Are you ready to take your taste buds on a vibrant journey to the heart of Asian cuisine? Our Orange Chicken and Mixed Greens Salad is not just a meal; it’s an explosion of flavors that will leave you craving more! With juicy, marinated chicken glazed in a tangy orange sauce, paired with crisp mixed greens, this dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a delightful weekend treat. In just 35 minutes, you can whip up this colorful, healthy masterpiece that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Dive into our recipe and discover how easy it is to bring restaurant-quality flavors to your kitchen!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups mixed greens
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 2 cups of mixed greens, 1 lb of diced chicken breast, 1/2 cup of orange juice, 1/4 cup of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a medium bowl, combine the orange juice and soy sauce to create a marinade. Whisk together until well mixed.
- Add the diced chicken breast to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. Let it marinate for about 10 minutes to enhance the flavor.
- While the chicken is marinating, prepare the mixed greens salad. In a large bowl, place the 2 cups of mixed greens. You can use a mix of lettuce, spinach, and arugula for added texture and flavor.
- After the chicken has marinated, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken to the skillet, reserving the marinade for later. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is golden brown and cooked through.
- Pour the reserved marinade into the skillet with the cooked chicken. Allow it to simmer for an additional 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- While the chicken is simmering, prepare the salad dressing. You can use the remaining marinade as a dressing or create a simple dressing by whisking together olive oil, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Once the chicken is done cooking, remove it from the heat and let it cool for a minute.
- To serve, divide the mixed greens among four plates. Top each plate with the orange chicken mixture.
- Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds over the salads for added crunch and flavor.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salads, if using the simple dressing. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired.
- Enjoy your Orange Chicken and Mixed Greens Salad as a fresh and flavorful meal!
Tips
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 10 minutes, but if you have more time, marinating for up to 30 minutes can enhance the flavors even further.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh mixed greens and high-quality orange juice for the best taste. Fresh ingredients elevate the dish and contribute to a vibrant presentation.
- Adjust the Sauce: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a teaspoon of honey to the marinade. For a spicier kick, consider adding a dash of chili flakes or sriracha.
- Cook Chicken Evenly: Ensure the chicken pieces are cut uniformly to ensure even cooking. This helps avoid any undercooked or overcooked pieces.
- Experiment with Greens: Feel free to mix and match your greens! Spinach, arugula, and even kale can add unique textures and flavors to your salad.
- Presentation Matters: For an eye-catching presentation, layer the salad with the orange chicken on top and sprinkle the sesame seeds just before serving.
- Make it a Meal Prep: This salad is great for meal prep! Store the chicken and salad separately in the fridge and combine them just before serving to keep everything fresh.
- Leftover Magic: If you have leftovers, the chicken can be used in wraps or served over rice for another delicious meal the next day!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 288kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 90mg
