10 Healthy & Easy Chinese Chicken Recipes for Dinners

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Hey there, fellow food lovers! If you’re anything like me, you crave those bold, savory flavors of Chinese cuisine but don’t want to sacrifice your health goals or spend hours in the kitchen. That’s why I’ve rounded up these 10 healthy and easy Chinese-inspired chicken recipes perfect for weeknight dinners. They’re packed with lean protein, fresh veggies, and lighter twists on classic sauces—no deep-frying or heavy oils here! Each one comes together in under 30 minutes, uses simple ingredients you probably have on hand, and serves about 4 people. Whether you’re cooking for the family or meal-prepping, these will become your go-tos. Let’s dive in and get that wok sizzling!

1. Skinny Sesame Chicken

This lighter take on sesame chicken skips the batter and frying for a quick stir-fry that’s sticky, sweet, and oh-so-satisfying. It’s lower in calories but big on flavor, thanks to a honey-soy glaze.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tsp cornstarch
  • 1 bell pepper, sliced
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • Sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, whisk soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and cornstarch. Add chicken and marinate for 10 minutes.
  2. Heat a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned.
  3. Toss in bell pepper and stir-fry for another 3 minutes.
  4. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve over brown rice.

Tip: This dish is under 300 calories per serving and loaded with protein to keep you full. Swap honey for maple syrup if you want a vegan twist on the sauce!

2. Chinese Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry

Garlic lovers, rejoice! This simple stir-fry bursts with aromatic garlic and tender chicken, balanced with crisp veggies for a healthy, flavorful meal.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb chicken thighs, sliced thinly
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp oyster sauce (or hoisin for a veggie option)
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 cup snap peas
  • 1 carrot, julienned
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Heat oil in a wok over high heat. Add garlic and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Add chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes until no longer pink.
  3. Stir in snap peas, carrot, and oyster sauce. Cook for 2-3 more minutes.
  4. Season and serve hot.

Tip: Garlic boosts immunity, making this a great choice during cold season. Use chicken breasts for even leaner protein.

3. Healthy Orange Chicken

Skip the takeout with this zesty, tangy orange chicken made healthier by baking the chicken and using fresh orange juice for the sauce.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb chicken breasts, cubed
  • Juice and zest of 2 oranges
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp ginger, grated
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with water
  • Broccoli florets for serving

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Bake chicken cubes on a lined sheet for 15 minutes.
  2. In a saucepan, combine orange juice, zest, soy sauce, honey, and ginger. Bring to a simmer.
  3. Add cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce.
  4. Toss baked chicken in sauce and serve with steamed broccoli.

Tip: The vitamin C from oranges adds a nutritional punch. This version cuts down on sugar compared to traditional recipes.

4. Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry

A classic combo that’s super nutritious—tender chicken and crunchy broccoli in a light soy-ginger sauce. It’s my go-to when I need something quick and green!

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb chicken tenders, sliced
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp ginger, minced
  • Red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Heat sesame oil in a pan. Add garlic and ginger, sauté for 1 minute.
  2. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
  3. Toss in broccoli and soy sauce, stir-fry for 4 minutes until tender-crisp.
  4. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes if you like heat.

Tip: Broccoli is a fiber powerhouse, aiding digestion. Pair with quinoa for extra protein.

5. Healthy Kung Pao Chicken

Spicy, nutty, and veggie-packed—this lighter Kung Pao uses less oil and more peppers for that authentic kick without the guilt.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb chicken, diced
  • 2 bell peppers, chopped
  • 1/4 cup peanuts
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp chili paste
  • 2 green onions, sliced

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, vinegar, and chili paste.
  2. Stir-fry chicken in a hot pan for 5 minutes.
  3. Add bell peppers and sauce, cook for 3 minutes.
  4. Stir in peanuts and green onions before serving.

Tip: Peanuts add healthy fats; opt for unsalted to keep sodium low. Adjust spice to your taste!

6. Healthy General Tso’s Chicken

Crispy on the outside, saucy inside—this baked version of General Tso’s is a crowd-pleaser with a fraction of the calories.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb chicken chunks
  • 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • Dried chilies to taste
  • Green onions for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Bake chicken at 425°F for 10-12 minutes until crispy.
  2. Mix hoisin, soy, honey, sesame oil, and chilies in a pan; simmer.
  3. Coat chicken in sauce.
  4. Garnish and serve.

Tip: Baking instead of frying saves on oil. It’s gluten-free if you use tamari.

7. Healthy Cashew Chicken Stir-Fry

Crunchy cashews meet tender chicken in this nutty stir-fry. It’s protein-rich and comes together faster than delivery!

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb chicken, sliced
  • 1/2 cup cashews
  • 1 zucchini, sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 1 tbsp oil
  • Garlic and ginger to taste

Instructions:

  1. Heat oil, add garlic and ginger.
  2. Stir-fry chicken for 5 minutes.
  3. Add veggies and oyster sauce, cook 3 minutes.
  4. Toss in cashews last.

Tip: Cashews provide magnesium for energy. Use low-sodium sauce for heart health.

8. Chinese Lemon Chicken

Bright and refreshing, this lemony chicken is lightly sauced and perfect for a light dinner. No frying needed!

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb chicken breasts, pounded thin
  • Juice of 2 lemons
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • Lemon slices for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Grill or pan-sear chicken for 6-8 minutes.
  2. Simmer lemon juice, honey, soy, and cornstarch to make sauce.
  3. Drizzle over chicken.
  4. Garnish with lemon slices.

Tip: Lemons aid detoxification. Serve with steamed greens.

9. Moo Goo Gai Pan

This veggie-heavy stir-fry with mushrooms and chicken is mild, healthy, and incredibly easy—ideal for beginners.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb chicken, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 cup snow peas
  • 1 carrot, sliced
  • 2 tbsp chicken broth
  • 1 tsp cornstarch
  • Soy sauce to taste

Instructions:

  1. Stir-fry chicken until cooked.
  2. Add veggies and broth.
  3. Thicken with cornstarch slurry.
  4. Season with soy.

Tip: Mushrooms are low-cal and add umami. Great for low-carb diets.

10. Healthy Sweet and Sour Chicken

Tangy pineapple and colorful peppers make this sweet-sour stir-fry a fun, healthy alternative to the fried classic.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb chicken, cubed
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp ketchup (low-sugar)
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • Cornstarch for thickening

Instructions:

  1. Cook chicken in a pan.
  2. Add pineapple and pepper.
  3. Mix vinegar, ketchup, soy, and thicken.
  4. Combine and serve.

Tip: Pineapple adds natural sweetness. Use fresh for best flavor.

There you have it—10 delicious ways to enjoy Chinese chicken without the hassle or extra calories. I hope these recipes inspire you to whip up something tasty tonight. Which one will you try first? Let me know in the comments, and happy cooking!

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