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Gluten-Free Orange Chicken Recipe


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4.2 from 90 reviews

  • Author: Ezabella
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This Gluten-Free Orange Chicken recipe is a delicious and healthier take on the classic Chinese takeout favorite. Featuring crispy chicken pieces coated in a flavorful, sweet, and tangy homemade orange sauce, this dish uses gluten-free ingredients to make it accessible and satisfying. Perfectly paired with white rice and garnished with fresh orange slices, green onions, and sesame seeds, this recipe delivers bold flavors with simple steps and ingredients.


Ingredients

Chicken

  • 3 4-ounce boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 4 cups vegetable oil (preferably peanut oil) for frying

Dry Coating

  • 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

Orange Sauce

  • 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


Instructions

  1. Prepare Dry Coating: In a large plastic storage bag, combine the gluten-free flour, cornstarch, and ground ginger. This mixture will be used to coat the chicken pieces.
  2. Cut Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces by halving each breast twice for uniform size, ensuring even cooking.
  3. Egg Wash: Whisk the eggs in a medium bowl and add the chicken pieces, stirring to coat each piece fully with the egg.
  4. Coat Chicken: Transfer the egg-coated chicken pieces into the plastic bag with the dry coating. Seal the bag and shake to evenly coat the chicken. Place the bagged chicken in the refrigerator while heating the oil.
  5. Heat Oil: Heat 4 cups of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F, ready for frying.
  6. Fry Chicken: Carefully add chicken pieces to the hot oil in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 3-4 minutes until the chicken is lightly golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels.
  7. Clean Skillet: Carefully pour out the used oil into a heatproof bowl for disposal or reuse. Wipe the skillet clean with paper towels and return it to the stovetop, setting heat to medium.
  8. Make Orange Sauce Base: Spray the skillet with gluten-free nonstick cooking spray or add a small amount of oil. Combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, garlic powder, and ground ginger in the skillet, stirring until mixed. Add orange juice and stir occasionally to dissolve sugars.
  9. Add Liquids: Stir in gluten-free rice vinegar and gluten-free soy sauce, combining all ingredients well.
  10. Thicken Sauce: Whisk cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Add this slurry to the skillet and cook the sauce, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to a maple syrup consistency.
  11. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the fried chicken pieces to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat each piece evenly with the orange sauce.
  12. Serve: Serve the gluten-free orange chicken hot, ideally over white rice, garnished with fresh orange slices, green onions, and sesame seeds if desired.
  13. Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the microwave before serving.

Notes

  • Use peanut oil or vegetable oil for frying due to their high smoke points.
  • Do not overcrowd the skillet when frying chicken; cook in batches for crispiness.
  • Make sure the oil temperature stays around 350°F for best results.
  • The chicken will continue cooking slightly after frying; avoid overcooking during frying.
  • Check that all soy sauce, vinegar, and flour are gluten-free to maintain the recipe’s gluten-free integrity.
  • Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • For extra zest, garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Chinese-American