Description
Gluten-Free Orange Chicken is a healthier, allergen-friendly take on the classic Chinese-American favorite. Crispy chicken pieces are coated in a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy orange sauce made without gluten-containing ingredients.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
- 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
- 2 tablespoons gluten-free soy sauce or tamari
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then toss with cornstarch to coat evenly.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 6–8 minutes, turning to brown all sides until cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together orange juice, gluten-free soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes.
- Pour the sauce into the same skillet and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the orange sauce.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve hot with steamed rice or vegetables.
Notes
- Double-check all packaged ingredients to ensure they are labeled gluten-free.
- Use coconut aminos as a soy-free alternative to tamari.
- Can be baked instead of pan-fried for a lighter option.
- Leftovers store well for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg