Name: Low Sodium Orange Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken, diced; 2 tbsp cornstarch; ½ cup flour; 1 egg; 1–2 tbsp water; 1 tsp garlic powder; ¼ tsp black pepper; 1 tbsp oil; ½ cup orange juice; 1 tbsp orange zest; ¼ cup brown sugar; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp ginger; 1 tbsp rice vinegar; 2 tbsp cornstarch; ¼ cup cold water

This low sodium orange chicken is crispy, sweet, and full of fresh citrus flavor. It delivers a takeout-style taste while staying heart-healthy and completely flavorful without salt. Perfect for a sodium-conscious dinner that helps reduce blood pressure.

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Table of Contents

Ingredients Needed

For the Crispy Chicken:

1 lb chicken breast or thighs: diced, no added salt
2 tablespoons cornstarch: helps create crisp texture
½ cup all-purpose flour: for coating
1 egg: binds the batter
1–2 tablespoons water: to adjust batter thickness
1 teaspoon garlic powder: adds flavor without salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper: mild heat
1 tablespoon vegetable oil: for baking
2 green onions: sliced for garnish
1 tablespoon sesame seeds: optional topping

For the Orange Sauce:

½ cup orange juice: fresh or no-sugar-added
1 tablespoon orange zest: boosts citrus flavor
¼ cup brown sugar: adds sweetness
1 teaspoon garlic powder: for depth
1 teaspoon ground ginger: warm spice
1 tablespoon rice vinegar: adds tang
2 tablespoons cornstarch: thickens sauce
¼ cup cold water: for slurry
¼ teaspoon chili flakes (optional): light heat

How To Make Low Sodium Orange Chicken

Prepare the Chicken: Place diced chicken in a bowl. Toss with cornstarch to coat lightly.

Make the Batter: In another bowl, mix flour, egg, garlic powder, and black pepper. Add water slowly until a smooth batter forms.

Coat and Bake: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment and spread oil. Dip chicken into batter, place on the sheet, and bake for 30 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and fully cooked.

Prepare the Sauce: In a saucepan, combine orange juice, zest, brown sugar, garlic powder, ginger, rice vinegar, and chili flakes. Heat gently.

Thicken the Sauce: Mix cornstarch with cold water, then stir into the sauce. Cook until thick and glossy.

Combine and Serve: Toss baked chicken in the orange sauce until coated. Top with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Recipe Tips

Use fresh orange juice for the best flavorful without salt result
Bake instead of fry to keep it heart-healthy
Add fresh garlic for extra depth without sodium
Do not skip the orange zest—it boosts natural flavor
Great for a low sodium Asian-style meal at home

How to Store & Reheat

Room Temperature: Do not leave out longer than 2 hours
Fridge: Store in a sealed container for up to 3 days
Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in oven for best texture

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 290
Sodium: ~63 mg
Protein: 24 g
Fat: 6 g
Carbs: 32 g
Fibre: 1 g
Sugar: 14 g

FAQs

Is orange chicken usually high in sodium?
Yes, traditional orange chicken often contains soy sauce and processed sauces, which are high in sodium. This version is sodium-conscious and much lower.

How do you make orange chicken low sodium?
Skip soy sauce and use orange juice, vinegar, garlic, and ginger to build flavor. This keeps the dish flavorful without salt.

Can I make this recipe without sugar?
You can reduce or replace brown sugar with a natural sweetener, but the flavor will be less traditional.

Is this recipe good for the DASH diet?
Yes, it fits well into a DASH diet because it is low sodium and uses whole, fresh ingredients.

What can I serve with low sodium orange chicken?
Serve with plain rice, steamed vegetables, or quinoa. Keep sides simple and no added salt for a balanced, heart-healthy meal.

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