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Orange Glazed Chicken Stir Fry Easy Weeknight Meal

by on November 21, 2024

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Looking for a quick and tasty dinner option? Orange Glazed Chicken Stir Fry is your answer! This simple dish combines tender chicken and fresh veggies in a sweet and zesty sauce. It’s packed with flavor, and best of all, it takes just 30 minutes to make. Get ready to impress your family with this easy weeknight meal that everyone will love. Let’s dive into the simple steps!

- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced thin - 1 medium bell pepper, thinly sliced (any color) - 1 cup broccoli florets - 1 carrot, julienned - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 inch fresh ginger, grated - 3 tablespoons soy sauce - 1/4 cup fresh orange juice - 2 tablespoons honey - 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening) - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Soy sauce - Cornstarch - Honey - Sesame seeds - Green onions The main ingredients in this stir fry create a tasty dish. The chicken is lean and cooks quickly. Bell peppers add color and crunch. Broccoli provides a healthy touch, while carrots bring sweetness. Garlic and ginger add depth to the flavor. For the sauce, soy sauce gives umami. Fresh orange juice adds brightness. Honey sweetens the glaze. Cornstarch thickens the sauce and makes it sticky. Vegetable oil helps fry everything nicely. You may already have some pantry staples on hand. Soy sauce is a must for many dishes. Cornstarch is great for thickening sauces. Honey adds a sweet note that balances flavors. Finally, garnishing with sesame seeds and green onions makes it look pretty. These are small touches that elevate your dish. Enjoy making this easy weeknight meal! {{ingredient_image_1}} Marinating the chicken Start by mixing the orange juice, soy sauce, honey, and black pepper in a bowl. This is your marinade. Slice the chicken breasts thin. Add the chicken to the marinade and let it sit for at least 10 minutes. This step builds great flavor. Preparing vegetables While the chicken marinates, wash and slice the bell pepper and carrot. Cut the broccoli into small florets. Mince the garlic and grate the ginger. Having your veggies ready makes cooking quick and easy. Sautéing chicken Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken slices. Sauté for about 5 to 7 minutes. Cook until browned and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. Stir-frying vegetables In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil. Toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add the bell pepper, broccoli, and carrot to the skillet. Stir-fry these veggies for about 3 to 5 minutes. They should be tender but still crisp. Combining ingredients Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Pour in the orange sauce mixture. Stir well to coat all the ingredients. Allow everything to cook together for a few minutes. Thickening the sauce Once the sauce simmers, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water. Pour this into the skillet, stirring continuously. This will thicken the glaze. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce coats the chicken and vegetables. Serving suggestions Remove the stir fry from heat. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve this delicious dish over cooked rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for extra flair. Enjoy your meal! - Ensuring chicken stays juicy: Start with thin slices of chicken. This helps it cook fast. Don't overcook; 5-7 minutes on medium-high heat is perfect. - Perfectly cooking vegetables: Keep veggies crisp by stir-frying them for just 3-5 minutes. Add them after garlic and ginger to avoid burning. - Adding spices or herbs: A pinch of red pepper flakes can give a nice kick. Fresh herbs like cilantro or basil add bright flavor, too. - Alternative sauce options: You can swap soy sauce for tamari to make it gluten-free. Adding a splash of rice vinegar gives it an extra zing. - Serving dishes: Serve the stir fry in a large bowl. This lets everyone see the colorful veggies and chicken. Use white dishes to make the colors pop. - Garnishing techniques: Scatter sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top. This adds a nice crunch and fresh look to your dish. Pro Tips Marinate the Chicken: For extra flavor, marinate the chicken slices in the orange juice and soy sauce mixture for at least 30 minutes before cooking. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger provide the best flavor, so avoid using pre-minced or powdered versions if possible. Adjust the Sweetness: Depending on your preference, you can adjust the amount of honey in the sauce to make it sweeter or less sweet. Serve with a Side: This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or noodles, and you can add a side of stir-fried greens for a complete meal. {{image_2}} You can easily swap chicken for shrimp or tofu. Shrimp cooks fast and adds a nice texture. Just sauté it until pink and tender. Tofu is a great choice for plant-based diets. Choose firm tofu, press it to remove water, and sauté until golden. Both options work well with the orange glaze. Feel free to use other colorful veggies. Snow peas, zucchini, or snap peas add crunch and color. You can also try seasonal veggies like asparagus or bell peppers in different colors. This keeps the dish fresh and exciting every time. You can adjust the sweetness or acidity of the sauce. If you like it sweeter, add more honey. For a tangy twist, add a splash of rice vinegar. Want some heat? A dash of red pepper flakes or sriracha will spice things up. Customize the sauce to your taste for a fun twist! To keep your Orange Glazed Chicken Stir Fry fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. This prevents air from spoiling the food. You can refrigerate it for up to three days. After that, the taste and quality start to fade. Always let the stir fry cool before sealing it up. This helps avoid extra moisture inside the container. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. Divide the stir fry into smaller portions and place them in freezer bags. Be sure to remove as much air as possible. This keeps the meal fresh for up to three months. When you are ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. For reheating, use a skillet over medium heat. Stir often until it's heated through. Meal prepping is a smart way to save time. You can chop the vegetables and slice the chicken a day ahead. Store them in separate containers in the fridge. This makes cooking quick and easy. For convenience, portion out the stir fry into lunch boxes. You'll have ready-to-eat meals for busy days. Just heat and enjoy! You can serve this dish with rice or noodles. White rice, brown rice, or even jasmine rice work well. Noodles like chow mein or udon also pair nicely. For a fresh touch, add a side salad or steamed veggies. Yes, you can make it gluten-free. Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce. Check all your ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy this tasty meal! If the sauce is too thin, mix cornstarch with water. Add this mixture to the stir fry while it simmers. Stir continuously for a few minutes until it thickens to your liking. This will give you a nice, glossy glaze. Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh. Use the same method to cook the tofu or tempeh. You can also add more veggies for extra flavor and texture. Leftovers will last about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container for best results. When ready to eat, reheat in a pan or microwave until hot. Enjoy your tasty meal again! This blog post shared a simple orange glazed chicken stir fry recipe. You learned about the key ingredients, preparation steps, and cooking tips. We also explored variations for proteins, vegetables, and sauces. Remember to store leftovers properly to keep them fresh. Cooking can be fun and rewarding. With a few tweaks, you can make this dish fit your taste. Enjoy trying new ingredients and methods. Happy cooking!

Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Bright and Zesty Flavor: The combination of fresh orange juice and honey creates a delightful glaze that brightens up the dish.
  2. Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
  3. Healthy Ingredients: Packed with colorful veggies and lean protein, this stir fry is both nutritious and satisfying.
  4. Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it over rice or noodles, and customize with your favorite vegetables!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced thin

– 1 medium bell pepper, thinly sliced (any color)

– 1 cup broccoli florets

– 1 carrot, julienned

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 inch fresh ginger, grated

Sauce Components

– 3 tablespoons soy sauce

– 1/4 cup fresh orange juice

– 2 tablespoons honey

– 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)

– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

– Salt and pepper to taste

Pantry Staples

– Soy sauce

– Cornstarch

– Honey

Additional Garnishes

– Sesame seeds

– Green onions

The main ingredients in this stir fry create a tasty dish. The chicken is lean and cooks quickly. Bell peppers add color and crunch. Broccoli provides a healthy touch, while carrots bring sweetness. Garlic and ginger add depth to the flavor.

For the sauce, soy sauce gives umami. Fresh orange juice adds brightness. Honey sweetens the glaze. Cornstarch thickens the sauce and makes it sticky. Vegetable oil helps fry everything nicely.

You may already have some pantry staples on hand. Soy sauce is a must for many dishes. Cornstarch is great for thickening sauces. Honey adds a sweet note that balances flavors.

Finally, garnishing with sesame seeds and green onions makes it look pretty. These are small touches that elevate your dish. Enjoy making this easy weeknight meal!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation Steps

Marinating the chicken

Start by mixing the orange juice, soy sauce, honey, and black pepper in a bowl. This is your marinade. Slice the chicken breasts thin. Add the chicken to the marinade and let it sit for at least 10 minutes. This step builds great flavor.

