Healthy Orange Chicken Stir Fry with Cauliflower Rice Recipe

If you’re craving something fresh, vibrant, and packed with flavor without derailing your healthy eating goals, then you’re going to love this Healthy Orange Chicken Stir Fry with Cauliflower Rice Recipe. It’s bursting with juicy chicken, crisp veggies, and an irresistibly tangy orange sauce—all served over light, fluffy cauliflower rice. Trust me, this dish quickly became a family favorite in my kitchen, and I can’t wait for you to try it!

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe brings together ingredients that complement each other beautifully—from the natural sweetness of fresh orange juice to the crunch of cashews and green beans. I’ve found that using fresh ginger and zest really elevates the flavor, so don’t skip them if you can help it!

• Coconut Oil: Adds a subtle tropical aroma to the cauliflower rice—use virgin coconut oil for best flavor.
• Cauliflower: The base for the rice, opt for a firm head with tight florets for the best texture.
• Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice: Fresh juice makes a huge difference—store-bought won’t be as bright or flavorful.
• Honey (or Agave Nectar): For natural sweetness; agave is a great vegan swap.
• Gluten-Free Soy Sauce: Make sure it’s gluten-free to keep the dish safe and tasty.
• Freshly Grated Ginger: Adds warmth and zest, don’t use pre-ground for this one!
• Cornstarch or Arrowroot Starch: Thickens the sauce without affecting flavor.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Just the right kick of heat—adjust to your spice tolerance.
• Orange Zest: Intensifies the citrus flavor in the sauce—grate just the orange part, avoid the bitter white pith.
• Toasted Sesame Oil: Adds a nutty depth—divided for cooking chicken and veggies.
• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast: Cut into bite-sized pieces for easy stir-frying.
• White Onion: Chunky cuts add slight sweetness and texture.
• Garlic Cloves: Fresh minced garlic brings that classic fragrant punch.
• Red Bell Pepper: Thin strips provide crunch and vibrant color.
• Fresh Green Beans: Trimmed and cut in 2-inch pieces for a fresh snap.
• Raw Cashews: Toasted cashews add crunch and a creamy note.
• Green Onion & Toasted Sesame Seeds: For garnish and extra flavor layers.

Variations

I love experimenting with this recipe depending on what I have on hand or the season. Feel free to tweak the veggies or protein to suit your taste or dietary needs—you’ll find it’s pretty forgiving but always delicious!

• Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken with a can of chickpeas—I’ve done this several times and it turns out just as satisfying and protein-packed.
• Spice It Up: Add extra red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha if you like things hotter; my family likes a medium heat, but you can dial it way up.
• Veggie Swap: Try snow peas or broccoli instead of green beans for a different twist—the trick is to keep veggies crisp to contrast the tender chicken.
• Rice Alternative: If you’re not into cauliflower rice, jasmine rice or brown rice both work, but I prefer cauliflower to keep it light and low-carb.

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

Step 1: Prepare the Cauliflower Rice

Start by breaking your cauliflower into florets and processing it into rice-sized pieces using either a box grater or a food processor. I personally love the food processor method because it’s quick and creates perfectly uniform pieces. Then, wrap the processed cauliflower in a clean dish towel and squeeze out all the excess moisture—that’s the secret to preventing soggy rice when cooked. Set it aside in a large bowl while you prep the rest.

Step 2: Whisk Together Your Tangy Orange Sauce

In a large bowl, whisk the fresh orange juice, honey, gluten-free soy sauce, grated ginger, cornstarch, red pepper flakes, and orange zest until the cornstarch is fully dissolved. This sauce packs all the vibrant citrus flavor and a nice kick from the red pepper flakes. Set it to the side for now—you’ll add it to the stir fry later.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add your seasoned chicken pieces and cook them for about 5-6 minutes until they’re cooked through and no longer pink inside. You’ll want a nice light sear on the outside but tender inside. After cooking, transfer the chicken to a bowl but don’t clean your pan yet—we’ll use those flavorful bits for the veggies.

Step 4: Sauté the Aromatics and Veggies

Add the remaining ½ tablespoon of sesame oil to the same pan over medium heat. Toss in the onion chunks and sauté until they begin to soften and turn translucent, about 2 minutes. Then, add the garlic, red bell pepper strips, green beans, and raw cashews. Stir frequently and cook them around 4-6 minutes—you’re aiming for tender-crisp veggies that still pack a nice crunch.

Step 5: Cook the Cauliflower Rice Separately

While the veggies are cooking, heat ½ tablespoon of coconut oil in another large skillet over medium heat. Add the cauliflower rice and sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s warmed through and just tender. Season it lightly with salt and pepper. Cooking it separately ensures it doesn’t get mushy and keeps the bright flavor from the coconut oil.

Step 6: Combine Everything with the Orange Sauce

Pour your prepared orange sauce into the pan with the sautéed veggies. Stir frequently as the sauce thickens, creating that glossy, sticky coating you want. Then, add the cooked chicken back into the pan and mix everything well. Turn the heat down to medium-low and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes so the sauce can thicken even more and flavors meld together beautifully.

Step 7: Serve It Up and Garnish

Spoon the stir fry generously over the fragrant cauliflower rice. To finish, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top for that extra crunch and freshness. I also like to toss in some fresh cilantro when I have it—it adds a lovely burst of color and herby brightness that’s irresistible.

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

Garnishes

I always finish this dish with a generous sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions—not only does it add a pop of color, but there’s that satisfying crunch with every bite. If I have fresh cilantro or even a little shredded carrot, I toss that on too. These simple garnishes make the dish feel extra special without any extra fuss.

Side Dishes

This dish is usually a one-pan wonder for me, but if you want to add a side, I suggest a crisp cucumber salad or steamed broccoli for extra greens. A light miso soup also complements the meal nicely if you want a little starter. Personally, I often keep it simple since the stir fry and cauliflower rice are so filling and balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I love serving this in individual mini cast-iron skillets or colorful bowls—makes it feel restaurant-worthy at home! Another fun idea I tried was to wrap the stir fry filling in lettuce leaves for a handheld twist, perfect for casual dinners or parties. You could also garnish with edible flowers for a beautiful pop of color if you’re feeling fancy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, separating the stir fry from the cauliflower rice if possible. This keeps both components fresher and helps avoid sogginess. They keep well for up to 3 days, and I always recommend reheating on the stove to maintain texture.

Freezing

Freezing works okay for the stir fry itself (just not the cauliflower rice separately, as it gets watery). If you want to prep ahead, freeze the orange chicken portion in a freezer-safe container without the rice. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

I always reheat leftovers gently over medium heat in a skillet, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. Microwaving can sometimes make cauliflower rice soggy, so stovetop reheating preserves the best texture. Stir frequently and heat until everything is warmed through.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Healthy Orange Chicken Stir Fry with Cauliflower Rice Recipe turned out because it’s vibrant, fresh, and surprisingly simple for a dish that feels so special. Every time I make it, my family goes crazy for the flavors and the fact that it’s both healthy and filling. If you’re looking for a recipe that’s quick enough for weeknights but impressive enough for guests, this one’s a keeper. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do!

Print