Are you looking for a mouth-watering chicken recipe that's easy to make? Look no further than sesame orange chicken! This dish is packed with flavor and it's perfect for dinner anytime. Plus, with only 631 calories per portion, it's a great way to enjoy tasty food without breaking the calorie bank.

Sesame orange chicken is not only delicious but also nutritious. One serving contains 33g of protein, 52g of carbohydrates, and 21g of fat. It's also a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

In this article, we'll explore the caloric breakdown, nutritional information, and health benefits of sesame orange chicken. Plus, we'll provide some cooking tips, substitute ingredients, and food pairing ideas to make this dish even more enjoyable.

Mouth-Watering Sesame Orange Chicken Recipe

Here's a simple recipe for sesame orange chicken that's sure to satisfy your taste buds:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons orange juice
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon minced ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup sesame seeds
• 2 tablespoons canola oil

Directions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together cornstarch, soy sauce, orange juice, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and stir-fry until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
3. Heat remaining 1 tablespoon of canola oil in the same skillet over medium-high heat. Add sesame seeds and stir-fry for 1 minute. Add the sauce and stir until thickened, about 2 minutes.
4. Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and toss to coat. Serve with rice and steamed vegetables.

Caloric Breakdown of 1 Portion Sesame Orange Chicken

A single serving of sesame orange chicken contains approximately:

• 631 calories
• 33g protein
• 52g carbohydrates
• 21g fat

Nutritional Information for 1 Portion Sesame Orange Chicken

Here's the nutritional information for one serving of sesame orange chicken:

• calories: 631
• Protein: 33g
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Fat: 21g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Cholesterol: 73mg
• Sodium: 1498mg
• Potassium: 521mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 21g
• Vitamin A: 7% DV
• Vitamin C: 95% DV
• Calcium: 11% DV
• Iron: 14% DV

Serving Size for 1 Portion Sesame Orange Chicken

One portion of sesame orange chicken should be approximately 1 cup or 233g.

Cooking Tips for Sesame Orange Chicken

Here are some tips to make the perfect sesame orange chicken:

• Cut the chicken into similarly sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
• Coat the chicken in cornstarch before cooking to keep it juicy.
• Mix the sauce ingredients in advance for a quick and easy meal prep.
• Add vegetables like broccoli, peppers, or snow peas for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Serve with rice or noodles to make it a complete meal.

Substitute Ingredients for Sesame Orange Chicken

Don't have all the ingredients for sesame orange chicken on hand? Here are some easy substitutes:

• Chicken thighs or pork can be used instead of chicken breast.
• Honey or agave nectar can be used instead of brown sugar.
• Rice wine or apple cider vinegar can be used instead of rice vinegar.
• Orange zest can be used instead of orange juice.

Food Pairing Ideas for Sesame Orange Chicken

Looking for some ideas on what to serve with sesame orange chicken? Try some of these delicious pairings:

• Steamed rice
• Fried rice
• Noodles
• Stir-fried vegetables
• Green salad

History of Sesame Orange Chicken

Sesame orange chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish that originated in California in the 1980s. It's a fusion of Chinese and American cuisine and has become a favorite in many households and restaurants.

Popular Variations of Sesame Orange Chicken

While the classic recipe for sesame orange chicken is delicious, there are many variations you can try to switch things up. Some popular variations include:

• Sesame ginger chicken: add extra ginger and sesame seeds for a more intense flavor.
• Spicy sesame orange chicken: add more red pepper flakes or sriracha for a spicy kick.
• Vegetarian sesame orange chicken: replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh.

Health Benefits of Sesame Orange Chicken

Sesame orange chicken contains several ingredients that offer health benefits, including:

• Chicken: a good source of protein and vitamin B12.
• Orange juice: high in vitamin C, which helps support the immune system and reduce inflammation.
• Garlic: may help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease.
• Ginger: has anti-inflammatory properties and may help relieve nausea and muscle pain.
• Sesame seeds: high in healthy fats and antioxidants.