Preparing vegetables

While the chicken marinates, wash and slice the bell pepper and carrot. Cut the broccoli into small florets. Mince the garlic and grate the ginger. Having your veggies ready makes cooking quick and easy.

Cooking Process

Sautéing chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken slices. Sauté for about 5 to 7 minutes. Cook until browned and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Stir-frying vegetables

In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil. Toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add the bell pepper, broccoli, and carrot to the skillet. Stir-fry these veggies for about 3 to 5 minutes. They should be tender but still crisp.

Combining ingredients

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Pour in the orange sauce mixture. Stir well to coat all the ingredients. Allow everything to cook together for a few minutes.

Final Touches

Thickening the sauce

Once the sauce simmers, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water. Pour this into the skillet, stirring continuously. This will thicken the glaze. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce coats the chicken and vegetables.

Serving suggestions

Remove the stir fry from heat. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve this delicious dish over cooked rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for extra flair. Enjoy your meal!

Tips & Tricks

Cooking Tips

– Ensuring chicken stays juicy: Start with thin slices of chicken. This helps it cook fast. Don’t overcook; 5-7 minutes on medium-high heat is perfect.

– Perfectly cooking vegetables: Keep veggies crisp by stir-frying them for just 3-5 minutes. Add them after garlic and ginger to avoid burning.

Flavor Enhancements

– Adding spices or herbs: A pinch of red pepper flakes can give a nice kick. Fresh herbs like cilantro or basil add bright flavor, too.

– Alternative sauce options: You can swap soy sauce for tamari to make it gluten-free. Adding a splash of rice vinegar gives it an extra zing.

Presentation Ideas

– Serving dishes: Serve the stir fry in a large bowl. This lets everyone see the colorful veggies and chicken. Use white dishes to make the colors pop.

– Garnishing techniques: Scatter sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top. This adds a nice crunch and fresh look to your dish.

Pro Tips

  1. Marinate the Chicken: For extra flavor, marinate the chicken slices in the orange juice and soy sauce mixture for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
  2. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger provide the best flavor, so avoid using pre-minced or powdered versions if possible.
  3. Adjust the Sweetness: Depending on your preference, you can adjust the amount of honey in the sauce to make it sweeter or less sweet.
  4. Serve with a Side: This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or noodles, and you can add a side of stir-fried greens for a complete meal.

Variations

Protein Alternatives

You can easily swap chicken for shrimp or tofu. Shrimp cooks fast and adds a nice texture. Just sauté it until pink and tender. Tofu is a great choice for plant-based diets. Choose firm tofu, press it to remove water, and sauté until golden. Both options work well with the orange glaze.

Vegetable Substitutions

Feel free to use other colorful veggies. Snow peas, zucchini, or snap peas add crunch and color. You can also try seasonal veggies like asparagus or bell peppers in different colors. This keeps the dish fresh and exciting every time.

Sauce Modifications

You can adjust the sweetness or acidity of the sauce. If you like it sweeter, add more honey. For a tangy twist, add a splash of rice vinegar. Want some heat? A dash of red pepper flakes or sriracha will spice things up. Customize the sauce to your taste for a fun twist!

Storage Info

Refrigeration Tips

To keep your Orange Glazed Chicken Stir Fry fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. This prevents air from spoiling the food. You can refrigerate it for up to three days. After that, the taste and quality start to fade. Always let the stir fry cool before sealing it up. This helps avoid extra moisture inside the container.

Freezing Instructions

If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. Divide the stir fry into smaller portions and place them in freezer bags. Be sure to remove as much air as possible. This keeps the meal fresh for up to three months. When you are ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. For reheating, use a skillet over medium heat. Stir often until it’s heated through.

Meal Prep Suggestions

Meal prepping is a smart way to save time. You can chop the vegetables and slice the chicken a day ahead. Store them in separate containers in the fridge. This makes cooking quick and easy. For convenience, portion out the stir fry into lunch boxes. You’ll have ready-to-eat meals for busy days. Just heat and enjoy!

FAQs

What can I serve with Orange Glazed Chicken Stir Fry?

