Gluten-Free Orange Chicken

Why Make This Recipe

Gluten-Free Orange Chicken is a delicious twist on the classic dish. It’s perfect for those who need to avoid gluten but still want to enjoy a tasty and crispy chicken meal. This recipe is not only easy to follow, but it also uses fresh orange juice and zest to bring a bright and zesty flavor. Plus, it’s a fun way to enjoy homemade fried chicken without worries about gluten.

How to Make Gluten-Free Orange Chicken

Ingredients

• 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)

Directions

1. Cut boneless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and pat them dry with paper towels to ensure the coating sticks perfectly during frying.
2. In one bowl, beat the eggs. In another bowl, place the gluten-free flour. Dip each chicken piece into the eggs, then thoroughly coat with the gluten-free flour to achieve that signature crispy texture.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat to 350-375°F. Fry the chicken pieces in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Avoid overcrowding the pan for even cooking and optimal crunch.
4. In a small saucepan, combine freshly squeezed orange juice, orange zest, gluten-free soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and ginger. Warm over medium heat.
5. Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry and gradually add it to the sauce while stirring until the sauce is thick, glossy, and silky.
6. Pour the sauce over the fried chicken, tossing gently to coat every piece evenly. Serve immediately to maintain the best crunch and flavor.

How to Serve Gluten-Free Orange Chicken

Serve the Gluten-Free Orange Chicken hot, straight from the pan. It pairs well with rice or stir-fried vegetables. For an extra touch, garnish with some sliced green onions or sesame seeds to make it look more appealing.

How to Store Gluten-Free Orange Chicken

To store leftover Gluten-Free Orange Chicken, place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat to regain its crispiness.

Tips to Make Gluten-Free Orange Chicken

• Ensure your oil is hot enough before frying; a temperature of 350°F to 375°F will help achieve a crispy texture.
• Pat the chicken dry well to help the flour stick better and create a crunchier coating.
• Feel free to adjust the sweetness of the sauce by adding more or less honey or maple syrup based on your taste preference.

Variation

If you want to add a little heat, consider adding some red pepper flakes to the sauce. For a veggie twist, you can toss in some broccoli or bell peppers along with the chicken.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different flour instead of gluten-free flour?
   Yes! Almond flour or rice flour work great as substitutes.

2. Is this recipe dairy-free?
   Yes, this Gluten-Free Orange Chicken is dairy-free, making it suitable for those with dairy sensitivities.

3. Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
   Yes, you can bake it at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes. It may not be as crispy but will be healthier!

Gluten-Free Orange Chicken

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• Author: jena
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten-Free

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Description

A delicious gluten-free twist on classic orange chicken, featuring crispy chicken pieces coated in a zesty orange sauce.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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)
• 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)

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Instructions

1. Cut boneless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and pat them dry with paper towels.
2. In one bowl, beat the eggs. In another bowl, place the gluten-free flour. Dip each chicken piece into the eggs, then coat with gluten-free flour.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat to 350-375°F. Fry the chicken in batches until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per batch.
4. In a small saucepan, combine orange juice, orange zest, gluten-free soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger. Warm over medium heat.
5. Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry and add it to the sauce, stirring until thick and glossy.
6. Pour the sauce over the fried chicken, tossing gently to coat evenly. Serve immediately.

Notes

Serve with rice or stir-fried vegetables. Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for added appeal.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 200mg

Keywords: gluten-free, orange chicken, crispy chicken, Asian cuisine, homemade fried chicken