As the sun sets and the kitchen fills with the tantalizing aroma of sweet citrus and sizzling chicken, I can’t help but feel a wave of nostalgia. This Crispy Gluten-Free Orange Chicken has become a staple in my home, inviting everyone around the table to indulge in its golden, crunchy delight. Not only is this dish a breeze to whip up in under 30 minutes, but it also brings a refreshing twist to weeknight dinners, ensuring that my family steers clear of fast food. The marriage of tender chicken coated in a tangy sauce, infused with ginger and garlic, is just the comforting hug we all crave. Plus, with its gluten-free and dairy-free profile, it caters effortlessly to various dietary needs. Curious to discover just how easy it is to create this restaurant-quality dish at home? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Gluten-Free Orange Chicken
Simplicity at Its Best: With straightforward steps, you’ll have this delicious dish ready in just under 30 minutes.
Crispy, Crunchy Perfection: Each bite features a golden, crunch coating, ensuring a delightful texture that’s reminiscent of your favorite takeout.
Bursting with Flavor: The perfect balance of sweet and tangy from the fresh orange juice, garlic, and ginger creates a dish that tantalizes the taste buds.
Diet-Friendly: Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, this recipe fits into a variety of dietary needs, making it a smart choice for family dinners.
For a complete meal, serve with jasmine rice or stir-fried vegetables to round out the flavors and textures!
Gluten-Free Orange Chicken Ingredients
For the Chicken
• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts – The main protein; substitute with thighs for extra juiciness!
• Eggs – Essential binder for the flour coating, helping to achieve that perfect crust.
• Gluten-Free Flour Blend – Coating for crispiness; you can swap with almond flour or rice flour for different textures.
For the Orange Sauce
• Fresh Orange Juice – Provides the necessary tanginess and sweetness to the dish.
• Orange Zest – A boost of zesty flavor to elevate the orange essence.
• Gluten-Free Soy Sauce – Adds essential umami depth to the sauce.
• Honey – A natural sweetener that balances the tartness of orange beautifully.
• Minced Garlic – Infuses the sauce with aromatic flavor depth.
• Ginger – Brings warmth and enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
• Cornstarch – Thickening agent that creates a glossy, smooth finish for the sauce.
For Cooking
• Vegetable Oil – Use an oil with a high smoke point for frying to ensure perfect crispiness.
For Garnish
• Chopped Green Onions – Adds a fresh touch when sprinkled on top before serving.
• Toasted Sesame Seeds – A delightful crunch and nutty flavor to complement the dish.
• Fresh Cilantro – Offers a vibrant color and fresh aroma to finish.
These Gluten-Free Orange Chicken ingredients blend together to create a remarkable dish that’s both satisfying and wholesome! Enjoy the simple preparation and the wonderful flavors!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Gluten Free Orange Chicken
Step 1: Prepare Chicken
Begin by cutting boneless skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, ensuring they are roughly uniform for even cooking. Pat the pieces dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture—this step is crucial for achieving that delightful crispiness when fried.
Step 2: Coat Chicken
In a separate bowl, whisk together a couple of eggs until smooth. Then, pour your gluten-free flour blend into another bowl. Dip each chicken piece first into the beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off, and then coat thoroughly in the flour, shaking off any excess for an even layer that will create a crispy outer crust.
Step 3: Fry Chicken
Heat a generous amount of vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat until hot, about 350°F (175°C). Working in small batches—3 to 4 pieces at a time—carefully place the coated chicken in the hot oil. Fry for about 4-5 minutes per batch, turning occasionally until they turn golden brown and crispy.
Step 4: Make Sauce
While the chicken is frying, prepare the orange sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine fresh orange juice, orange zest, gluten-free soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and ginger. Mix well and bring to a gentle simmer, then dissolve a cornstarch slurry made by mixing cornstarch with water, stirring this mixture into the sauce until it thickens, becoming glossy.
Step 5: Combine
Once all the chicken pieces are fried and crispy, remove them from the oil and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. Pour the prepared orange sauce over the hot fried chicken in a large bowl, tossing gently to coat each piece evenly, ensuring the crispy coating remains intact while absorbing the tangy flavor.
Step 6: Serve
To serve your Gluten-Free Orange Chicken, transfer the coated chicken to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro for added color and flavor. Serve immediately to enjoy that satisfying crunch and vibrant taste, perfect for a family dinner or a gathering.
How to Store and Freeze Gluten-Free Orange Chicken
Fridge: Store leftover gluten-free orange chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain flavor and texture.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze cooked chicken and sauce separately in well-sealed bags for up to 2 months. This prevents sogginess and preserves the crunch.
Reheating: To reheat, bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, ensuring the chicken remains crispy. Avoid microwaving if possible to prevent a change in texture.
Thawing: When ready to enjoy, thaw frozen chicken in the fridge overnight before reheating for the best results.
What to Serve with Crispy Gluten-Free Orange Chicken
Imagine a vibrant dinner table filled with colorful dishes that enhance the flavors of your crispy, tangy orange chicken.
- Jasmine Rice: The fluffy texture of jasmine rice is perfect for soaking up the sweet and zesty sauce, creating a satisfying bite.
- Stir-Fried Vegetables: A mix of crunchy bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas adds vibrant color and a fresh crunch that complements the chicken beautifully.
- Quinoa Salad: Light and nutty, quinoa salad tossed with cucumbers and mint offers a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the orange chicken.
