There’s something magical about recreating your favorite takeout at home. Today, we’re diving into a dish that brings sunny vibes to your dinner table: Gluten-Free Orange Chicken! This recipe is perfect for those who crave that crispy and tangy goodness but want to keep it gluten-free. What’s better than a tender piece of chicken enveloped in a burst of citrus flavor? Let’s whip this up together!

Why Make This Recipe

This Gluten-Free Orange Chicken isn’t just easy to make; it’s also packed with flavor. Fresh orange juice and zest give it that bright kick we all love. Plus, making it at home means you have control over the ingredients. You can avoid preservatives and create a dish that’s tailored to your taste. It’s a warm hug of comfort food that you can enjoy without worrying about gluten. Your friends and family will love it, and you’ll feel like a kitchen superstar!

How to Make Gluten-Free Orange Chicken

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to gather:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
3/4 cup gluten-free flour blend (or almond flour/rice flour as substitutes)
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 cornstarch slurry)

Gluten-Free Orange Chicken

Directions

Start by cutting your boneless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Pat them dry with paper towels. This helps the coating stick perfectly when frying.
In one bowl, beat the eggs. In another bowl, place your gluten-free flour. Dip each chicken piece into the eggs, then coat them thoroughly with the gluten-free flour. This will give us that signature crispy texture we love!
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat to about 350-375°F. Fry the chicken pieces in batches, so they don’t overcrowd the pan. We want them golden brown and crispy, which should take about 4-5 minutes per batch.
While the chicken is frying, let’s make the sauce! In a small saucepan, combine the freshly squeezed orange juice, orange zest, gluten-free soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and ginger. Warm it over medium heat while gently stirring.
Mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Gradually add this to the sauce while stirring until it becomes thick, glossy, and silky.
Once the chicken is out of the pan and crispy, pour the sauce over the chicken. Toss gently to coat every piece evenly. Serve immediately to keep that crunch and flavor intact!

How to Serve Gluten-Free Orange Chicken

This dish shines when served right away. Pair it with fluffy rice or a medley of steamed vegetables. I love adding a side of stir-fried broccoli for some added color and nutrition. A sprinkle of sesame seeds on top would be the perfect finishing touch!

How to Store Gluten-Free Orange Chicken

Have leftovers? Simply store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to enjoy again, just reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. The sauce might lose its crispy touch, but it’s still delicious.

Tips to Make Gluten-Free Orange Chicken

Make sure to keep the oil hot while frying. This is key for that perfect crunch. If it’s too cool, the chicken will soak up excess oil.
Want an extra flavor boost? Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a hint of heat.
If you love meal prepping, consider doubling the recipe! You can freeze the coated chicken before frying. Just fry them straight from the freezer when you’re ready to enjoy!

Variation

Feel free to switch up the flavors! You can use lemon or lime juice instead of orange for a zesty twist. I’ve also made a similar dish using sweet and sour sauce that turned out just fabulous!

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes! Just remember to thaw the chicken completely before cutting and coating it.

What’s the best way to know if the oil is hot enough?
You can test the oil by dropping a small amount of dough or flour into it. If it sizzles immediately, you’re good to go!

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
While the chicken is best fresh, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it when you’re ready to serve!

Gluten-Free Orange Chicken

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