Name: Gluten-Free Orange Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Chinese-American
Ingredients: 3 4-ounce boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces; 4 cups vegetable oil (preferably peanut oil) for frying; 1/2 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour (e.g., Pillsbury Gluten Free Flour); 1/2 cup cornstarch (e.g., Argo); 2 teaspoons ground ginger; 2 large eggs, whisked; 4 tablespoons gluten-free soy sauce (e.g., La Choy); 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup orange juice; 1/2 cup gluten-free rice vinegar (or white vinegar); 4 tablespoons cornstarch; 4 tablespoons water

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 90 reviews

If you’re craving that bold, tangy, and irresistibly crispy chicken experience but need to stay gluten-free, you absolutely have to try this Gluten-Free Orange Chicken Recipe. It captures everything wonderful about classic orange chicken with a homemade sauce that’s bursting with sweet and zesty orange flavors, all while using simple, accessible ingredients. The crispy chicken bites perfectly soak up the luscious sauce, creating a comforting yet exciting dish that your whole family or friends will love. Plus, it’s easier to make than you think, and best of all, completely gluten-free!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl filled with small pieces of raw light pink chicken submerged in a yellow beaten egg mixture. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. There are two whole oranges partially shown in the bottom left corner and a clear plastic bag with a blue zipper, partially visible in the upper right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting this dish right is all about having the right essentials on hand. Each ingredient plays a key role in delivering the perfect balance between crispy chicken and that vibrant orange glaze that makes this recipe a standout. From the gluten-free flour to the fresh orange juice, every component is essential for taste, texture, and color.

Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-size pieces, great for even frying and absorbing the sauce.
Vegetable oil: Ideal for frying; peanut oil is perfect for a light, crispy finish.
Gluten-free all-purpose flour: Provides a sturdy but light coating to keep the chicken crispy.
Cornstarch: Adds extra crunch to the dry coating and thickens the sauce beautifully.
Ground ginger: Adds warmth and depth both in the coating and sauce.
Eggs: Helps the coating stick to the chicken pieces perfectly.
Gluten-free soy sauce: Brings a savory umami kick to the orange sauce.
Garlic powder: Adds subtle aromatic notes to the sauce’s flavor profile.
Granulated sugar and brown sugar: Balance the tanginess with sweetness, creating that signature orange glaze.
Fresh orange juice: The star of the show that infuses every bite with natural citrus brightness.
Gluten-free rice vinegar: Gives the sauce a tangy acidity that cuts through the sweetness.
Water: Mixed with cornstarch to thicken the sauce into a luscious glaze.

How to Make Gluten-Free Orange Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Coating

First, combine the gluten-free flour, cornstarch, and ground ginger in a large resealable plastic bag. This simple mix is your secret weapon for creating that irresistible crispy crust. Then, cut your chicken breasts into roughly 1-inch pieces for perfect bite-sized portions.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

Whisk the eggs in a bowl, then add the chicken pieces, stirring so each piece is well-coated. Next, toss the chicken into the bag with the flour mixture, seal it, and shake until every piece is thoroughly coated. Pop the coated chicken in the fridge while your oil heats up to keep it fresh and flavorful.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

Heat your vegetable or peanut oil in a large skillet or wok to 350°F. Fry chicken pieces carefully in batches, avoiding crowding the pan to get light golden brown, crispy bits. This step takes about 3 to 4 minutes per batch, and your patience here pays off big with that satisfying crunch.

Step 4: Make the Orange Sauce

After frying, discard excess oil safely and wipe your skillet clean. On medium heat, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, garlic powder, and ground ginger. Stir in orange juice until the sugars dissolve, then add rice vinegar and gluten-free soy sauce, stirring to marry the flavors.

Step 5: Thicken and Coat

Whisk cornstarch with water to create a slurry and pour it into the sauce. Stir constantly while it thickens to a syrupy consistency. Once thickened, toss your golden chicken pieces into the sauce to coat each bite with glossy, flavorful goodness. Serve immediately and enjoy that perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and crunchy!

How to Serve Gluten-Free Orange Chicken Recipe

The image shows a gray pan filled with many small, golden-brown fried pieces of chicken, all covered lightly in a shiny orange sauce. On top of the chicken, there are three thin orange slices placed near the center. Around the pan, there are several orange wedges and a white bowl filled with white rice, topped with chopped green onions, with a pair of dark brown chopsticks resting on the bowl's edge. Next to the pan, on a white marbled surface, there are green onions, a small wooden bowl of sesame seeds, and a small black square dish with chopped green onions. A gray and white striped cloth is also seen near some orange slices. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding garnishes can elevate your dish visually and taste-wise. Fresh orange slices bring a burst of citrusy freshness that complements the sauce perfectly. Sprinkle some sliced green onions for a subtle savory crunch and top with toasted sesame seeds for a nutty finish that’s so satisfying.

Side Dishes

Orange chicken pairs wonderfully with fluffy white rice or steamed jasmine rice to soak up all that delicious sauce. You can also serve it alongside sautéed or steamed vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy to add a fresh, vibrant element to your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun presentation, try serving the orange chicken in individual bowls topped with garnishes. You could even transform this into a stir-fry bowl layered with rice, veggies, and a drizzle of extra sauce for a complete meal that looks as great as it tastes. It’s a perfect way to impress guests or treat your family to something special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover orange chicken in an airtight container and keep it refrigerated. It stays fresh for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinners when you want something tasty with minimal effort.

Freezing

You can freeze leftover chicken coated in sauce, but for best texture, freeze the fried chicken and sauce separately. Store chicken pieces in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftover gluten-free orange chicken gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat to avoid drying out the chicken. Add a splash of water or extra orange sauce if needed to keep everything moist and delicious.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work great because they stay juicy and tender, and they pair beautifully with this crispy coating and flavorful sauce. Just make sure to cut them into uniform bite-sized pieces for even cooking.

Is there a way to bake instead of fry for a healthier option?

Yes! You can bake the coated chicken pieces on a lined baking sheet at 425°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through until crispy. While frying gives the crispiest texture, baking is a wonderful alternative for a lighter version.

What can I substitute if I don’t have rice vinegar?

If you don’t have rice vinegar, white vinegar or apple cider vinegar make suitable substitutes. Use the same quantity, but taste your sauce as vinegar strength can vary, adjusting sweetness if needed.

How sticky and sweet is the sauce?

The sauce strikes a perfect balance — it’s sweet, tangy, and has a beautiful syrupy texture that clings to each piece of chicken without being overly sticky or cloying. The blend of sugars and citrus juice creates layers of flavor.

Can this recipe be doubled for a larger crowd?

Definitely! Just double all ingredients and cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding your pan. This recipe scales up nicely for family meals and gatherings.

Final Thoughts

I’m genuinely excited for you to make this Gluten-Free Orange Chicken Recipe at home because it’s that perfect combination of comfort food and vibrant flavors that feels special without fuss. Once you taste that crispy chicken smothered in luscious orange sauce, you’ll wonder why you ever thought takeout was easier. So grab your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy every delicious bite!