Crispy Chicken Breast with Orange Sauce and Veggies
Chicken breast gets a bad rap for being a little dry or boring, but trust me, not with this recipe. A quick blast in the air fryer keeps it juicy inside and golden outside, and then we bring it to life with a sweet, tangy orange sauce you can whip up in the microwave. Add a couple of simple veggies on the side, and you’ve got yourself a high-protein dinner that feels like it came straight from a restaurant.
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It’s fresh, colourful, and honestly so easy you’ll want to make it again tomorrow.
What you’ll need
- 2 skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp olive oil
- ½ tsp paprika (optional, for colour)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup green beans
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
- A batch of Orange Sauce (recipe here)
How to make it
Pat the chicken breasts dry, then rub them with olive oil, paprika, salt, and pepper. Pop them into the air fryer at 200°C (390°F) for 10 minutes, flip, and cook for another 8–10 minutes until golden and cooked through.
While that’s happening, toss the green beans and bell pepper with a tiny drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Add them to the air fryer for the last 8 minutes so everything finishes cooking at the same time.
Warm up your microwave-friendly Orange Sauce (seriously, it only takes minutes), then drizzle generously over the crispy chicken. Serve with the roasted veggies on the side and feel smug about how good this tastes for how little effort it took.
Variations & Substitutions
- Extra flavour: Sprinkle a little garlic powder or chilli powder on the chicken before cooking.
- Veggie swap: Swap the beans and peppers for broccoli and carrots if that’s what you’ve got.
- Different sauce: Not in the mood for orange? Try the Lemon-Lime Herb Sauce or Mushroom Gravy instead.
- Lower fat: Use cooking spray instead of oil to keep it extra lean.
This recipe is a perfect mix of protein, colour, and flavour, all done with minimal washing up. The chicken is crisp, the veggies are sweet and tender, and the orange sauce just ties everything together beautifully.