- Coconut Sticky Rice: Its sweet and creamy profile enhances the citrusy notes of the chicken, making for an exotic and delightful pairing.
- Asian Slaw: A crunchy slaw made with cabbage, carrots, and sesame dressing brings balance, texture, and a delightful crunch to your plate.
- Szechuan Noodles: For a heartier option, these spicy noodles will add an exciting contrast while blending well with the flavors of your gluten-free orange chicken.
- Ginger Tea: A warm sip of ginger tea will cleanse the palate and enhance the meal’s aromatic qualities.
- Mango Sorbet: A refreshing mango sorbet served as dessert creates a fruity finale, cleansing the palate with its cooling sweetness after the meal.
- Cold Sake: Pairing your meal with a chilled glass of sake can elevate the experience, harmonizing perfectly with the dish’s dynamic flavors.
Gluten Free Orange Chicken Variations
Feel free to sprinkle your own creativity into this recipe—there are so many delightful twists you can try!
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Thighs Instead of Breasts: Use boneless chicken thighs for a juicier, richer flavor; just adjust cooking time slightly.
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Lettuce Wraps: Serve the orange chicken in crisp lettuce leaves for a fresh, low-carb and fun meal, perfect for a light lunch.
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Zoodles: Swap out rice for spiralized zucchini noodles for a vibrant, healthy alternative that pairs beautifully with the sauce.
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Crispy Tofu: For a vegetarian or vegan spin, substitute chicken with cubed, crispy tofu, ensuring all that tangy sauce clings wonderfully.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the orange sauce for a delightful heat, elevating each bite with a warm punch.
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Sweet & Sour Twist: Mix in a splash of apple cider vinegar or pineapple juice to the sauce for a sweet and tangy variation that’s irresistibly delicious.
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Herb Infusion: Enhance flavors by adding fresh herbs like basil or mint as garnishes, offering a refreshing contrast to the rich sauce.
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Nutty Crunch: Toss in some chopped peanuts or cashews for a delightful textural contrast, adding both flavor and crunch to your plate.
For a complete dinner, pair your orange chicken with some jasmine rice or stir-fried seasonal vegetables, enhancing the experience with wholesome goodness!
Expert Tips for Gluten-Free Orange Chicken
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Pat Dry Chicken: Ensuring chicken pieces are patted dry helps the gluten-free flour adhere better, leading to a crispier coating.
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Don’t Overcrowd: Fry chicken in small batches to prevent steaming, which keeps each piece wonderfully crispy.
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Toss Before Serving: For the best gluten-free orange chicken experience, toss it in the sauce right before serving to maintain perfect crunch.
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Customize Coating: Feel free to experiment with different gluten-free flour blends or add spices to the coating for extra flavor.
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Storage Know-How: Store any leftover gluten-free orange chicken in an airtight container for up to three days to keep it fresh, reheat in an oven for better crunch!
Make Ahead Options
These Gluten-Free Orange Chicken bites are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to savor a homemade dish on busy weeknights! You can marinate and coat the chicken pieces up to 24 hours ahead—simply mix the chicken with eggs and gluten-free flour, then refrigerate in an airtight container. Additionally, the orange sauce can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; just reheat gently before serving to preserve its glossy texture. When ready to enjoy, fry the chicken and toss everything together for a delicious meal that’s just as crisp and flavorful, saving you precious time without sacrificing quality!
Gluten-Free Orange Chicken Recipe FAQs
What type of chicken is best for gluten-free orange chicken?
Absolutely! Boneless skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe, but using thighs can add extra juiciness and flavor. Just be sure to adjust your cooking time slightly, as thighs may need an extra minute or two to cook through.
How should I store leftover gluten-free orange chicken?
To keep your leftovers fresh, place the cooked chicken in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s a great way to ensure your delicious meal doesn’t go to waste!
Can I freeze gluten-free orange chicken?
Very! To freeze, separate the chicken and sauce, placing each in well-sealed freezer bags. This keeps them from getting soggy and helps maintain that perfect crunch. You can store them this way for up to 2 months.
What if my orange sauce is too thin?
If your sauce doesn’t thicken as much as you’d like, no worries! Simply dissolve an additional teaspoon of cornstarch in a small amount of cold water, then stir it into the sauce while it’s still warm. Allow it to simmer for a few more minutes, and it should thicken nicely.
Is this gluten-free orange chicken suitable for my dietary restrictions?
Yes! This recipe is not only gluten-free but also dairy-free, making it suitable for various dietary needs. Just be sure to verify that all your ingredients, particularly the soy sauce, are labeled gluten-free, as some brands may contain wheat.
Can I reheat gluten-free orange chicken to keep it crispy?
Definitely! The best way to reheat your leftover chicken is to bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This method helps retain its crispy texture, unlike the microwave, which can make it soggy. Enjoy!
Crispy Gluten Free Orange Chicken That's Better Than Takeout
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by cutting boneless skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and pat them dry.
- In a bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth. Pour gluten-free flour blend into another bowl. Dip chicken pieces in eggs, then coat in flour.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Fry coated chicken in small batches for 4-5 minutes until golden brown.
- In a saucepan, combine orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and ginger. Heat and simmer, then add a cornstarch slurry to thicken.
- Once all chicken is fried, transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Pour orange sauce over the chicken and toss to coat.
- Transfer chicken to a serving platter and garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and cilantro. Serve immediately.
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