Gluten-Free Orange Chicken is a delightful dish that brings together the zesty brightness of orange with tender, crispy chicken, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. This recipe combines the tangy flavor of freshly squeezed oranges with mouthwatering golden-brown chicken, creating a flavor profile that’s sure to please your family and friends. My personal experience with this dish has shown me its ability to evoke smiles and excitement at the dinner table, and I can guarantee that each bite is nothing short of scrumptious.

Why you’ll love this dish

One of the standout features of this Gluten-Free Orange Chicken is how easy it is to prepare. You won’t need hours in the kitchen—just simple, accessible ingredients come together to create a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your home. It’s budget-friendly, as a single pound of chicken can serve multiple people, and kids absolutely love the sweet and tangy sauce. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or hosting a family brunch, this dish is versatile and suitable for any occasion.

“I was surprised by how crispy the chicken was, and the orange sauce perfectly complemented it! My kids couldn’t get enough!” – Happy Home Cook

How this recipe comes together

The process to create this mouthwatering dish is straightforward yet satisfying. First, you’ll prepare the chicken by cutting it into bite-sized pieces and ensuring it’s well-coated. Next, a simple battering and frying method will take place, resulting in sumptuous, crispy chicken bites. Meanwhile, a flavorful sauce made from fresh orange juice and zest will simmer on the stove, thickened to perfection. Finally, you’ll toss the chicken and sauce together for an irresistible dish that’s best served hot.

What you’ll need

To create this delicious Gluten-Free Orange Chicken, gather the following ingredients:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
3/4 cup gluten-free flour blend (you can also use almond flour or rice flour)
2 large eggs, beaten
Vegetable oil for frying (about 2 cups, with a high smoke point)
3/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
1 tablespoon orange zest
3 tablespoons gluten-free soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
1 tablespoon cornstarch or tapioca starch (for thickening)
2 tablespoons water (for the cornstarch slurry)

These ingredients come together beautifully, and with a few optional substitutions, you can personalize this dish to suit your preferences.

Step-by-step instructions

Begin by cutting the boneless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Pat them dry using paper towels to ensure that the coating sticks well during frying.
In a bowl, beat the eggs until well combined. In another bowl, place the gluten-free flour.
Dip each piece of chicken into the beaten eggs, then coat thoroughly with the gluten-free flour, which will give that signature crispy texture.
Heat the vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat, bringing it to a temperature between 350-375°F.
Fry the chicken pieces in batches to prevent overcrowding and allow even cooking. Each batch should fry for about 4-5 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy.
In a small saucepan, combine the freshly squeezed orange juice, orange zest, gluten-free soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and ginger. Heat this mixture over medium heat.
In a separate bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. While stirring the sauce, gradually add the cornstarch slurry until the sauce is thick, glossy, and silky.
Pour the sauce over the fried chicken, tossing gently to ensure each piece is evenly coated. Serve immediately to maintain optimal crunch and flavor.

Best ways to enjoy it

My favorite way to serve Gluten-Free Orange Chicken is over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice, which soaks up all that incredible sauce. You can add steamed broccoli or snap peas for extra color and nutrition, creating a beautiful and balanced plate. This dish can also be tucked into soft lettuce wraps for a lighter, fresh twist.

How to store & freeze

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so in a skillet on low heat to restore the chicken’s crispiness. If you’re looking to freeze it, consider keeping the chicken and sauce separate to preserve texture. The chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months, while the sauce should be stored in a sealed container in the fridge.

Helpful cooking tips

A few tips can elevate your experience with this recipe. Ensure your chicken pieces are as uniform in size as possible for even cooking. If you’re short on time, pre-cut chicken tenders can speed up the process. Additionally, don’t rush the frying; allow each piece to brown thoroughly for maximum crunch. Lastly, adjusting the sweetness level of the sauce by using more or less honey or maple syrup can tailor it to your taste.

Creative twists

For those looking to switch it up, there are plenty of flavor variations to explore. You could experiment with adding red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or switch out the orange juice for pineapple juice for a tropical twist. Adding chopped scallions or sesame seeds as a garnish can also enhance presentation and flavor.

Your questions answered

What is the prep time for this dish?
The prep time is approximately 15 minutes, with another 20-30 minutes for cooking, depending on how quickly you fry the chicken.
Can I substitute the soy sauce for something else?
Yes, you can use coconut aminos for a soy-free option, or tamari for a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
Is it safe to freeze the chicken after cooking?
Yes, cooked chicken can be frozen. Just be sure to store it in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags to prevent freezer burn. For best results, consume within 2 months.

Embrace the deliciousness of Gluten-Free Orange Chicken today. With its vibrant flavors and satisfying textures, it’s bound to become a beloved staple in your cooking repertoire!

Gluten-Free Orange Chicken

A delightful dish combining zesty orange flavor with crispy chicken, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American, Asian

Servings 4 servings

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
3/4 cup gluten-free flour blend Can also use almond flour or rice flour.
2 large eggs, beaten
2 cups vegetable oil for frying Use oil with a high smoke point.
3/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
1 tablespoon orange zest
3 tablespoons gluten-free soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
1 tablespoon cornstarch or tapioca starch For thickening.
2 tablespoons water For the cornstarch slurry.

Instructions

Preparation

Cut the boneless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and pat them dry with paper towels.
In a bowl, beat the eggs until well combined. In another bowl, place the gluten-free flour.
Dip each piece of chicken into the beaten eggs and then coat thoroughly with the gluten-free flour.

Cooking

Heat the vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat, bringing it to a temperature between 350-375°F.
Fry the chicken pieces in batches for about 4-5 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy.
In a small saucepan, combine the orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and ginger. Heat this mixture over medium heat.
Mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Gradually add it to the sauce while stirring until thick and glossy.
Pour the sauce over the fried chicken, tossing gently to ensure each piece is even coated.
Serve immediately to maintain optimal crunch and flavor.

Notes

Serve over jasmine rice or with steamed broccoli for added nutrition. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated gently to retain crispiness.

Keyword Crispy Chicken, Easy Recipe, Gluten-Free, Orange Chicken