Orange brings a fabulous flavor to chicken or shrimp in this great dish. It’s easy to make, just prep everything ahead of time. This version is actually pretty mild, so if you want a little more kick in your dinner, add more red pepper and/or cayenne pepper to the sauce.

Orange Chicken with Bean Sprouts

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or 12 large shrimp
2 tablespoons butter or coconut oil
1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice* (See note)
1 teaspoon orange extract
1/4 cup water
1 tablespoon orange zest
3 tablespoons oyster sauce
2 tablespoons sugar free honey
1 teaspoon brown sugar substitute
1 teaspoon cornstarch
2 teaspoons minced ginger
1/2 onion, sliced
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 cup bean sprouts (optional)
2 tablespoons chopped green onions, including the green tops

Partially freeze the chicken to make it easier to cut, then cut it into bite-sized pieces. Dry chicken with paper towels.

Prepare the sauce ingredients by mixing the orange juice and zest, the orange extract, brown sugar substitute, ginger and pepper flakes, then set aside. In a small bowl, add the water and cornstarch and mix well. Set aside.

Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok until hot. Add half of the chicken and cook until brown. Remove to a paper towel covered plate, then cook the rest of the chicken and drain on paper towel.

Small batches help control the temperature of the pan so the chicken will cook more evenly.

Orange Chicken with Bean Spouts with Egg Foo Yung and Basic Cauli-rice.

In the same skillet or wok, with the pan drippings from the chicken, add the onions and a little more oil, if needed, and stir fry until tender, then spoon the onions out to the paper towel. Add the sauce mix to the wok, then the honey and stir together. Add the cornstarch and water to thicken. Use a wooden spoon to stir well and scrape the bits of meat that have stuck to the pan.

Toss in your chicken and onions and heat it through. Add bean sprouts and green onions and cook one more minute.

Serves 4.

Nutrition Information: (Chicken)
Calories: 192.5 Fat: 5.6 g Net Carbs: 6.4 g Protein: 28.9

Nutrition Information: (Shrimp)
Calories: 77.5 Fat: 3 g Net Carbs: 6.5 g Protein: 6.4 g

Atkins Phases 3 & 4

Note: You can push it a little on Phase 2, but not recommended under Atkins as orange isn’t on the approved list. You can substitute orange Crystal light or double the orange extract and add 1/4 cup water to mix it in. It will add the orange flavor without the carbs! Having said that, I made several dishes with orange while I was on Phase 2 and still lost weight. Just use it in moderation and if it affects your weight loss, don’t continue to use it while you’re in Phase 2.

Posted on 1/24/2014