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This homemade gluten free orange chicken has tender meat and a sticky sauce! It tastes like takeout but this version is healthier. Great for busy weeknights, family dinners, holidays, meal prep, and more!
This gluten free orange chicken tastes like restaurant quality takeout! It is quick and easy to make at home. This simple 20-minute recipe is great for family dinners, holidays, entertaining, meal prep, and leftovers. Even picky eaters love it!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- This gluten free orange chicken is quick and easy to make.
- The breading is crispy and delicious.
- The sauce is slightly sticky, a little sweet, and so flavorful.
- It tastes like takeout.
- This recipe is made with healthy ingredients.
- The chicken is juicy and tender.
- In addition to gluten-free, this recipe is also soy-free, dairy-free, and nut-free.
- Check out this Peanut Butter Chicken for another Chinese inspired meal!
Ingredients & Substitutes
These are the ingredients and substitutes for this gluten free orange chicken. Scroll down to the recipe card below for the entire recipe.
Use boneless skinless chicken breasts for the best texture. Boneless skinless chicken thighs work well too.
Use gluten free flour and tapioca flour for the breading. Tapioca flour is very similar to cornstarch.
Dip the chicken pieces in a whisked egg before breading. This helps the breading stick to the chicken.
Olive oil helps cook the chicken. If needed, use avocado oil.
Use the zest and juice of one large orange. This provides a much better flavor than simply orange juice.
Coconut aminos is the soy-free and gluten-free version of soy sauce.
Rice vinegar adds a delicious flavor to the sauce.
Season with ground ginger and garlic powder.
Lastly, top with chopped green onions if desired.
Taste & Texture
This homemade gluten free orange chicken is savory, sweet, and incredibly flavorful. The orange flavor is delicious!
The chicken is juicy, while the breading is crispy. In addition, the sauce is sticky.
How to Make
Step 1
First, combine the gluten free flour and tapioca flour in a large Ziplock bag. Set aside.
Step 2
Add the whisked egg to a shallow bowl. Add each chicken piece to the whisked egg and stir to fully coat. Then place inside the Ziplock bag with the flour mixture. Repeat for the remaining chicken cubes.
Step 3
Then, seal the bag. Shake around until the chicken is fully coated.
Step 4
Heat the oil in a large pan over medium heat. Discard the excess flour. Place the coated chicken cubes in the hot oil. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cooked through.
Step 5
Then, add the remaining ingredients to the skillet. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, until the sauce has thickened.
Step 6
Lastly, remove the pan from the heat. Serve the chicken over brown rice, cauliflower rice, or by itself. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired.
Expert Tips for Success
Follow these tips and tricks to make the best gluten free orange chicken.
Fully coat the chicken in the gluten free breading.
Use a fresh orange for the juice and zest. This provides the best flavor.
Continue cooking the sauce until it reaches your desired level of thickness.
The sauce will thicken up as it cooks.
If the sauce is too thick, add a little water. If it’s too thin, a cornstarch (or tapioca flour) slurry can help thicken it.
Maintain a consistent medium heat when frying the chicken to avoid burning.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
Switch up the flavors of your gluten free orange chicken.
For a tropical flavor, replace the orange juice with pineapple juice.
Add in stir-fry veggies like broccoli, peppers, or snow peas. These vibrant pops of color and fresh flavors not only enhance the dish but also add valuable nutrients.
Drizzle with sriracha or chili oil for an extra kick, or sprinkle with crushed peanuts for a touch of nutty flavor. These additions cater to those who crave a bit more heat and textural complexity.
How to Serve & Store
Serve this gluten free orange chicken with brown rice, cauliflower rice, or vegetables.
Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds for an extra touch of elegance.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a pan over medium heat for the best texture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, you can prepare the chicken in advance and reheat it when ready to serve. However, the sauce is best made fresh.
As long as you ensure all ingredients used are certified gluten-free, then yes.
Absolutely! Any gluten-free flour blend that suits your preference works well.
No, Panda Express orange chicken contains wheat and gluten.
No, Trader Joe’s orange chicken contains gluten.
Instead of cornstarch, use tapioca flour or arrowroot powder.
Equipment Needed
Large Nonstick Skillet: This large pan is great for cooking this gluten free orange chicken!
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