Gluten-Free Orange Chicken Recipe

If you’re craving the crispy, tangy goodness of gluten-free orange chicken, you’ve come to the right place! This copycat version of the popular Chinese dish will quickly become a household favorite. It’s easy to make at home, packed with flavors, and has all the crispy goodness of the restaurant version without the gluten.

Whether you’re following a gluten-free diet or just prefer making your own versions of classic take-out dishes, gluten-free orange chicken provides a satisfying alternative. In this article, we’ll take you step-by-step through how to make this dish from scratch. From the crispy chicken coating to the irresistible orange sauce, you’ll find everything you need to recreate this popular dish at home.

What Makes This Gluten-Free Orange Chicken Recipe Special?

Gluten-Free Orange Chicken is a fun, vibrant dish that’s perfect for any occasion. But what sets this recipe apart from the others? The key lies in a few simple yet effective ingredients and methods:

Crispy Chicken: A light coating of cornstarch gives the chicken a crisp texture that pairs perfectly with the sticky, tangy orange sauce.
Fresh Orange Flavor: The combination of fresh orange juice and zest delivers that distinct citrusy tang that makes this dish so addictive.
Simple Gluten-Free Substitutes: Using gluten-free tamari sauce instead of soy sauce, and choosing naturally gluten-free starches like cornstarch, ensures that this dish is 100% gluten-free.

This version of gluten-free orange chicken is also customizable. Whether you prefer a sweeter or spicier sauce, this recipe allows you to adjust the heat and sweetness levels to match your taste buds perfectly.

Key Ingredients for Gluten-Free Orange Chicken

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a quick look at the ingredients needed to make this dish:

For the Chicken

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts are ideal for this recipe. The chicken should be cut into bite-sized pieces, making it easy to fry and coat with the crispy breading.
Cornstarch: This is the primary ingredient for the crispy coating. Cornstarch gives the chicken its light, crisp exterior while keeping the interior tender and juicy.

Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and garlic powder are used to season the chicken before frying. These seasonings give the chicken its initial flavor base.
Oil: For frying the chicken, you can use vegetable oil, canola oil, or avocado oil. Make sure the oil is hot enough to get the perfect crispy texture.

For the Orange Sauce

Gluten-Free Tamari Soy Sauce: Tamari is a great gluten-free alternative to regular soy sauce and provides a deep, savory flavor to the sauce.

Orange Juice & Zest: Freshly squeezed orange juice and zest will give the sauce that bright, citrusy flavor that’s characteristic of orange chicken.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds sweetness and helps thicken the sauce as it simmers.
Vinegar: Rice vinegar adds a tangy kick, balancing out the sweetness of the orange juice and brown sugar.

Garlic & Red Pepper Flakes: Minced garlic adds richness, while red pepper flakes give the sauce a hint of spice (adjust the amount according to your heat preference).
Cornstarch (for thickening): Cornstarch helps the sauce thicken to the perfect consistency so it clings to the chicken.

How to Make Gluten-Free Orange Chicken

Now that you have a good grasp of the ingredients, let’s walk through the steps to create your gluten-free orange chicken at home. Follow these simple instructions for a delicious result:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by preparing your chicken. Cut the boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts into bite-sized pieces, about 1 to 2 inches in size. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to add flavor right from the start.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

Place the cornstarch in a large bowl or plastic bag. Add the chicken pieces and toss them well until each piece is evenly coated. This cornstarch coating is what will make the chicken crispy and help the sauce stick.

For a thicker coating, you can dip the cornstarch-coated chicken in a mixture of egg whites and water before tossing them in more cornstarch. This will create an extra crispy layer when fried.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

Heat oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. If you’re using a cast-iron skillet or a non-stick pan, it will ensure the chicken cooks evenly and crisps up nicely. Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook the chicken in batches if necessary to maintain that golden crisp.

Fry the chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.

Step 4: Prepare the Orange Sauce

While the chicken is cooking, whisk together the sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Combine the tamari soy sauce, orange juice, orange zest, rice vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Heat this mixture in a small saucepan over medium heat, bringing it to a simmer.

Add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water to the sauce to help it thicken. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened and becomes glossy.