You can serve this dish with rice or noodles. White rice, brown rice, or even jasmine rice work well. Noodles like chow mein or udon also pair nicely. For a fresh touch, add a side salad or steamed veggies.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, you can make it gluten-free. Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce. Check all your ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy this tasty meal!

How do I make the sauce thicker if it’s too thin?

If the sauce is too thin, mix cornstarch with water. Add this mixture to the stir fry while it simmers. Stir continuously for a few minutes until it thickens to your liking. This will give you a nice, glossy glaze.

Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?

Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh. Use the same method to cook the tofu or tempeh. You can also add more veggies for extra flavor and texture.

How long will the leftovers last in the fridge?

Leftovers will last about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container for best results. When ready to eat, reheat in a pan or microwave until hot. Enjoy your tasty meal again!

This blog post shared a simple orange glazed chicken stir fry recipe. You learned about the key ingredients, preparation steps, and cooking tips. We also explored variations for proteins, vegetables, and sauces. Remember to store leftovers properly to keep them fresh.

Cooking can be fun and rewarding. With a few tweaks, you can make this dish fit your taste. Enjoy trying new ingredients and methods. Happy cookin

- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced thin - 1 medium bell pepper, thinly sliced (any color) - 1 cup broccoli florets - 1 carrot, julienned - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 inch fresh ginger, grated - 3 tablespoons soy sauce - 1/4 cup fresh orange juice - 2 tablespoons honey - 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening) - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Soy sauce - Cornstarch - Honey - Sesame seeds - Green onions The main ingredients in this stir fry create a tasty dish. The chicken is lean and cooks quickly. Bell peppers add color and crunch. Broccoli provides a healthy touch, while carrots bring sweetness. Garlic and ginger add depth to the flavor. For the sauce, soy sauce gives umami. Fresh orange juice adds brightness. Honey sweetens the glaze. Cornstarch thickens the sauce and makes it sticky. Vegetable oil helps fry everything nicely. You may already have some pantry staples on hand. Soy sauce is a must for many dishes. Cornstarch is great for thickening sauces. Honey adds a sweet note that balances flavors. Finally, garnishing with sesame seeds and green onions makes it look pretty. These are small touches that elevate your dish. Enjoy making this easy weeknight meal! {{ingredient_image_1}} Marinating the chicken Start by mixing the orange juice, soy sauce, honey, and black pepper in a bowl. This is your marinade. Slice the chicken breasts thin. Add the chicken to the marinade and let it sit for at least 10 minutes. This step builds great flavor. Preparing vegetables While the chicken marinates, wash and slice the bell pepper and carrot. Cut the broccoli into small florets. Mince the garlic and grate the ginger. Having your veggies ready makes cooking quick and easy. Sautéing chicken Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken slices. Sauté for about 5 to 7 minutes. Cook until browned and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. Stir-frying vegetables In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil. Toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add the bell pepper, broccoli, and carrot to the skillet. Stir-fry these veggies for about 3 to 5 minutes. They should be tender but still crisp. Combining ingredients Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Pour in the orange sauce mixture. Stir well to coat all the ingredients. Allow everything to cook together for a few minutes. Thickening the sauce Once the sauce simmers, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water. Pour this into the skillet, stirring continuously. This will thicken the glaze. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce coats the chicken and vegetables. Serving suggestions Remove the stir fry from heat. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve this delicious dish over cooked rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for extra flair. Enjoy your meal! - Ensuring chicken stays juicy: Start with thin slices of chicken. This helps it cook fast. Don't overcook; 5-7 minutes on medium-high heat is perfect. - Perfectly cooking vegetables: Keep veggies crisp by stir-frying them for just 3-5 minutes. Add them after garlic and ginger to avoid burning. - Adding spices or herbs: A pinch of red pepper flakes can give a nice kick. Fresh herbs like cilantro or basil add bright flavor, too. - Alternative sauce options: You can swap soy sauce for tamari to make it gluten-free. Adding a splash of rice vinegar gives it an extra zing. - Serving dishes: Serve the stir fry in a large bowl. This lets everyone see the colorful veggies and chicken. Use white dishes to make the colors pop. - Garnishing techniques: Scatter sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top. This adds a nice crunch and fresh look to your dish. Pro Tips Marinate the Chicken: For extra flavor, marinate the chicken slices in the orange juice and soy sauce mixture for at least 30 minutes before cooking. