Spicy Szechuan Orange Chicken

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup quick-cooking brown rice
• 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips
• 2 tsp. finely grated orange zest
• 1 tbsp. + 2 tsp. cornstarch
• 2 tbsp. reduced-sodium soy sauce
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1/3 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 2 tsp. honey
• 1 tsp. Asian (dark) sesame oil
• 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
• 2 tsp. canola oil
• 1 tbsp. finely grated peeled fresh ginger
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 bunch broccoli, cut into florets (3 cups)
• 2 carrots, thinly sliced on the bias

Makes 4 Servings

1. Cook rice according to package directions, omitting salt and fat.
2. Meanwhile, combine chicken, orange zest, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, and 1 tablespoon soy sauce in a large bowl and toss to coat. Combine orange juice, broth, honey sesame oil, pepper flakes, remaining 2 teaspoons cornstarch and remaining 1 tablespoon soy sauce in a small bowl.
3. Heat 1 teaspoon canola oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat until very hot. Add chicken and stir-fry until lightly browned, about 3 minutes; transfer to plate. Return skillet to heat and add remaining 1 teaspoon canola oil. Add ginger and garlic; stir-fry until fragrant, about 15 seconds. Stir in broccoli and carrots and stir-fry until broccoli is bright green, about 2 minutes. Pour in orange juice mixture; bring to boil and cook until thickened, about 1 minute. Add chicken and cook until heated through, about 1 minute. Divide chicken mixture and rice among 4 plates.

WW POINTS VALUE: 7 pts. (1 cup chicken mixture & 1/2 cup rice per serving)

 

Note: This recipe appears in the WW Tastier than Takeout Cookbook. Who doesn't love Chinese takeout once in a while? I love Chinese food because it's so flavorful and filling you never get hungry an hour later. Don't be intimidated if it doesn't look beautiful. This dish has bold flavors and will quickly fill you up. This dish is just as delicious without the rice but the rice helps soak up all the orange flavors. The combination of ginger, garlic, orange, honey and red pepper flakes give this dish the bold heat in its name. You can use, turkey, pork, or even duck as the protein in this dish and your dish will still be delicious. The next time you're craving Chinese, PUT DOWN  THE TAKEOUT MENU!!! Cook this classic dish in 30 minutes or less and you'll be very happy.