Easy Gluten Free Orange Chicken Recipe – In 30 Minutes

This gluten free orange chicken is perfect for anyone craving a quick, delicious meal. It’s healthier than takeout and ready in just 30 minutes, giving you that restaurant-style flavor in a gluten-free version everyone can enjoy.

With this recipe, you can impress your family and friends. It tastes just as amazing as the best Chinese restaurants, but it’s gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy it.

Key Takeaways

• Quick and easy 30-minute gluten free orange chicken recipe
• A healthier alternative to greasy, high-calorie takeout
• Perfectly balanced sweet and savory flavors
• This gluten-free orange chicken is ideal for anyone with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, offering a quick, delicious meal that’s healthier than takeout and ready in just 30 minutes. It brings the taste of restaurant-style orange chicken in a gluten-free version everyone can enjoy.
• This gluten free orange chicken is quick, customizable, and perfect for those with gluten sensitivities, bringing you takeout flavor in 30 minutes.

Why This Gluten Free Orange Chicken Will Become Your Family Favorite

Our homemade gluten free orange chicken is a hit with families. It has a perfect mix of sweet and savory flavors. It’s also quick and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights.

Perfect Balance of Sweet and Savory Flavors

The secret to our gluten free orange chicken is its unique flavor mix. It combines zesty orange, savory soy sauce, and a hint of sweetness. This creates a dish that everyone loves, with both sweet and delicious tastes.

Quick and Easy Weeknight Dinner Solution

Our gluten free orange chicken is perfect for busy weeknights, ready in just 30 minutes—ideal for those hectic evenings when time is tight.

Healthier Than Takeout Version

Our homemade gluten free orange chicken is healthier than takeout. It uses fresh ingredients and avoids deep-frying. This makes it a nutritious option for the whole family to enjoy without feeling guilty.

Essential Ingredients for Authentic Orange Chicken Flavor

For the perfect homemade sauce for gluten free orange chicken, start with a few essential ingredients. Freshly squeezed orange juice and zest bring a vibrant citrus flavor, while soy sauce or tamari (for a gluten-free option) adds savory depth. A splash of rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar adds the perfect touch of acidity to balance the sweetness.

For a thicker sauce with a glossy look, cornstarch or arrowroot powder is a must. Brown sugar or honey adds a caramelized touch, enhancing the flavors. Garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes bring a complex aroma and a bit of heat that pairs well with the orange.

• Fresh orange juice and zest
• Gluten-free soy sauce or tamari
• Rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• Cornstarch or arrowroot powder
• Brown sugar or honey
• Garlic and ginger
• Red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

With these ingredients, you’re on your way to making a homemade sauce for gluten free orange chicken. It’s sure to impress your taste buds.

Kitchen Tools and Equipment You’ll Need

To make the quick gluten free orange chicken, you need some essential kitchen tools. Whether you’re experienced or new to cooking, the right tools make a big difference. They make cooking easier and more fun.

Basic Equipment for Preparation

• Sharp chef’s knife or santoku knife for chopping ingredients
• Cutting board to prepare the chicken and vegetables safely
• Mixing bowls of various sizes for marinating the chicken and mixing the sauce
• Whisk or fork to blend the sauce ingredients
• Measuring cups and spoons for accurately portioning out the ingredients
• Skillet or wok for sautéing the chicken and vegetables

Optional Time-Saving Tools

While the basic tools are key, some optional tools can make cooking faster and better. They help make your dish even more delicious:

1. Zester or microplane for grating the orange zest for the sauce
2. Air fryer or deep fryer for achieving extra crispy chicken without excessive oil
3. For hands-off cooking and tender, flavorful chicken, use a slow cooker or Instant Pot. Both methods allow the chicken to cook perfectly while you focus on other tasks.
4. Food processor or blender for quickly blending the sauce ingredients

With the right tools and equipment, you’re ready to make a tasty, quick gluten free orange chicken. It’s going to be a hit!