Step 5: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Once the chicken is fried and crispy, return it to the pan. Pour the thickened orange sauce over the chicken, tossing everything to coat evenly. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for an additional minute to absorb the flavors and ensure the sauce sticks well.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Serve your gluten-free orange chicken with steamed rice, gluten-free noodles, or a side of vegetables. Garnish with thinly sliced green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an added crunch and visual appeal.

Tips for Perfect Gluten-Free Orange Chicken

Ensure the oil is hot enough: The key to crispy chicken is to make sure the oil is at the right temperature. If it’s too cool, the chicken will absorb excess oil and become greasy. A drop of water should sizzle when it hits the pan to ensure the right heat.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. This ensures each piece gets crispy without becoming soggy.
Double the sauce: If you like your orange chicken extra saucy, consider doubling the sauce recipe. It’s always better to have too much sauce than too little!

Make it your own: Adjust the spice level according to your preference. Add more red pepper flakes if you like heat, or omit them entirely if you prefer a milder flavor.

Why This Recipe Is Better Than Take-Out

Making gluten-free orange chicken at home allows you to control the ingredients and tailor the flavors to your liking. Unlike take-out, where you can’t always be sure of what goes into your meal, this recipe uses wholesome, gluten-free ingredients that are both satisfying and healthier.

Additionally, homemade orange chicken allows you to experiment with flavors and make the dish as sweet, tangy, or spicy as you want. The crispy coating on the chicken holds up beautifully to the flavorful orange sauce, giving you that perfect balance of crunch and saucy goodness in every bite.

What to Serve With Gluten-Free Orange Chicken

Now that your gluten-free orange chicken is ready, you might be wondering what to serve alongside it to complete your meal. This dish pairs well with a variety of sides that complement its bold, citrusy flavors. Here are some of the best options:

1. Steamed Jasmine Rice

A classic choice to pair with your orange chicken. The mild flavor of jasmine rice balances the tanginess of the sauce, providing a fluffy base that soaks up all the extra sauce. It’s the perfect combination for a complete meal.

2. Fried Rice

For an upgraded take, make a quick gluten-free fried rice. Toss cooked rice with sautéed vegetables, gluten-free soy sauce, and a scrambled egg for a flavorful, hearty side. You can even add some chopped chicken or shrimp to make it more filling.

3. Roasted Vegetables

Roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers are a great addition. Their slightly caramelized flavor from roasting complements the sweet and tangy chicken. Plus, they add a healthy element to the meal.

4. Gluten-Free Noodles

If you’re craving something with a bit more texture, gluten-free rice noodles or even gluten-free spaghetti are a great option. Simply sauté with some garlic and vegetables for a light yet filling side that pairs well with the chicken.

5. Asian-Inspired Slaw

A crunchy, refreshing slaw made with cabbage, carrots, and a light sesame dressing can provide a perfect contrast to the rich and crispy chicken. It’s easy to prepare and adds some freshness to the meal.

Variations and Customizations for Gluten-Free Orange Chicken

One of the best things about gluten-free orange chicken is that it’s highly customizable. Here are some variations you can try to mix things up:

1. Soy-Free Version

If you’re avoiding soy, you can easily substitute the gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) with coconut aminos. Coconut aminos are soy-free and have a slightly sweeter taste, making them an excellent alternative for those on a soy-free diet.

2. Sweetener Options

The recipe uses brown sugar for a classic sweet flavor, but you can experiment with alternative sweeteners if you’re trying to reduce processed sugar intake:

Coconut sugar: A natural sugar with a lower glycemic index.

Honey or maple syrup: Both are great alternatives if you want to add a more complex sweetness to your sauce.
Stevia or monk fruit sweetener: For a low-carb or sugar-free version, try these zero-calorie options.

3. Make it Spicy

If you like a bit of heat with your sweetness, consider increasing the amount of red pepper flakes or adding a small amount of sriracha to the sauce. The heat will cut through the sweetness and give your orange chicken an extra kick.

4. Air Fryer Option

For an even healthier version, try making the chicken in an air fryer instead of frying it in oil. Coat the chicken in cornstarch, then spray with cooking spray and cook in the air fryer at 375°F for about 10-12 minutes, or until crispy. This method uses much less oil while still achieving a crisp texture.

