Gluten-Free Orange Chicken Recipe

Craving that sweet and tangy orange chicken but need it to be gluten-free? Look no further! This recipe delivers all the flavor you love, without the gluten. It’s surprisingly easy to make at home and is perfect for a weeknight meal or a weekend treat. Ditch the takeout and enjoy this healthier, gluten-free version!

Why This Recipe Works:

The secret to amazing gluten-free orange chicken lies in using the right ingredients. Instead of traditional wheat flour, we use a combination of rice flour and tapioca starch to create a light and crispy coating for the chicken. This blend ensures a satisfying crunch without any gluten. The orange sauce is made from fresh orange juice, soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free), and a touch of sweetness, creating a vibrant and irresistible flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup rice flour
• 1/4 cup tapioca starch
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 egg, beaten
• Oil for frying (vegetable, canola, or peanut)

For the Orange Sauce:

• 1 cup fresh orange juice
• 1/4 cup gluten-free tamari (or soy sauce if not gluten-free)
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp ginger, grated
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Red pepper flakes, to taste (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine rice flour, tapioca starch, salt, and pepper.
2. Dip the chicken pieces into the beaten egg, then dredge in the flour mixture, ensuring they are fully coated.
3. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
4. Fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Remove and set aside on a wire rack.
5. In a separate saucepan, whisk together orange juice, tamari, rice vinegar, honey, cornstarch, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using).
6. Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
7. Add the fried chicken to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
8. Serve immediately over rice (cauliflower rice for a low-carb option) and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.

Tips & Variations:

For extra crispy chicken, double-fry it! Fry once, let it rest, then fry again for a shorter time. Adjust the sweetness and spiciness of the sauce to your liking. You can also add other vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers to the stir-fry. Enjoy!

Ingredients:
boneless, skinless chicken thighs, rice flour, tapioca starch, salt, black pepper, egg, oil, fresh orange juice, gluten-free tamari, rice vinegar, honey, cornstarch, ginger, garlic, red pepper flakes

Tags:
gluten-free, orange chicken, recipe, gluten-free recipe, chicken, Asian cuisine, Chinese food, takeout, dinner, lunch, weeknight meal, rice flour, tapioca starch, orange juice, tamari, healthy, homemade, easy, crispy, sauce, Asian, poultry, main course, family meal, frying, cooking, food, orange, ginger, garlic, quick meal, simple, delicious, sesame seeds, green onions, stir-fry, variations, tips, boneless chicken thighs, cauliflower rice, cornstarch, rice vinegar, honey, maple syrup, red pepper flakes