Step-by-Step Recipe for Gluten Free Orange Chicken

Make your weeknight dinners special with this easy gluten free orange chicken recipe. You’ll love the mix of sweet and savory flavors. Follow these simple steps to make a meal that tastes like it came from a restaurant.

1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut 1 lb of boneless, skinless chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
2. Dredge the Chicken: In a shallow bowl, mix 1/4 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour with 1 tsp garlic powder and 1 tsp onion powder. Lightly coat the chicken cubes by tossing them in the flour mixture.
3. Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tbsp of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
4. Make the Orange Sauce: In the same skillet, whisk together 1/2 cup of freshly squeezed orange juice, 2 tbsp of gluten-free soy sauce, 2 tbsp of rice vinegar, 1 tbsp of honey, 2 tsp of grated orange zest, and 1 tsp of grated ginger. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, until slightly thickened.
5. Combine and Serve: Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet with the orange sauce and toss to coat evenly. Serve the easy gluten free orange chicken immediately, topped with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired. Enjoy!

Making the Perfect Orange Sauce From Scratch

Making your own sauce for gluten free orange chicken is key to a delicious taste. With a few simple steps and secret ingredients, you can make a sauce that everyone will love. It’s the secret to a restaurant-style flavor that will have your family asking for more.

Secret Ingredients for Restaurant-Style Taste

The secret to the orange chicken taste is in the sauce. Mix freshly squeezed orange juice, rice vinegar, and a bit of soy sauce for a sweet and tangy mix. Add grated ginger and a pinch of red pepper flakes for depth and a hint of heat.

Sauce Consistency Tips

• For a thick, glossy sauce, whisk in a cornstarch slurry towards the end of cooking.
• Adjust the sauce’s thickness by adding more or less orange juice to reach your desired consistency.
• Simmer the sauce gently to meld flavors and thicken the texture.

Storage and Make-Ahead Options

This homemade sauce is great for prepping ahead, making weeknight dinners a breeze. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. When you’re ready, simply reheat and toss with your gluten free orange chicken!

Tips for Achieving Crispy Chicken Without Gluten

Looking for a gluten free version of orange chicken? Getting that crispy texture can be tough without wheat flour. But, with a few tricks, you can still enjoy crunchy and flavorful chicken. This is true for both orange chicken with gluten-free flour and air fryer gluten-free orange chicken.

Gluten-Free Flour Options

The right gluten-free flour is key for a crispy coating. Here are some top picks:

• Almond flour: Adds a nutty flavor and crispy texture.
• Coconut flour: Absorbs moisture for a crunchy finish.
• Tapioca flour: Creates a light, airy coating.
• Chickpea flour: Offers a savory taste and protein boost.

Air Frying for Crispy Perfection

Using an air fryer is the secret to crispy air fryer gluten free orange chicken. It cooks the chicken evenly and crisps it up without deep frying. Just coat your chicken in gluten-free flour, then air fry until it’s golden and crunchy.

Oven-Baked Crispy Chicken

Don’t have an air fryer? No worries. You can still get crispy chicken by baking it in the oven. Use a high-heat setting, about 400°F (200°C). Flip the chicken halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking and a crispy coating.

Serving Suggestions and Side Dish Pairings

Make your gluten free orange chicken meal even better with the right side dishes. The dish’s bright flavors go well with many options. This makes for a meal that looks and tastes great.

Best Rice Options

Try serving the chicken with steamed white or brown rice for a classic choice. Or, go for basmati or jasmine rice for a unique taste. For a healthier option, try quinoa or cauliflower rice.

Vegetable Combinations

Pair the chicken with fresh, colorful veggies for a complete meal. Broccoli, carrots, snow peas, or a stir-fry medley work well. Add a side salad or sautéed greens for extra crunch.

Choosing the right sides makes your plate look and taste amazing. It highlights the gluten free orange chicken recipe.

Common Recipe Variations and Dietary Modifications

This recipe is very flexible, making it easy to fit your dietary needs. For a dairy-free version, swap the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a plant-based creamer. This change keeps the sauce creamy and is good for those with lactose intolerance or vegans.

