Why Is This Recipe Good for Meal Prep?

This recipe works so well for meal prep because it covers all the bases in one go. It’s built around lean protein, satisfying fiber-rich veggies, and a sauce that brings both brightness and comfort.

You get a meal that keeps well, reheats beautifully, and delivers real satisfaction, not just convenience. That combination of taste and nutrition is what keeps people coming back to meal prep week after week.

Orange Chicken Meal Prep Recipe

Making this recipe at home is simpler than most people expect, and it doesn’t take hours in the kitchen. With a few basic steps and fresh ingredients, you can have balanced meals ready for the week ahead:

Ingredients

Gather these essentials for a lean and nourishing lineup:

Protein:

• Chicken breast or thighs, cubed

Coating:

• Tapioca starch, arrowroot starch, or cornstarch

Cooking oil:

• Avocado oil or sesame oil

Sauce base:

• Fresh orange juice

• Orange zest

• Honey or coconut sugar

• Tamari, soy sauce, or coconut aminos

• Tomato paste

Seasonings:

• Fresh garlic or garlic powder

• Fresh ginger or ground ginger

• Salt and pepper

Vegetables:

• Broccoli florets

• Bell peppers

• Onion

• Cauliflower rice (optional, if not using regular rice)

Sides and garnish:

• Cooked rice or cauliflower rice

• Green onions

• Sesame seeds

Step 1: Coat the Chicken

Start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized cubes. Place them in a bowl and toss with your chosen starch, whether that’s tapioca, arrowroot, or cornstarch. The coating doesn’t need to be heavy, just enough to give each piece a light dusting.

This step makes all the difference, creating a golden crust once the chicken hits the pan. It also helps the sauce cling better later on.

If you’re meal prepping for the week, portion out some extra chicken on the side for a couple of different dishes, such as meal prep buffalo chicken wraps or meal prep BBQ chicken.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat a skillet with avocado or sesame oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the coated chicken in an even layer, leaving space between the pieces so they can brown properly.

Cook for about 6 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly crisp on the outside. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside while you prepare the sauce.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together fresh orange juice, orange zest, honey or coconut sugar, tamari or soy sauce, and tomato paste. Add garlic and ginger to give it a fragrant, savory kick. Mix until smooth and combined.

The sauce should taste both sweet and tangy, with enough saltiness to balance everything out. Adjust seasoning if needed before moving on.

Step 4: Simmer the Sauce

Pour the sauce into the same skillet you used for the chicken. Bring it to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer. Stir frequently until it thickens, usually about 5 to 10 minutes. You’ll notice it becoming glossy and slightly sticky, which is exactly what you want.

Step 5: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Once the sauce has thickened, return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Toss well to coat each piece in the rich orange glaze. Let it cook for another 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors meld together. This is the step that brings everything into harmony.

Step 6: Prepare the Vegetables

While the sauce is simmering, take time to cook your vegetables. Steam or stir-fry broccoli, bell peppers, and onions until tender but still crisp. If you prefer a low-carb option, this is also a good time to make cauliflower rice. Keeping the vegetables slightly firm helps them hold up better when stored for meal prep.

Step 7: Cook the Rice or Cauliflower Rice

If you’re using traditional rice, prepare it according to package directions. Jasmine or long-grain rice works especially well for soaking up the sauce.

For cauliflower rice, sauté lightly with a touch of oil until just tender. Either option provides a perfect base for the orange chicken and vegetables.

Step 8: Assemble Your Bowls

Now comes the fun part. Divide the rice or cauliflower rice evenly into your meal prep containers. Add a generous portion of vegetables, then top with the sauced chicken.

Sprinkle sliced green onions and sesame seeds over the top for color and extra flavor. Seal the containers once the food has cooled slightly to prevent condensation.

Orange Chicken Meal Prep & Storage Tips

We always encourage planning beyond just cooking. Here’s how to make this meal work for the week ahead:

1. Cool Before Storing

Always let your food cool down before sealing it in containers. When hot food is covered up too quickly, the trapped steam creates moisture that makes chicken lose its texture and rice turn soggy.

Letting meals sit for 15 to 20 minutes before refrigerating works well. Spread food in shallow containers if you are short on time, since this helps it cool faster and more safely. Taking this step helps your meal prep taste freshly made all week.

2. Reheat With Moisture

Reheating without adding a little liquid often leaves rice dry and the chicken sauce thick and sticky. The solution is simple. Stir in one to two tablespoons of water, broth, or even orange juice before reheating. It loosens the sauce, revives the chicken, and makes the rice fluffy again.

This method works whether you’re using the microwave or the stovetop. From our experience, clients are surprised by how much better leftovers taste with this quick adjustment. It’s a small habit with big results.

3. Store Properly

Good storage is just as important as good cooking. Use airtight containers, ideally glass or sturdy BPA-free plastic, to lock in freshness and keep odors from transferring. Orange chicken meal prep will stay safe to eat in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days, making it a perfect weekday option.

For longer storage, freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. Freezing in single servings helps you avoid food waste and makes it easy to grab only what you need.

4. Keep the Veggies Interesting

Eating the same vegetables every day gets dull quickly, even if the meal is delicious. Broccoli and bell peppers are great basics, but adding snap peas, bok choy, carrots, or mushrooms changes both the flavor and nutrient profile

 Rotating veggies keeps your prep exciting and gives your body a broader mix of vitamins and minerals. From our experience, this is one of the simplest ways to stay consistent with meal prep.

For tailored ideas, connect with a Registered Health Dietitian through Berry Street for a personalized 7-day general or Asian diet meal plan that matches your health goals.

5. Experiment With Different Coatings

The starch you choose to coat your chicken can make a surprising difference. Tapioca starch creates a delicate crisp, potato starch adds more crunch, and arrowroot starch delivers a light, neutral finish.

Switching between them helps you change up texture and mouthfeel without altering the flavor of the dish. It also makes repeating this recipe feel less repetitive. Try experimenting and find your favorite.

Conclusion

Orange chicken meal prep brings together balanced nutrition, bold flavor, and real convenience in a way that fits into busy schedules. It shows how planning ahead can provide protein, vegetables, and satisfying sauces without losing freshness or variety. The key is keeping the steps simple, storing meals correctly, and mixing up ingredients to keep things exciting.

If you want a personalized plan that works for your lifestyle, connect with a Registered Dietitian through Berry Street and get started with your own 7-day meal plan, with ideas from meal prep enchiladas to beef meal prep recipes.