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger provide the best flavor, so avoid using pre-minced or powdered versions if possible. Adjust the Sweetness: Depending on your preference, you can adjust the amount of honey in the sauce to make it sweeter or less sweet. Serve with a Side: This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or noodles, and you can add a side of stir-fried greens for a complete meal. {{image_2}} You can easily swap chicken for shrimp or tofu. Shrimp cooks fast and adds a nice texture. Just sauté it until pink and tender. Tofu is a great choice for plant-based diets. Choose firm tofu, press it to remove water, and sauté until golden. Both options work well with the orange glaze. Feel free to use other colorful veggies. Snow peas, zucchini, or snap peas add crunch and color. You can also try seasonal veggies like asparagus or bell peppers in different colors. This keeps the dish fresh and exciting every time. You can adjust the sweetness or acidity of the sauce. If you like it sweeter, add more honey. For a tangy twist, add a splash of rice vinegar. Want some heat? A dash of red pepper flakes or sriracha will spice things up. Customize the sauce to your taste for a fun twist! To keep your Orange Glazed Chicken Stir Fry fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. This prevents air from spoiling the food. You can refrigerate it for up to three days. After that, the taste and quality start to fade. Always let the stir fry cool before sealing it up. This helps avoid extra moisture inside the container. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. Divide the stir fry into smaller portions and place them in freezer bags. Be sure to remove as much air as possible. This keeps the meal fresh for up to three months. When you are ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. For reheating, use a skillet over medium heat. Stir often until it's heated through. Meal prepping is a smart way to save time. You can chop the vegetables and slice the chicken a day ahead. Store them in separate containers in the fridge. This makes cooking quick and easy. For convenience, portion out the stir fry into lunch boxes. You'll have ready-to-eat meals for busy days. Just heat and enjoy! You can serve this dish with rice or noodles. White rice, brown rice, or even jasmine rice work well. Noodles like chow mein or udon also pair nicely. For a fresh touch, add a side salad or steamed veggies. Yes, you can make it gluten-free. Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce. Check all your ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy this tasty meal! If the sauce is too thin, mix cornstarch with water. Add this mixture to the stir fry while it simmers. Stir continuously for a few minutes until it thickens to your liking. This will give you a nice, glossy glaze. Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh. Use the same method to cook the tofu or tempeh. You can also add more veggies for extra flavor and texture. Leftovers will last about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container for best results. When ready to eat, reheat in a pan or microwave until hot. Enjoy your tasty meal again! This blog post shared a simple orange glazed chicken stir fry recipe. You learned about the key ingredients, preparation steps, and cooking tips. We also explored variations for proteins, vegetables, and sauces. Remember to store leftovers properly to keep them fresh. Cooking can be fun and rewarding. With a few tweaks, you can make this dish fit your taste. Enjoy trying new ingredients and methods. Happy cooking!

Orange Glazed Chicken Stir Fry

A delicious stir fry featuring chicken and vegetables in a sweet orange glaze.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 breasts boneless, skinless chicken, sliced thin
  • 1 medium bell pepper, thinly sliced (any color)
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1 carrot julienned
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 inch fresh ginger, grated
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 quarter cup fresh orange juice
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish sesame seeds and sliced green onions

Instructions
 

  • In a bowl, mix together the orange juice, soy sauce, honey, and black pepper. Set aside.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken slices and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil. Sauté the garlic and ginger for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Add the bell pepper, broccoli, and carrot to the skillet, stir-frying for about 3-5 minutes until just tender but still crisp.
  • Return the chicken to the skillet and pour in the orange sauce mixture. Stir well to combine.
  • Once the sauce begins to simmer, add the cornstarch mixture to thicken the glaze, stirring continuously for about 2-3 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and taste; adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.
  • Serve the stir fry over cooked rice or noodles and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.

Notes

Serve over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Keyword chicken, orange glaze, stir fry

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