Want less sugar? Use sugar-free orange marmalade or reduce the honey in the sauce. You can also try maple syrup or stevia to find the right sweetness for you.

Want to use a different protein? Try cubed tofu or diced chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. Just remember, cooking times might need to be adjusted. No matter the change, the dairy-free orange chicken recipe will still be a hit with your family.

Easy Gluten Free Orange Chicken Recipe

Recipe by noglutenrecipe.comCourse: DinnerCuisine: ChineseDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

20

minutes

Calories

350

kcal

Ready in 30 minutes, this gluten free orange chicken combines sweet, savory flavors that are healthier than takeout.

Ingredients

• Chicken:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• ¼ cup gluten-free all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

• Orange Sauce:

• ½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice

• 2 tbsp gluten-free soy sauce or tamari

• 2 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar

• 1 tbsp honey

• 2 tsp grated orange zest

• 1 tsp grated ginger

• 1 tsp cornstarch or arrowroot powder (for thickening)

• Optional: Red pepper flakes, to taste

Directions

• Prepare the Chicken:
• Season chicken cubes with salt and pepper.
• In a bowl, combine gluten-free flour, garlic powder, and onion powder. Toss chicken to coat evenly.
• Cook the Chicken:
• Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Set aside.
• Make the Orange Sauce:
• In the same skillet, whisk together orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, orange zest, and ginger.
• Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. For extra thickness, mix cornstarch with a bit of water and add to the sauce.
• Combine and Serve:
• Return chicken to the skillet, toss to coat in the sauce.
• Serve immediately, garnished with green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

Notes

• * Calories: 350 (per serving)
• * For a crispy texture, consider using an air fryer instead of a skillet.
  * For more heat, add extra red pepper flakes.
  * Pair with steamed jasmine or brown rice and a side of veggies like broccoli or snap peas.

FAQ

What makes this gluten free orange chicken recipe so special?

This gluten free orange chicken recipe is loved for its sweet and savory flavors. It’s a quick, easy dinner that’s healthier than takeout. It’s great for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

What are the essential ingredients for authentic orange chicken flavor?

To get the real orange chicken taste, you need fresh orange juice, orange zest, and soy sauce (or a gluten-free version). Also, add rice vinegar and a bit of honey or brown sugar. These ingredients mix to create a perfect sweet and tangy flavor.

What kitchen tools and equipment do I need to make this recipe?

You’ll need bowls, a cutting board, a knife, and a skillet or wok for basic prep. Tools like a zester, air fryer, or rice cooker can make cooking faster.

Can you provide the step-by-step recipe for gluten free orange chicken?

Start by preparing the chicken. Coat it in a gluten-free flour mix and fry or air-fry until it’s crispy. Then, make the orange sauce by mixing fresh orange juice, zest, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a sweetener. Simmer the sauce and add it to the chicken.

How do I make the perfect orange sauce from scratch?

For the perfect orange sauce, whisk together fresh orange juice, zest, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a bit of honey or brown sugar. Simmer it until it’s the right consistency for the best flavor.

How can I make the chicken crispy without using gluten?

Use a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to coat the chicken before frying or air-frying. This method helps get a crispy exterior without using gluten.

What are the best side dishes to serve with gluten free orange chicken?

Pair the orange chicken with gluten-free rice, like white or brown rice. Also, steamed or roasted veggies like broccoli, carrots, or snow peas are great. They make the meal balanced and pretty.

Can I make any dietary modifications to this recipe?

Yes! You can make this recipe fit different diets. For a dairy-free version, skip the dairy and use non-dairy milk. To cut down on sugar, use a sugar-free sweetener or less honey or brown sugar in the sauce.

Looking for more quick, healthy, and gluten-free meal ideas? Check out our 30-Minute Gluten-Free Recipes and healthy Gluten Free Dinners collections for delicious options to add to your weekly menu! Don’t forget to follow us for more easy, family-friendly recipes that everyone can enjoy.