately if possible. Cauliflower rice can sometimes get softer when frozen and reheated. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm the stir fry in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently to avoid sticking. The cauliflower rice can be reheated with a splash of water or a little coconut oil to keep it fluffy. Microwave works in a pinch, but stovetop reheating really preserves texture best.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Healthy Orange Chicken Stir Fry with Cauliflower Rice Recipe has truly become a favorite in my kitchen—and I hope it will in yours too. It strikes the perfect balance of fresh, flavorful, and comforting, all while being nourishing and pretty easy to make. Next time you want a delicious dinner that doesn’t weigh you down, give this a try—you’ll be so glad you did!

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