Healthy Orange Chicken Stir Fry with Cauliflower Rice Recipe

If you’re looking for a delicious and wholesome dinner idea, you’re going to love this Healthy Orange Chicken Stir Fry with Cauliflower Rice Recipe. It’s packed with vibrant flavors, colorful veggies, and a tangy-sweet orange sauce that I just can’t get enough of. Plus, swapping traditional rice for coconut cauliflower rice keeps it light without sacrificing any taste. Stick with me here—I promise this fan-freaking-tastic meal will easily become a go-to in your kitchen!

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Healthy Orange Chicken Stir Fry with Cauliflower Rice Recipe brings together ingredients that harmonize beautifully—the sauce is naturally sweet and tangy, while the veggies add crunch and color. When shopping, I like to pick a fresh, firm cauliflower and the freshest chicken breast I can find for the best flavor and texture.

• Cauliflower: Use a firm head with no brown spots; fresh is always better for cauliflower rice.
• Coconut oil: Adds a subtle tropical note to the cauliflower rice that pairs perfectly with orange flavors.
• Orange juice: Freshly squeezed is a game changer here—you’ll get that bright citrus zing that bottled just can’t match.
• Honey or agave nectar: Balances the acidity of the orange juice naturally.
• Gluten-free soy sauce: Essential for that savory umami punch; be sure to choose gluten-free if that’s important to you.
• Fresh ginger: Adds a little bit of spicy warmth that wakes up the entire dish.
• Cornstarch or arrowroot starch: Helps thicken the sauce so it clings beautifully to the chicken and veggies.
• Red pepper flakes: Just a touch adds subtle heat that enhances the overall flavor.
• Chicken breast: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking and easy eating.
• White onion: Adds subtle sweetness and a bit of crunch.
• Garlic: Minced, for that lovely aromatic boost.
• Red bell pepper: Thin strips bring sweet, crisp bursts of flavor.
• Fresh green beans: Trimmed and cut to keep their snap.
• Cashews: Toasted for crunch and nutty richness.
• Toasted sesame oil: Adds a deep, nutty flavor that rounds out the stir fry.
• Garnishes (green onion and toasted sesame seeds): For a fresh and crunchy finish.

Variations

I love how flexible this Healthy Orange Chicken Stir Fry with Cauliflower Rice Recipe is. Depending on what you have in your fridge and your dietary needs, you can easily adjust it to suit your taste. Don’t be afraid to get creative here!

• Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken for a can of chickpeas—I did this once on a whim, and the chickpeas soaked up the sauce wonderfully.
• Spice it up: Add extra red pepper flakes or a fresh chopped chili if you want to dial up the heat.
• Veggie Swap: Try swapping green beans for snap peas or broccoli florets for variety in texture and flavor.
• Nut-free option: Leave out the cashews and sprinkle with toasted pumpkin seeds instead for crunch without nuts.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Cauliflower Rice

Start by breaking your cauliflower into florets and pulse half in a food processor until the pieces look like rice grains—this is way easier and less messy than grating! Add remaining florets and pulse again. Then, wrap the processed cauliflower in a clean dish towel and squeeze out as much moisture as you can. This tip I learned from a friend really helps keep your cauliflower rice from getting soggy when you cook it later!

Step 2: Whisk Together That Zesty Orange Sauce

In a bowl, combine the orange juice, honey, soy sauce, grated ginger, cornstarch (or arrowroot), red pepper flakes, and orange zest. Whisk everything well to dissolve the cornstarch completely—this way, your sauce thickens perfectly without any lumps. Setting this aside while you cook other parts saves time later.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken to Perfection

Heat 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season your chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the hot pan. Cook for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re no longer pink and have a nice sear. Transfer the chicken to a bowl and keep it warm—don’t rush this step because well-cooked chicken makes all the difference!

Step 4: Sauté Your Veggies and Cashews

Add the remaining ½ tablespoon of sesame oil to the pan and reduce heat to medium. Toss in the onion chunks and cook until they start to turn translucent, about 2 minutes. Then add garlic, red bell pepper strips, green beans, and cashews. Sauté for another 4-6 minutes—you want the veggies tender but still with a bit of crunch, which gives the stir fry great texture.

Step 5: Cook the Coconut Cauliflower Rice

While the veggies cook, heat ½ tablespoon coconut oil in a separate skillet over medium heat. Add your squeezed-dry cauliflower rice and sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season this lightly with salt and pepper. The coconut oil is my secret to making the cauliflower rice taste fresh and a little indulgent, without adding calories.

Step 6: Bring It All Together with the Sauce

Pour the prepared orange sauce into the veggie pan. Stir frequently as the sauce thickens up—it should start to coat the vegetables beautifully after a minute or two. Then, add the cooked chicken back in and stir everything together. Turn the heat down to medium-low and let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes so all those flavors can marry into one scrumptious dish.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Serve your orange chicken stir fry hot over the fragrant coconut cauliflower rice, and sprinkle generously with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions. I like to add a little fresh cilantro on top sometimes—it brightens up the whole plate and adds a lovely herbal note.

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

Garnishes

I always top this dish with plenty of sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds—that combination adds freshness and a little crunch that takes each bite up a notch. Sometimes I’ll throw in chopped fresh cilantro for a bright herbal finish, especially when serving guests or craving a little extra zing.

Side Dishes

This stir fry is pretty much a full meal on its own, but when I want to go big, I love serving it with a simple miso soup or steamed edamame for extra protein. A crisp cucumber salad on the side also balances the warmth and richness of the stir fry beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun dinner party, I like to serve this stir fry inside hollowed-out mini pumpkins or bell peppers—it makes the plate look colorful and festive. Another favorite trick is to serve the cauliflower rice in small lettuce cups topped with the chicken stir fry, turning it into a playful handheld appetizer or light dinner.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I noticed the veggies and chicken stay quite tender if you reheat gently, but the cauliflower rice can dry out a bit so I add a splash of water or a tiny drizzle of coconut oil before reheating to bring back some moisture.

Freezing

Freezing works best if you store the stir fry and cauliflower rice separately to keep the texture intact. Freeze in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to avoid soggy cauliflower rice.

Reheating

I find reheating this dish on the stovetop gives the best results—just warm it gently over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. This helps keep the sauce luscious and the chicken tender without drying anything out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Healthy Orange Chicken Stir Fry with Cauliflower Rice Recipe turns out every time. The blend of zesty orange sauce, tender chicken, crunchy veggies, and fragrant coconut cauliflower rice makes it a marriage of flavors I keep coming back to. When I first tried it, I was skeptical about cauliflower rice replacing the real thing, but now it’s a family favorite that even my pickiest eaters enjoy. I really encourage you to give it a shot—it’s one of those recipes that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen but actually comes together pretty quickly and healthily. Trust me, you’re going to nail this one!

Print