Gluten-Free Orange Chicken

Welcome to Eatimi! I’m Olivia Hart — a home-cook who believes delicious food doesn’t need complicated techniques. Here I share easy everyday recipes, family meals, quick ideas for busy days and helpful kitchen tips to make cooking simple and fun. My goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen and enjoy homemade food with joy, comfort and love. 💛

Nothing brings back memories quite like the smell of crispy chicken coated in a sweet and tangy orange sauce. One of my fondest childhood memories involves family dinners filled with laughter, and a heaping plate of orange chicken. Everyone rushed to the table, knowing that this dish was a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. As a home cook, I strive to recreate those magical moments.

Today, I want to share with you my version of gluten-free orange chicken. This recipe perfectly balances the comforting crunch of fried chicken with the vibrant flavour of fresh orange juice and zesty garlic. Trust me, it’s an extraordinary dish that will make your taste buds sing. Gluten-free never tasted so good!

Let’s roll up our sleeves and delve into this delightful recipe that fuses simplicity and flavour effortlessly. Get ready to impress your family (and yourself!) with this delicious gluten-free orange chicken that will surely become a favourite in your household.

Gluten-Free Orange Chicken

Fundamentals

Creating gluten-free orange chicken starts with the right ingredients. You’ll need one pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces which guarantees a quick cook time. Pair this with gluten-free flour, which acts as a perfect coating that adds texture to your chicken. The choice of gluten-free flour can range from a dedicated blend to almond or rice flour, accommodating various dietary needs.

The orange juice is the star of this dish. Freshly squeezed orange juice elevates the flavour, giving your chicken a fresh, citrusy kick that contrasts beautifully with the crispy coating. Honey or maple syrup will add that touch of sweetness, perfectly balancing the savoury notes from the gluten-free soy sauce.

Finally, the garlic and ginger enhance the overall depth of the flavour profile. These aromatic ingredients create a fragrant base for the sauce that clings perfectly to your crispy chicken. The cornstarch acts as a thickener, helping to create a luxurious, velvety sauce that you’ll want to drizzle over everything.

Preparation/setup

Begin by preparing the chicken. Cut the boneless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and pat them dry with paper towels. This step is crucial as it helps the coating adhere properly and ensures the chicken crisps up beautifully in the oil.

Next, set up your breading station. In one bowl, beat two large eggs. In another bowl, pour in ¾ cup of your chosen gluten-free flour. Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture, coating it thoroughly before rolling it in the gluten-free flour. This two-step process guarantees that each bite of chicken stays crispy after frying.

Once you’ve coated all the chicken pieces, it’s time to prepare for frying. Heat about two cups of vegetable oil in a deep skillet until it reaches a temperature of 350-375°F. Make sure to use a thermometer to maintain a consistent temperature, as this ensures even cooking and prevents the chicken from soaking up too much oil.

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 3/4 cup gluten-free flour blend (or almond/rice flour)
• 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)

Directions

1. Cut the 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 the gluten-free flour.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350-375°F. Fry chicken pieces in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per batch.
4. In a saucepan, combine orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger. Warm over medium heat.
5. Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then add it to the sauce while stirring until thickened.
6. Pour the sauce over the fried chicken and toss gently. Serve immediately.

Techniques for Perfect Gluten-Free Orange Chicken

Technique

Achieving the perfect gluten-free orange chicken relies on a few key techniques. Start by ensuring that your chicken is thoroughly dried before breading. Moisture can lead to a soggy coating, so patting it down is essential.

When frying, avoid overcrowding the pan as this can lower the oil’s temperature, resulting in greasy chicken. Fry the chicken in smaller batches and ensure the oil maintains its heat throughout the frying process.

Once fried, quickly transfer the chicken to a cooling rack rather than placing it on a paper towel. This prevents steam from being trapped, preserving that desired crispy texture.

Tips and Tricks

For extra flavour, let the breaded chicken sit in the fridge for about 30 minutes before frying. This helps the coating stick and develop a more robust crunch.

Experiment with the level of sweetness in the sauce. If you prefer a sweeter glaze, add more honey or maple syrup. Alternatively, if you enjoy a tangier flavour, consider adding more orange juice or zest.

Lastly, for added depth, you can sprinkle some sesame seeds over the finished dish or garnishing with finely chopped green onions to enhance both the flavour and presentation.

Perfecting Gluten-Free Orange Chicken

Perfecting Results

Perfect gluten-free orange chicken boasts a crispy coating and a glossy orange sauce that complements the chicken beautifully. Achieve this by ensuring a consistent frying temperature and allowing the chicken to drain properly after frying.

Using fresh ingredients, especially the orange juice and zest, makes a significant difference in taste. Fresh juice offers vibrant flavour, while zest imparts an aromatic note, making every bite feel special.

Troubleshooting and Variations

If you encounter soggy chicken, double-check the temperature of your oil. Too cool oil can lead to absorption of excess oil, ruining the texture. Cooking in batches also helps maintain oil temperature.

For variations, try adding vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas into the sauce for a delightful stir-fry effect. You can also experiment by adding a kick of heat with some chili flakes or sriracha to the sauce, catering to those who appreciate a spicy touch.

Serving and Storing Gluten-Free Orange Chicken

Serving and Presentation

Present your gluten-free orange chicken with a flourish. Serve it over a bed of fluffy rice or alongside steamed vegetables. Adding a wedge of fresh orange can brighten the plate while enhancing the citrus theme of the dish.

This dish also makes an inviting centrepiece for gatherings. Whether it’s a family dinner or a celebration, everyone will delight in the colourful presentation and mouthwatering aroma wafting through the air.

Pairings and Storage

Pair your gluten-free orange chicken with jasmine rice or cauliflower rice for a healthier twist. Steamed broccoli or sugar snap peas complements the dish beautifully, providing a refreshing crunch.

For storage, place any leftovers in an airtight container. This dish stays fresh in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, you might want to pop it back in the oven or air fryer to retain that crispy texture. Enjoy it hot or cold, as it also makes for a delicious lunch option.

Gluten-free orange chicken serves as an exemplary dish that showcases how simple ingredients can create extraordinary meals. Every bite brings back the warmth of family gatherings, filled with joy, laughter, and, of course, delightful flavours.

Gluten-Free Orange Chicken

A crispy and flavorful gluten-free orange chicken that combines the tang of fresh orange juice with the crunch of perfectly fried chicken, making it a crowd-pleasing dish for any occasion.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Asian, Gluten-Free

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients  

For the Chicken

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• ¾ cup gluten-free flour blend (or almond/rice flour)
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 2 cups vegetable oil for frying

For the Sauce

• ¾ cup freshly squeezed orange juice Freshly squeezed is best for flavor
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 3 tablespoons gluten-free soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup Adjust to taste
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch or tapioca starch (for thickening)
• 2 tablespoons water (for cornstarch slurry)

Method 

Preparation

1. Cut the 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.
3. Dip each chicken piece into the eggs, then coat with the gluten-free flour.

Frying the Chicken

1. Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350-375°F.
2. Fry chicken pieces in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per batch.

Making the Sauce

1. In a saucepan, combine orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger. Warm over medium heat.
2. Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then add it to the sauce while stirring until thickened.

Serving

1. Pour the sauce over the fried chicken and toss gently. Serve immediately.

Notes

For extra flavor, let the breaded chicken sit in the fridge for about 30 minutes before frying. You can also experiment with the sauce's sweetness by adjusting honey or maple syrup levels.