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This simple and flavorful Orange Sesame Chicken Quinoa is a protein-packed healthy lunch or dinner option that comes together easily, can be made in advance, and is bursting with fresh citrus flavor!

It’s a clean eating recipe that tastes delicious and will give you plenty of energy to stay fit and active this year!

A bowl of orange sesame chicken quinoa topped with slices of orange

It’s no secret that I love to prepare seasonally-inspired dishes that highlight the fresh produce that’s available at any given time of year (hence, the name of my blog!).

Since oranges (and citrus in general) are some of our favorite winter fruits, it’s probably not surprising that I’ve been using them in my cooking a lot recently.

A side shot of sesame chicken topped with orange slices in a bowl

Super Quick Orange Sesame Chicken

I love this particular dish because it’s easy to prepare (less than 30 minutes from start to finish, guys!), and it can be made in advance. It’s great served warm right after you make it, but it’s equally good at room temp or chilled.

Sesame chicken quinoa in a bowl topped with fresh oranges

The Ingredients

The quinoa is fluffy yet satisfying — thanks to tons of protein from the quinoa itself, as well as the chicken and edamame that I toss into the mix.

Freshly-squeezed orange juice, orange zest, and green onions keep it light and fresh, while the sesame and soy sauce add a great warmth and depth of flavor. Salty, sweet, and savory…all in one healthy dish!Soy sauce pouring over some sesame chickenThis Orange Sesame Chicken Quinoa is a high-protein, clean eating recipe for a healthy lunch or dinner that's fresh, FAST, and easy to prepare in advance!

Enjoy this clean eating lunch or dinner option, friends! It’s a great way to stay on track this season and throughout the New Year!

Top Tips For Making Orange Sesame Chicken Quinoa

  • Serve this dish at room temperature or cold
  • Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days
  • You can use rotisserie chicken or leftover roast chicken to speed things up
  • Feel free to add in extra veggies
  • Couscous would also work well in the recipe

More Healthy Chicken Recipes You Might Like:

Orange Sesame Chicken Quinoa

4.94 from 15 votes
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes
Total: 25 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 241 kcal
Delicious and easy orange sesame chicken quinoa, so healthy and something the whole family will love!

Ingredients
  

  • 1 ½ cups quinoa
  • 3 navel oranges peeled and segments diced
  • 1 cup cooked diced chicken
  • ½ cup shelled edamame can substitute with peas
  • 4 green onions sliced
  • 3 tablespoons orange juice
  • 2 tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 2 teaspoons orange zest
  • Sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

  • Rinse and drain the quinoa in a strainer. Cook quinoa according to package instructions.
  • Place quinoa in a large bowl. Stir in orange segments, chicken, edamame, and green onion.
  • Prepare vinaigrette by placing orange juice, vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and orange zest in a jar. Shake until completely combined.
  • Dress quinoa mixture with the vinaigrette. Garnish with sesame seeds, if desired.
  • Serve warm, at room temperature, or cold.

Notes

  • Serve this dish at room temperature or cold
  • Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days
  • You can use rotisserie chicken or leftover roast chicken to speed things up 
  • Feel free to add in extra veggies
  • Couscous would also work well in the recipe

Nutrition

Calories: 241kcalCarbohydrates: 39gProtein: 9gFat: 5gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 230mgPotassium: 470mgFiber: 5gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 270IUVitamin C: 48.8mgCalcium: 64mgIron: 2.6mg
Keyword: orange chicken, sesame chicken
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Asian
Author: The Seasoned Mom
blair

Hey, I’m Blair!

Welcome to my farmhouse kitchen in the foothills of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. Inspired by local traditions and seasonal fare, you’ll find plenty of easy, comforting recipes that bring your family together around the table. It’s down-home, country-style cooking!

Read More

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Comments

  1. Oh yum! This look amazing Blair. I have a skinny orange chicken recipe, but I haven’t donut with quinoa. I need to try this.

    1. Thanks so much, Megan! I need to check out your recipe for Orange Chicken. That flavor combination is so great — especially when oranges are in season (NOW)!! 🙂 Have a great weekend!

  2. 5 stars
    Fabulous! The dish looks so delicious. I have some days off at the weekend and cooking this dish might be my plans for the days. Thanks for the nice recipe.

    1. That’s great, Denise! This is such a nice dish to prepare on the weekend and then enjoy on busy weekdays since it keeps well in the refrigerator! Enjoy. 🙂

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      1. Oh that’s great! I have a whole bag at home already. Any suggestions of how many to use since their so much smaller? Thank you!

        1. Hey, Lauren! I would estimate about 2 clementines for every orange. The beauty of a recipe like this is that it doesn’t have to be exact! If you want to use up more of the clementines that you have, feel free to add as many as you like! 🙂

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  5. Blair, I enjoy clementines so it was nice to you can use them in the recipe instead of oranges. For some reason, the clementines where I live seem to taste sweeter than the oranges (although I occasionally get a good orange). I have a question about Quinoa. I hear it’s excellent for you, but I’ve only heard about it for the last few years. Obviously, it’s always been around, but why did it take so long to make its way into mainstream recipes (or am I just out of the loop, LOL). Either way, this looks like a great way to put a spin on chicken and rice. Just another reason to buy a hotpot.

    1. Hi, Morgan! Thanks for your note! I think quinoa has become trendier in recent years because it’s high in protein and gluten-free — both popular traits right now! 🙂

  6. Cooking this recipe was love! My wife and kids really enjoyed it. I am glad you shared it. Thank you!

  7. Either way, this looks like a great way to put a spin on chicken and rice. Just another reason to buy a hotpot.

  8. I tried the quinoa as if it were a pannzanella, onion cucumber tomatoes and a lot of basil, try it, and fast and delicious!

  9. Thanks for sharing this valuable information. But I haven’t do it with quinoa. I really need to try this.

  10. 5 stars
    I will try this recipe for sure. My friends will love it much. I will be back with my reviews. Thanks.

  11. Sesame ITs sound amazing that orange with chicken Quinoa. And especially topping of orange pieces looks great. I had tried it by my self, and I am lovin’ it. Thanks, Blair for this lovely recipe.

  12. Cool. This recipe seems to be awesome with taste and way of cooking. I will add to my cooking list and try at this weekend. Will be back with reviews and ideas soon.

  13. 5 stars
    I used normal onions instead of green onions and it turned out BEST! everyone loved it.Thanks for the recipe!!