Gluten-free orange chicken brings together vibrant flavors and a delightful crunch, making it a favorite for those seeking a delicious meal without gluten. This dish features tender chicken enveloped in a sweet and tangy orange sauce, providing the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Whether you’re preparing a family dinner or a special treat for yourself, gluten-free orange chicken is sure to be a hit.
Why We Love This Gluten-Free Orange Chicken
This gluten-free orange chicken is not just a meal; it’s an experience that awakens your senses. The combination of a crispy exterior and a sticky, sweet sauce transports you to your favorite Asian restaurant, all while keeping things gluten-free. Each bite bursts with flavor, thanks to the zesty orange juice and zest, combined with a hint of garlic and ginger, creating a taste sensation that’s both comforting and exciting. Plus, it’s simple enough to make at home, allowing you to control the ingredients and customize it to your taste. You’ll love how this dish appeals to everyone at the table—whether they follow a gluten-free diet or not.
Ingredients for Gluten-Free Orange Chicken
- 1 ½ pounds of chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup of gluten-free all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup of cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 1 cup of orange juice (freshly squeezed is best)
- Zest of 1 orange
- ½ cup of sugar
- ¼ cup of gluten-free soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon of minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon of minced ginger
- 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Directions
Start by marinating the chicken pieces. In a bowl, combine the gluten-free soy sauce, minced garlic, minced ginger, and sesame oil. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Let this sit for at least 30 minutes, or for best results, refrigerate for a couple of hours.
Prepare your breading station. Set up three bowls: one with the gluten-free all-purpose flour, the second with the beaten eggs, and the third with cornstarch mixed with salt and pepper.
Heat a generous amount of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. You need enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan generously.
Take each marinated chicken piece and first dip it into the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it with the cornstarch mixture. Make sure each piece is well coated for a nice crispy finish.
Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken pieces in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 5-7 minutes or until golden brown and fully cooked. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the crispy chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the orange juice, orange zest, sugar, gluten-free soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Bring this mixture to a simmer, stirring frequently, until it thickens slightly, about 5-10 minutes.
Once the sauce has thickened, add the fried chicken pieces to the saucepan. Toss gently until the chicken is well coated in the orange sauce.
Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
How to Serve Gluten-Free Orange Chicken
When it comes to serving gluten-free orange chicken, you have plenty of options to elevate the experience. This dish pairs wonderfully with a bed of steamed jasmine or brown rice, which soaks up the delicious sauce and complements the flavors perfectly. Add some sautéed vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas for a vibrant and nutritious touch. If you want to keep things light, serve it over a mix of fresh greens, drizzled with the orange sauce as a dressing. For a more authentic approach, consider creating a rice bowl by layering rice, chicken, and vegetables, topped with sesame seeds and a sprinkle of green onions. This dish also shines on its own as an appetizer at gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner. The versatility in serving suggestions makes gluten-free orange chicken a fantastic option for any occasion.
Expert Tips for Gluten-Free Orange Chicken
To make the best gluten-free orange chicken, keep a few expert tips in mind. First, ensure your frying oil is at the right temperature before adding the chicken. If the oil is too cool, the chicken will absorb more oil and become greasy; too hot, and it may burn. A kitchen thermometer can help you maintain the oil around 350°F (175°C).
Additionally, for the crispiest chicken, let the coated pieces rest for a few minutes before frying. This helps the batter adhere better during cooking. When preparing the orange sauce, taste it as you go. Depending on your preference for sweetness, you might want to adjust the sugar content. You can also experiment with adding a dash of chili flakes for a spicy kick. Lastly, serve the dish immediately after tossing the chicken in the sauce to preserve its crispiness. Make sure everything is ready before you coat the chicken so that it doesn’t sit too long and lose its crunch.
How to Store Gluten-Free Orange Chicken
Storing gluten-free orange chicken properly helps maintain its flavor and texture for later enjoyment. Allow any leftover chicken to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you want to store it for a longer period, it’s best to freeze the chicken. To do this, place the cooled chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible. Frozen gluten-free orange chicken can last up to three months.
When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or a touch of oil to prevent it from drying out. Alternatively, you can microwave the chicken, but be careful not to overcook it, as this can lead to a chewy texture.
Variations of Gluten-Free Orange Chicken
There are many exciting variations of gluten-free orange chicken that keep this dish fresh and interesting. One popular twist involves adding vegetables directly into the orange chicken dish. Think of bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli, sautéed until crisp-tender and tossed with the chicken and sauce.
Another variation is to incorporate citrus fruits for a different flavor profile. Adding lime or lemon juice along with the orange can enhance the sauce’s tanginess. For a unique spin, try using pineapple juice instead of orange juice. This will give the dish a tropical flair that pairs wonderfully with chicken.
If you’re looking for a healthier option, consider air frying the chicken instead of deep frying. Coat the chicken pieces as usual, but use an air fryer to get that satisfying crisp with far less oil. You can also turn this dish into a stir-fry by adding your favorite vegetables and serving it over quinoa or rice noodles instead of rice. Each variation allows you to enjoy gluten-free orange chicken in new ways while still celebrating its core flavors.
FAQ about Gluten-Free Orange Chicken
You may have some questions about gluten-free orange chicken, especially if you’re new to gluten-free cooking. One common question is whether gluten-free soy sauce really tastes the same as regular soy sauce. The answer is yes, gluten-free soy sauce often has a similar flavor profile and works wonderfully in this recipe.
Another frequent inquiry concerns the choice of flour for breading the chicken. A blend of gluten-free all-purpose flour and cornstarch gives the best results for that classic crispy texture. As for adjustments, many wonder if they can use a different protein. Absolutely! This recipe works just as well with shrimp or tofu for a vegetarian option.
Finally, if you want to make this dish ahead of time, you can prepare the chicken and sauce separately. Cook them and combine them just before serving for the crispiest results. Enjoy your cooking and the wonderful flavors created with this gluten-free orange chicken!
Gluten-Free Orange Chicken
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade
- 1.5 pounds chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup gluten-free soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon minced ginger
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
For the Breading
- 1 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying Enough to cover the bottom of the pan
For the Sauce
- 1 cup orange juice, freshly squeezed Best flavor
- 1 piece zest of 1 orange
- 0.5 cup sugar
- 0.25 cup gluten-free soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
For Garnish
- 2 pieces green onions, chopped
- to taste sesame seeds For garnish
Instructions
Marinating Chicken
- In a bowl, combine gluten-free soy sauce, minced garlic, minced ginger, and sesame oil. Add the chicken pieces and ensure they are well-coated. Let sit for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate for a couple of hours for best results.
Prepare Breading Station
- Set up three bowls: one with gluten-free all-purpose flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with cornstarch mixed with salt and pepper.
Frying Chicken
- Heat a generous amount of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Dip each marinated chicken piece into the flour, shake off excess, then into the beaten eggs, and finally coat with the cornstarch mixture.
- Once the oil is hot, fry chicken pieces in batches for 5-7 minutes or until golden brown and fully cooked. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
Making the Sauce
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine orange juice, orange zest, sugar, gluten-free soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Simmer and stir frequently until it thickens slightly, about 5-10 minutes.
- Add fried chicken pieces to the saucepan and toss gently to coat in the orange sauce.
Serving
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
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