5. Paleo-Friendly

To make a paleo version of this dish, you can substitute the cornstarch with arrowroot powder or cassava flour. Additionally, replace the brown sugar with honey or maple syrup and use coconut aminos instead of tamari soy sauce for a completely paleo-friendly orange chicken.

How to Store and Reheat Gluten-Free Orange Chicken

This dish is delicious, and you may end up with some leftovers! Here’s how to store and reheat your gluten-free orange chicken:

Storing

Allow the gluten-free orange chicken to cool down to room temperature.
Store the chicken and sauce in separate airtight containers. This will prevent the chicken from becoming soggy when stored in the fridge.

The chicken will last for up to 3 days in the fridge, while the sauce will stay fresh for up to 4 days.

Reheating

To reheat, you can place the chicken in a hot pan and cook for a few minutes to crisp it up again.
If you want to warm the sauce, simply heat it in a small saucepan until it’s simmering, then toss it with the chicken.

If you prefer, you can also use a microwave, but be careful not to overcook the chicken as it may lose its crispy texture.

Freezing

If you want to freeze the gluten-free orange chicken, it’s best to freeze the chicken without the sauce. Simply cook and cool the chicken, then store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to eat, reheat the chicken and add freshly made sauce.

Common Questions About Gluten-Free Orange Chicken

As you dive into making gluten-free orange chicken, you may have some questions or concerns about ingredients, cooking methods, or variations. To help clear up any confusion, here are answers to some common questions.

Can I use a different flour for the coating?

Yes, if you prefer to avoid cornstarch, you can use other gluten-free flours or starches such as:

Arrowroot powder: A great alternative that will still provide a crisp coating.
Tapioca flour: Another option that creates a light, crunchy texture.

Rice flour: Can be used in place of cornstarch, though it might not provide the exact same crispy texture.

If you are looking for a more traditional breading, you could also use gluten-free breadcrumbs, though this will change the texture and style of the dish.

Is gluten-free orange chicken healthy?

While gluten-free orange chicken can be healthier than its restaurant counterparts (due to its controlled ingredients), it’s still fried. For a healthier version, consider using an air fryer to cook the chicken with less oil, or opt for baking it. This reduces the overall fat content while keeping the chicken crispy. Additionally, using coconut aminos instead of tamari soy sauce can lower the sodium levels, making it a bit healthier for those watching their salt intake.

How can I make gluten-free orange chicken less sweet?

If you’re not a fan of overly sweet dishes, you can adjust the sugar content. Simply reduce the amount of brown sugar in the sauce and balance the flavors by adding a little more vinegar or red pepper flakes for extra tang and heat. You can also replace the brown sugar with a less sweet option like coconut sugar or stevia, depending on your preference.

Can I make this gluten-free orange chicken in advance?

Yes, you can make the chicken in advance and store it separately from the sauce. Simply follow the steps to fry the chicken, then let it cool and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the chicken in a hot pan to crisp it back up, and then pour the freshly made sauce over it.

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s important to properly thaw it before using it in this recipe. Thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Once thawed, follow the recipe as usual.

A Perfect Weeknight Meal: Easy and Flavorful

The beauty of gluten-free orange chicken is that it’s quick, easy, and requires minimal ingredients, making it the perfect weeknight dinner. In under an hour, you can prepare a flavorful, crispy, and healthy alternative to take-out that will satisfy your cravings without the gluten. By making it at home, you’re in control of the ingredients, so you can adjust the flavor and nutritional content to suit your needs.

Whether you serve it over rice, gluten-free noodles, or alongside some sautéed veggies, this dish is versatile enough to become a staple in your cooking rotation. The tangy, sweet sauce combined with the crispy chicken makes it an irresistible meal, and with these tips and tricks, you can recreate it with ease.

Conclusion: Enjoy Gluten-Free Orange Chicken Anytime

By now, you should be fully equipped to make the most flavorful gluten-free orange chicken right in your own kitchen. This recipe is all about balance—getting that perfect crispy chicken with the sweet and tangy sauce that coats every bite. It’s a dish that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a weeknight dinner, a special gathering, or when you just need a little comfort food.

With the ability to adjust sweetness, spice, and texture, you can truly make this dish your own. Serve it with your favorite side dishes and enjoy a healthy, homemade version of this beloved Chinese take-out favorite. No more worrying about hidden gluten or excess calories—just pure deliciousness!