Healthy Orange Chicken Stir Fry with Cauliflower Rice Recipe

If you’re craving a meal that’s bursting with flavor but still wholesome and nourishing, you’re going to adore this Healthy Orange Chicken Stir Fry with Cauliflower Rice Recipe. I absolutely love how the zesty orange sauce brings a bright, tangy punch that perfectly complements the tender chicken and crisp veggies, while the coconut cauliflower rice adds a subtle tropical twist that makes this dish absolutely memorable. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’s going to become one of your weeknight favorites, especially if you’re after something flavorful without any guilt.

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients in this Healthy Orange Chicken Stir Fry with Cauliflower Rice Recipe come together beautifully for a tasty, nutritious meal. Shopping for fresh produce and good-quality ingredients really makes a difference, especially with the orange and fresh ginger – they give the sauce that authentic zing you want.

• Coconut oil: Adds a lovely subtle tropical flavor to the cauliflower rice and helps keep it light and fluffy.
• Cauliflower: The star of the rice substitute here – low-carb, nutrient-packed, and perfect for soaking up all that delicious sauce.
• Orange juice: Freshly squeezed is best for natural sweetness and brightness.
• Honey (or agave nectar): Balances the tanginess with just the right hint of sweetness.
• Gluten free soy sauce: Brings that essential umami flavor – feel free to use tamari if you prefer.
• Freshly grated ginger: A little zing that wakes up the sauce.
• Cornstarch or arrowroot starch: Helps thicken the sauce perfectly without clumps.
• Red pepper flakes: Adds a gentle heat that’s so satisfying.
• Orange zest: Makes the sauce pop with fresh citrus aroma.
• Toasted sesame oil: Divided for searing the chicken and stir-frying the veggies for that nutty depth.
• Boneless skinless chicken breast: Clean and lean protein, cut into bite-sized pieces to cook quickly and evenly.
• White onion: Adds sweetness and texture.
• Garlic cloves: Because who doesn’t love fragrant garlic in their stir-fry?
• Red bell pepper: Sweet and colorful, packing in vitamins and crunch.
• Fresh green beans: Keeps that lovely snap – don’t overcook!
• Raw cashews: A nutty surprise for texture and richness.
• Green onion and toasted sesame seeds: Perfect garnishes to finish the dish with color and crunch.

Variations

One of the best things about this Healthy Orange Chicken Stir Fry with Cauliflower Rice Recipe is how flexible it is! I love to switch things up based on what’s in season or what my family is craving that week.

• Swap the protein: I’ve tried it with shrimp or tofu, and it’s equally fantastic – just adjust cooking time accordingly.
• Veggie swaps: Throw in snap peas, broccoli, or even mushrooms to mix colors and textures.
• Spice it up more: If you like heat, add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha in the sauce.
• Make it nut-free: Skip the cashews or replace them with toasted pumpkin seeds if needed.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Cauliflower Rice Like a Pro

Start by breaking your cauliflower into florets and pulsing them in a food processor until they resemble rice. I found that doing this in two batches gives you the best texture without turning it into mush. Next, wrap the riced cauliflower in a clean dish towel and squeeze out as much moisture as you can – this step is key to avoid soggy rice later! Set it aside in a bowl while you work on the rest.

Step 2: Whisk Up Your Flavor-Packed Orange Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together fresh orange juice, honey, gluten-free soy sauce, freshly grated ginger, cornstarch, red pepper flakes, and orange zest until smooth. Making the sauce ahead like this is a little trick I learned to help it thicken quickly once added to the stir-fry, saving you time and avoiding clumps.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken to Tender Perfection

Heat about 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then cook for 5-6 minutes until golden on the outside and fully cooked through. I like to avoid overcrowding the pan here since that can steam the chicken rather than sear it. Once done, transfer the chicken to a bowl and keep the pan hot for the veggies.

Step 4: Sauté the Veggies and Nuts

Add remaining sesame oil to the pan and toss in the onion chunks, cooking until they turn a bit translucent, about 2 minutes. Then add minced garlic, red bell pepper strips, green beans, and raw cashews. Sauté for 4-6 minutes – you want your green beans to stay nice and crisp, which really balances the texture when paired with tender chicken.

Step 5: Cook the Coconut Cauliflower Rice

While your veggies are sizzling, heat ½ tablespoon coconut oil in a separate skillet over medium heat. Add the cauliflower rice and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper and give it a quick toss to keep things light and fragrant with that subtle coconut touch – it’s honestly a game-changer.

Step 6: Combine, Simmer, and Serve

Pour your prepared orange sauce into the pan with the veggies and cashews. Stir frequently as the sauce thickens up, which usually takes just a couple of minutes. Then, add the cooked chicken back in, stirring gently to coat everything evenly. Let it simmer on medium-low for 2-3 minutes so all those flavors meld beautifully. Serve right away over your fragrant coconut cauliflower rice, and sprinkle with green onions and toasted sesame seeds for that final touch.

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

Garnishes

I love topping this stir fry with fresh green onions for a little sharpness and toasted sesame seeds for crunch and a lovely nutty aroma. If I’m feeling adventurous, cilantro adds a bright herbal note that lifts the dish. These simple garnishes make it look as great as it tastes!

Side Dishes

This recipe stands well on its own with the cauliflower rice, but if you want to add more, steamed bok choy or a side of pickled cucumbers add freshness and contrast beautifully. My family also loves some simple miso soup before this meal to round things out.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun dinner party, I sometimes serve this Healthy Orange Chicken Stir Fry with Cauliflower Rice Recipe in mini lettuce cups – it adds a crisp contrast and makes it finger-food friendly. Alternatively, plating the chicken and veggies over a fluffy bed of the coconut cauliflower rice in a colorful bowl, sprinkled generously with the garnishes, makes a visually stunning presentation that always impresses guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge where they stay fresh for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens as it sits, so stirring it gently before reheating helps bring back that perfect consistency.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this stir-fry before and it reheats nicely, though I usually freeze just the chicken and veggie mix without the cauliflower rice. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop to avoid the chicken becoming dry.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat this dish is on the stovetop over low-medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. This keeps everything moist and prevents the cauliflower rice from drying out or turning mushy like a microwave sometimes does.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Healthy Orange Chicken Stir Fry with Cauliflower Rice Recipe enough — it’s become such a staple in my kitchen when I want something quick, healthy, and seriously tasty. The balance of sweet, savory, and a little kick of spice is just perfect, and the coconut cauliflower rice adds that little extra something special. Give it a try and I guarantee you’ll enjoy every comforting, vibrant bite just like my family does. Once you master this, I bet it’ll quickly find a permanent spot in your dinner rotation!

Print