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Orange Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry with Zucchini & Rice

This quick and flavorful stir-fry combines juicy chicken, vibrant zucchini, and a tangy orange garlic sauce, served over rice.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Serving Size 4 servings

Ingredients

For the Chicken

  • 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce for marinating
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch for marinating

For the Sauce

  • 1/2 cup fresh orange juice (about 2 oranges)
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch for thickening
  • 1/4 cup water or chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional, for added depth)

For the Stir-Fry

  • 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into half-moons
  • 1 medium onion, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or sesame oil) for frying
  • 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or jasmine)

For Garnish

  • sesame seeds or chopped green onions optional, for serving

Instructions

Preparation

  • In a bowl, combine the sliced chicken with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Toss to coat the chicken evenly and let it marinate for about 10 minutes.

Orange Garlic Sauce

  • In a small bowl, whisk together the orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, cornstarch, and water (or chicken broth). Set aside.

Cooking

  • Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
  • In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Add the sliced zucchini and onion. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until the zucchini is tender but still slightly crisp. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 additional minute until fragrant.
  • Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the vegetables. Pour the orange garlic sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Stir well to coat everything. Allow the sauce to simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens and becomes glossy.

Serving

  • Serve the Orange Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry over a bed of steamed rice. Garnish with sesame seeds or green onions if desired.

Notes

For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken for longer. Ensure your pan is hot enough before adding the chicken for a nice sear. Feel free to mix in other vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas based on your preference.