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- Chicken - 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces - Breading Mixture - 1 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour - 2 large eggs, beaten - 1 cup cornstarch - 1 teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon black pepper - Sauce Components - 1 cup fresh orange juice (preferably freshly squeezed) - 1 tablespoon orange zest - 1/4 cup honey - 2 tablespoons gluten-free soy sauce - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated - 1 garlic clove, minced - Garnishing Ingredients - 2 green onions, finely sliced (for garnish) - Oil for frying This recipe is simple and fun. Start with fresh chicken. Cut it into small pieces. Next, prepare the breading mixture. You will need flour, eggs, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. This creates a crispy coating. For the sauce, fresh orange juice is key. It adds great flavor. Combine it with orange zest, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, ginger, and garlic. This mixture makes the dish shine. Finally, garnish with green onions. They add color and flavor. Each bite will be delicious! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by gathering three bowls. In the first bowl, mix 1 cup of gluten-free flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of black pepper. In the second bowl, beat 2 large eggs. Leave the third bowl empty for 1 cup of cornstarch. This setup helps you coat the chicken well. Take your 1 pound of chicken breast, cut into pieces. First, dip each piece into the flour mix. Make sure it’s covered well. Next, dunk it into the beaten eggs. Let any excess egg drip off. Last, coat the chicken in cornstarch. This step gives a crispy finish. Set the coated chicken on a plate for frying. Heat a good amount of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The oil should shimmer before you add the chicken. This shows it’s hot enough for frying. Carefully add the coated chicken pieces in batches. Do not overcrowd the pan. Fry for 5 to 7 minutes, turning the chicken often. Look for a golden brown color and make sure it’s cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to take out the chicken. Place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. In a separate saucepan, mix together 1 cup of fresh orange juice, 1 tablespoon of orange zest, 1/4 cup of honey, 2 tablespoons of gluten-free soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon of grated ginger, and 1 minced garlic clove. This mix is the heart of the dish. Set the saucepan over medium heat. Stir the mixture well and let it simmer for about 5 to 7 minutes. Keep an eye on it, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken slightly during this time. Once your sauce is thick enough, add the fried chicken pieces. Gently toss the chicken in the sauce. Make sure each piece is covered well. This step brings all the flavors together. Transfer your Orange Chicken to a large serving platter. For a nice touch, garnish with finely sliced green onions. They add color and a fresh taste. Serve this delicious meal over steamed jasmine rice or with sautéed vegetables. Drizzle any leftover sauce over the rice for extra flavor! Tips for Crispy Coating To get a crispy coating, you need to use three steps. First, coat the chicken in the flour mixture. This helps the egg stick. Next, dip the chicken in the beaten eggs. Let the excess egg drip off. Finally, cover it in cornstarch. The cornstarch is key for that crunchy texture. Make sure each piece is well-coated. Avoiding Excess Oil To avoid greasy chicken, don't overcrowd the pan. Fry the chicken in batches. This allows the oil to stay hot. Hot oil cooks the chicken quickly and crisps it up. After frying, place the chicken on paper towels. This step helps soak up any extra oil. Suggestions for Extra Ingredients You can boost the flavor of your Orange Chicken. Add a dash of chili flakes for heat. Fresh herbs like cilantro or basil can add brightness. You can also toss in some bell peppers for color and crunch. Each of these choices brings extra taste to your dish. How to Adjust Sauce Thickness If your sauce is too thin, let it simmer longer. This helps it thicken naturally. For a quicker fix, mix a bit of cornstarch with water. Stir this mixture into the sauce. It will thicken up fast. Just remember to stir well to avoid lumps. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly squeezed orange juice and zest will enhance the flavor of your sauce, making it bright and aromatic. Perfect Frying Temperature: Ensure your oil is hot enough before frying to achieve a crispy exterior. If the oil is not hot enough, the chicken can absorb too much oil and become greasy. Coating Technique: For an extra crunch, double-coat your chicken by dipping it in the flour, egg, and cornstarch mixture twice before frying. Customize the Sauce: Feel free to adjust the sweetness of the sauce by varying the amount of honey or adding a splash of chili sauce for a spicy kick. {{image_4}} You can mix things up with different proteins. Instead of chicken, try tofu or shrimp. Tofu gives a nice texture and works well with the orange sauce. Just make sure to press it to remove excess water. Shrimp cooks quickly and adds a sweet, ocean flavor. Both options fit well into the gluten-free theme. You can also swap out sweeteners in the sauce. If you're looking for a lower-sugar option, use agave syrup or maple syrup instead of honey. This change keeps the dish sweet without the extra calories. Just remember to adjust the amount to your taste. For vegan adaptations, use tofu as your protein. Replace honey with agave syrup to keep it vegan. The rest of the ingredients remain the same. This way, you still get that tasty orange flavor without any animal products. If you prefer low-carb options, you can use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice. This swap keeps your meal light and healthy. You might also want to skip the cornstarch coating for the chicken. Instead, season the chicken and roast it for a different flavor and texture. To keep your gluten-free orange chicken fresh, follow these simple tips: - Best Practices for Refrigeration: Place the chicken in an airtight container. This keeps out air and moisture. It can last in the fridge for up to three days. Always let it cool down before storing. - Freezing Tips: If you want to keep it longer, freeze it. Use a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. Gluten-free orange chicken can stay fresh in the freezer for about three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To enjoy your leftovers, reheating properly is key: - Methods for Best Texture: The oven is great for reheating. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet and cover it lightly with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes until warm. This keeps the chicken crispy. - Avoiding Soggy Chicken: Avoid using the microwave if you can. It can make the chicken soggy. If you must use it, heat in short bursts, about 30 seconds. Check often to avoid overcooking. Enjoy your meal! Yes, gluten-free soy sauce is easy to find. Many stores now carry it. Look for brands labeled "gluten-free" in the Asian foods aisle. You can also find it online. Popular brands include San-J and Kikkoman. Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead. Cook the chicken and sauce, then store them separately. Keep the chicken in an airtight container in the fridge. The sauce can also go in a sealed jar. This way, you can enjoy fresh Orange Chicken later. You can serve Orange Chicken with rice or vegetables. Here are some great side dish ideas: - Steamed jasmine rice - Fried rice with peas and carrots - Sautéed broccoli or green beans - Asian-style slaw for crunch For drinks, pair it with: - Iced green tea - Sparkling water with lime - Light white wine, like Pinot Grigio In this article, we covered the key ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips for making delicious orange chicken. You learned how to prepare the chicken, fry it to perfection, and make a tasty sauce. We also explored variations and storage tips to keep your dish fresh. Try different proteins or adapt for dietary needs to find your favorite version. Enjoy cooking and sharing this flavorful dish with friends and family!

