Orange Chicken for Elevated Weeknights

Long salon days call for meals that feel nourishing, elevated, and worth the effort without being complicated. This orange chicken is one of those recipes I come back to when I want something bold, satisfying, and balanced. It’s a reminder that taking care of yourself outside the salon matters just as much as the work you do inside it. Good food fuels how you show up, how you feel, and how confidently you move through your day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Weeknight-friendly but restaurant-worthy

  • Balanced sweet heat with fresh citrus and ginger

  • Feels indulgent without being heavy

  • Holds up beautifully for leftovers

  • Easy to prep after a long day behind the chair

Bombshell Tip

A Bombshell doesn’t rush through her routines, whether it’s hair, business, or food. This recipe works because it’s intentional. Let the chicken brown properly, keep the vegetables crisp, and whisk the sauce until smooth. Those small details are what elevate the final result, just like clean sectioning and thoughtful placement elevate dimensional color.

Orange Chicken with Pineapple, Cashews, and Crisp Vegetables

Serves: 3–4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes

  • 1/2 cup cornstarch

  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt

  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • Avocado oil or avocado oil spray, for cooking

Orange Sauce

  • Zest and juice of 1 large orange (about 1/3 cup juice)

  • 1/4 cup honey

  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce

  • 2 tablespoons coconut aminos (marinade)

  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely grated

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, or to taste

  • 1–2 teaspoons sriracha, or to taste

  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Vegetables and Add-Ins

  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped

  • 1 small white onion, sliced

  • 1 cup broccoli florets

  • 1 cup fresh pineapple, cut into bite-size pieces

  • 1/4 cup roasted cashews

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken
    In a shallow bowl, combine the cornstarch, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Toss the chicken until evenly coated, shaking off excess.

  2. Cook the Chicken
    Heat a large skillet over medium heat and lightly coat with avocado oil. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, cook the chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

  3. Prepare the Sauce
    In a medium bowl, add all sauce ingredients. Whisk thoroughly until the cornstarch is fully dissolved and the sauce is smooth, with no visible lumps. Set aside.

  4. Sauté the Vegetables
    In a clean skillet over medium heat, add a light coating of oil. Sauté the red bell pepper, onion, and broccoli for 3–4 minutes, until tender but still crisp.

  5. Finish the Dish
    Add the pineapple and cashews to the vegetables and cook for 1 minute. Slowly pour in the sauce while stirring continuously. Bring to a gentle simmer. Once the sauce thickens, return the chicken to the pan and gently toss to evenly coat. Simmer for 1–2 minutes until glossy and well combined.

  6. Serve
    Serve immediately over steamed jasmine rice.

More than just a recipe

The Bombshell lifestyle is about elevated routines and intentional choices. Cooking meals that feel good, taste incredible, and support your energy is part of that. This recipe is bold but balanced, comforting without being heavy, and designed to support long days and full lives.

Whether you’re feeding your family, prepping leftovers for lunch, or simply taking a moment for yourself, this is the kind of meal that reminds you why thoughtful routines matter. When you take care of yourself, it shows in every part of your life.