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This orange chicken meal prep is perfect for making on the weekend to have lunch throughout the week! It’s gluten-free, paleo, and can be made whole30 and AIP.

Orange chicken is a classic! If you follow me on social media, you’ll know that this meal is constantly on repeat for lunch, dinner and just whenever. But seriously, who doesn’t want to have some takeout fakeout in the middle of the workday? This orange chicken meal prep is midday comfort food without feeling tired and icky afterward! It’s gluten-free, paleo, and easy to make AIP and whole30 compliant as well.

Why you’ll love this recipe

  • It’s easy to make. The recipe is essentially all made in one pan, and doesn’t require anything fancy!
  • It’s a well-balanced and filling lunch. This recipe is full of protein and fiber will definitely keep you full.

The Ingredients for the Orange Chicken

  • Chicken breast. You can also use boneless and skinless chicken thighs.
  • Arrowroot starch. This recipe uses arrowroot starch instead of a flour/egg coating for a grain and egg free version that still gives a nice coating to the chicken and thickens the sauce.
  • Broccoli and cauliflower rice  These simple sides pair perfectly with the orange chicken.
  • Orange juice, coconut aminos, coconut sugar, and orange zest. These are the main ingredients for the sauce. This recipe uses coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to keep this recipe gluten free.

How to make this orange chicken meal prep

  • Step one. Prep the vegetables and the sauce.
  • Step two. Prep the chicken and coat in arrowroot starch. Cook in the pan and add the sauce, allowing to thicken.

  • Step three. Assemble the meal prep bowls with broccoli, cauliflower rice, and orange chicken. Top with additional orange zest and green onions.

Tips & Tricks

  • Mix up the veggies. You can mix it up with different vegetables like carrots, bok choy, etc.
  • Double the recipe for dinner. Seriously, it’s perfect any time of day!

 Storage instructions

This orange chicken will last for about 3-4 days in the fridge. Perfect for making on a Sunday and bringing for an easy work lunch throughout the week. I recommend storing it in glass Tupperware!

Can you freeze this recipe?

You likely can freeze this recipe, yes! I haven’t done it myself but it should work out just fine. I wouldn’t freeze it longer than 3 months.

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Orange Chicken Meal Prep

★★★★★

5 from 7 reviews
  • Author: Michelle
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free
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Description

This orange chicken meal prep is perfect for making on the weekend to have lunch throughout the week! It’s gluten-free, paleo, and can be made whole30 and AIP.

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the sauce

  • 1/2 cup orange juice
  • 3 tbsp coconut aminos
  • 2 tsp apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tsp coconut sugar (omit for whole30)
  • Salt and pepper (omit pepper for AIP)

For the chicken

  • 1 lb chicken breast
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper (omit for AIP)
  • 2 tbsp arrowroot starch
  • 2 tbsp avocado oil
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 thumb ginger, minced

For serving

Instructions

  1. Whisk together the ingredients for the sauce in a small bowl. Set aside.
  2. Slice the chicken into bite-sized cubes. Add salt and pepper, and coat in arrowroot starch.
  3. Heat the oil over medium heat in a large pan and cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes until cooked through to 165 F. Set aside.
  4. Add the garlic and ginger to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes or until fragrant.
  5. Add the chicken back to the pan and stir in the sauce, coating the chicken. Simmer for about 2 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken and coat the chicken.
  6. Assemble the meal prep bowls with broccoli, cauliflower rice, and orange chicken. Top with additional orange zest and green onions.

Notes

All nutritional information are estimations and will vary. Information does not include optional ingredients.

  • Prep Time: 10
  • Cook Time: 25
  • Category: Meal prep
  • Method: stove top
  • Cuisine: Chinese

 

This post was originally published in 2019 and updated in 2023. Photos by Modern Food Stories.