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- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour - 1 cup cornstarch - 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed if possible) - 1/4 cup honey - 2 tablespoons gluten-free soy sauce - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 teaspoon ginger, grated - 1 garlic clove, minced - 2 green onions, sliced - 1 tablespoon orange zest For this gluten-free orange chicken, I focus on key ingredients that bring flavor and texture. The chicken breast serves as the star, providing a tender bite. The gluten-free flour and cornstarch create a crispy crust, which is crucial for the dish's appeal. Fresh orange juice adds a bright, zesty taste that makes this meal special. The honey and gluten-free soy sauce balance sweetness and saltiness. Rice vinegar contributes a tangy note, enhancing the overall flavor profile. Grated ginger and minced garlic add warmth and depth, making the dish aromatic and savory. Finally, garnishing with green onions and orange zest not only brightens the dish visually but also adds fresh flavor. This careful selection of ingredients ensures a delicious meal that everyone can enjoy, even those avoiding gluten. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by getting your chicken ready. Cut one pound of chicken breast into small pieces. In a bowl, mix one cup of gluten-free flour with one teaspoon of salt and one teaspoon of black pepper. In another bowl, beat two large eggs until smooth. In a third bowl, place one cup of cornstarch. Now, coat each chicken piece. First, dip it in the flour mix. Next, roll it in the eggs. Finally, cover it with cornstarch. This coating makes the chicken crispy. To get the best crunch, let the coated chicken sit for a few minutes before frying. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot but not smoking. A good way to check is to drop a small piece of chicken in the oil. If it sizzles right away, you are ready. Carefully add the chicken pieces to the hot oil. Fry them in small batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook the chicken for about five to seven minutes. Look for a golden brown color, and make sure they are cooked through. Once done, remove them and let them drain on paper towels. In a separate saucepan, combine one cup of orange juice, one tablespoon of orange zest, one-fourth cup of honey, two tablespoons of gluten-free soy sauce, one tablespoon of rice vinegar, one teaspoon of grated ginger, and one minced garlic clove. Stir the mix well. Heat the saucepan over medium heat. Allow it to simmer for about five to seven minutes. This process thickens the sauce, giving it a nice consistency. Once the sauce is ready, add the fried chicken pieces to the saucepan. Gently toss the chicken to coat each piece with the orange sauce. Now, it’s time to serve! Transfer the orange chicken to a serving platter. For a nice touch, garnish with sliced green onions. This adds freshness and color to your dish. Enjoy your meal! For a crispy coating, use the right oil and heat. I like to use vegetable oil or peanut oil. Heat your oil to about 350°F. If it’s too hot, the chicken might burn. Fry the chicken in small batches. This helps keep the oil temperature steady. You can also try air frying or baking for a healthier option. For air frying, coat the chicken as usual. Place it in the fryer and cook at 400°F for about 10-12 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through for even cooking. If baking, set your oven to 425°F. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway. To boost flavor, add spices like paprika or red pepper flakes. These spices add warmth and depth. You can also try garlic powder or onion powder for extra taste. Adjust the sweetness and tanginess by changing the honey and orange juice amounts. If you like it sweeter, add more honey. For a tangy kick, add more orange juice or even some lemon juice. You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Cut the chicken and coat it the day before. Store it in the fridge until you’re ready to fry. For the sauce, mix the ingredients and store them in a jar. You can freeze the chicken and sauce, too. Just make sure to use airtight containers. When you’re ready, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Reheat the sauce gently before mixing with the fried chicken. Pro Tips Double Coat for Extra Crispiness: For a crunchier texture, consider double coating the chicken by repeating the flour, egg, and cornstarch dipping process. Use Fresh Ingredients for Best Flavor: Freshly squeezed orange juice and freshly grated ginger will enhance the flavor profile of the dish significantly. Control the Oil Temperature: Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying (around 350°F) to prevent the chicken from absorbing too much oil and becoming greasy. Garnish for Presentation: Adding sliced green onions not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a fresh taste that complements the orange sauce beautifully. {{image_2}} For a gluten-free orange chicken, you can use different flours. Almond flour or chickpea flour work well. These options add unique flavors and textures. You can also swap sweeteners. Try maple syrup instead of honey for a new twist. For flavor, consider adding some chili flakes or sesame oil. If you want a vegetarian version, use tofu. Firm tofu absorbs flavors well and gives a great texture. Simply cut it into cubes and follow the same coating process. For meat lovers, consider shrimp or pork. Both can add a different taste while keeping it delicious. I love pairing this dish with rice or steamed vegetables. Jasmine rice or brown rice complements the flavors nicely. You can also create a gluten-free orange chicken bowl. Start with a base of rice, add your chicken, and top with fresh veggies. This makes for a colorful and tasty meal. To store leftovers, let the orange chicken cool first. Then place it in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to four days. Make sure to label the container with the date. This way, you will know how long it has been there. If you want to freeze the orange chicken, first let it cool completely. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Squeeze out as much air as you can to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To keep the texture nice, reheat the chicken gently. The best way is on the stovetop. Heat it in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of orange juice to keep it moist. If you use the microwave, heat it in short bursts. Stir in between to avoid overcooking. Enjoy your tasty orange chicken just like when it was fresh! Yes, orange chicken can be gluten-free! To ensure this, use gluten-free soy sauce, which is a key ingredient. Typical orange chicken recipes include soy sauce, wheat flour, and cornstarch. When making it gluten-free, swap regular flour for gluten-free all-purpose flour. This change helps create that crispy texture without gluten. Yes, you can prep in advance. You can marinate the chicken overnight for more flavor. If you want to save time, prepare the sauce ahead too. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Just reheat it before you mix in the fried chicken. This method makes meal prep easy! Orange chicken pairs well with many sides. Here are some ideas: - Steamed rice - Fried rice - Stir-fried vegetables - Quinoa - Cauliflower rice These options add great balance and flavor to your meal. If you like heat, add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce. Start with a half teaspoon and adjust to your taste. You can also include fresh chili peppers or sriracha for an extra kick. This way, you can customize the spice level to fit your palate! This article showed you how to make a tasty gluten-free orange chicken. We covered key ingredients, from chicken to garnishes, and shared essential steps for preparing and frying. You learned tips for crispy coating and fun variations like tofu. Remember to store leftovers well for later enjoyment. With this simple guide, you can create a flavorful dish everyone will love. Don't be afraid to try new flavors and make it your own! Cooking can be fun and creative, so enjoy every step.

Gluten Free Orange Chicken Delight

A delicious and crispy gluten-free orange chicken dish with a sweet and tangy sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed if possible)
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 1 4 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons gluten-free soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 2 green onions sliced (for garnish)
  • as needed oil for frying

Instructions
 

  • In a bowl, mix gluten-free flour, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, beat the eggs. In a third bowl, place cornstarch. Dip the chicken pieces into the flour mixture, then into the eggs, and finally coat them with cornstarch to create a crispy outer layer.
  • In a large skillet or wok, heat oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the coated chicken pieces. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding, cooking until golden brown and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Remove and drain on paper towels.
  • In a separate saucepan over medium heat, combine orange juice, orange zest, honey, gluten-free soy sauce, rice vinegar, ginger, and garlic. Stir well and simmer for about 5-7 minutes, until slightly thickened.
  • Once the sauce thickens, add the fried chicken pieces into the saucepan. Toss gently to coat the chicken evenly with the orange sauce.
  • Transfer the Orange Chicken to a serving platter. Garnish with sliced green onions for freshness and an added pop of color.

Notes

For best results, use freshly squeezed orange juice.
Keyword chicken, gluten-free, orange sauce