Gluten Free Orange Chicken Delight

A delicious gluten-free twist on the classic orange chicken, featuring crispy chicken pieces coated in a sweet and tangy orange 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 fresh orange juice (preferably freshly squeezed)
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 1 4 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons gluten-free soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 2 green onions finely sliced (for garnish)
  • as needed Oil for frying

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Chicken: Begin by setting up a breading station. In a medium bowl, combine the gluten-free all-purpose flour, salt, and black pepper. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until well mixed. In a third bowl, place the cornstarch. Take each piece of chicken and first dip it into the flour mixture, ensuring it is evenly coated. Next, dunk the chicken into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the chicken pieces in the cornstarch for a crispy finish. Set the coated chicken aside on a plate.
  • Fry the Chicken: Heat a generous amount of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering and hot, carefully add the chicken pieces in batches, being cautious not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until each piece is golden brown and fully cooked through. Using a slotted spoon, remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
  • Make the Sauce: In a separate saucepan over medium heat, combine the orange juice, orange zest, honey, gluten-free soy sauce, rice vinegar, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Mix well and allow the sauce to simmer gently for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it starts to thicken slightly.
  • Combine: Once the sauce reaches a desirable thickness, add the fried chicken pieces into the saucepan. Gently toss the chicken in the orange sauce, ensuring every piece is evenly coated.
  • Serve: Transfer the Orange Chicken to a large serving platter. Garnish with the finely sliced green onions, which add a fresh flavor and vibrant color to the dish.

Notes

For an elegant touch, serve the Orange Chicken over a bed of steamed jasmine rice or alongside sautéed vegetables. Drizzle any remaining sauce over the rice and garnish with additional orange zest for an extra pop of flavor.
Keyword chicken, gluten-free, orange sauce