Irresistible Keto Orange Chicken: Your Go-To Takeout Alternative

Craving the vibrant, sweet, and tangy flavors of classic orange chicken but committed to a low-carb, sugar-free lifestyle? Look no further! This ultimate keto orange chicken recipe masterfully recreates everything you adore about the beloved takeout dish, transforming it into a healthy, guilt-free meal. Imagine perfectly pan-fried chicken, lightly breaded to achieve that satisfying crisp, then generously coated in a luscious, sweet, and zesty orange glaze—all made without a single gram of added sugar. This isn’t just a keto alternative; it’s a culinary experience that rivals your favorite restaurant, proving that healthy eating can be incredibly delicious.

Why This Keto Orange Chicken Recipe is a Game-Changer

The traditional orange chicken from your local Chinese restaurant, while undeniably tasty, is often laden with sugar and carbs, making it a challenging choice for anyone following a ketogenic or low-carb diet. This recipe, however, revolutionizes the classic, offering a multitude of reasons why it will become a staple in your meal rotation:

• Authentic Restaurant Quality, Keto-Friendly: We’ve cracked the code to deliver that sought-after restaurant-style taste and texture without compromising your dietary goals. You’ll enjoy crispy chicken and a wonderfully balanced, sweet-and-sour orange glaze that’s remarkably low in carbs and completely sugar-free. It’s truly a dish that doesn’t feel like a compromise.
• Quick & Effortless Weeknight Meal: Say goodbye to the temptation of unhealthy takeout! This recipe is designed for efficiency, allowing you to whip up a gourmet, healthy, and satisfying dinner in your own kitchen in under an hour. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something special but need it fast.
• Healthier Indulgence: Enjoy a classic comfort food without the guilt. By using keto-approved ingredients, we drastically reduce the sugar content and net carbs, transforming an often-unhealthy dish into a nourishing meal packed with protein and good fats.
• Customizable to Your Taste: Whether you prefer a milder citrus note or a spicier kick, this recipe serves as an excellent base for customization. Adjust the sweetness, add a touch of heat, or experiment with different garnishes to make it uniquely yours.

Essential Ingredients for a Perfect Keto Orange Chicken

Crafting exceptional keto orange chicken relies on a few key ingredients that perfectly mimic their high-carb counterparts while staying true to your dietary needs. Here’s a closer look at the stars of this recipe:

Coconut Flour: This low-carb, gluten-free flour is the secret to achieving that wonderfully crispy, lightly breaded texture on your chicken. Coconut flour is highly absorbent, so a little goes a long way, ensuring your coating remains thin and delicate. It also adds a subtle, pleasant flavor that complements the orange sauce beautifully. If coconut flour isn’t to your liking or you have an allergy, almond flour makes an excellent substitute, offering a similar low-carb profile. For an extra protein boost and an even crispier crunch, consider crushed pork rinds as an alternative breading. Each option provides a unique texture, so feel free to experiment to find your favorite!

Erythritol: In traditional orange chicken, white sugar is a dominant flavor, providing much of the sauce’s characteristic sweetness. For a keto and sugar-free version, erythritol steps in as the ideal sugar substitute. It offers a clean sweetness without the carbohydrates, calories, or glycemic impact of regular sugar, making it perfect for maintaining ketosis. Erythritol is also quite stable when heated, which is crucial for a cooked sauce. While allulose and monk fruit are also popular keto sweeteners, they can be more potent and may not substitute 1:1 with erythritol. If using them, start with a smaller amount and adjust to taste to prevent over-sweetening. You can use either powdered or granulated erythritol for this recipe; powdered will dissolve more quickly for a smoother sauce.

Fresh Orange Zest and Juice: The authentic citrus burst in our sauce comes from real oranges. Using both the zest and a modest amount of juice ensures a vibrant, natural orange flavor without excess carbs. The zest provides aromatic oils, intensifying the orange essence, while the juice offers that essential tangy base. For those seeking to further minimize carbs, a few drops of high-quality orange extract can be used in place of some or all of the fresh orange juice, concentrating the flavor without the natural sugars.

Xanthan Gum: This fantastic ingredient is a low-carb thickener that helps achieve that glossy, luscious consistency typical of orange chicken sauce. Unlike cornstarch, which is carb-heavy, xanthan gum works wonders in tiny amounts. A small sprinkle is all you need to transform a thin sauce into a rich, clinging glaze. However, proceed with caution! Too much xanthan gum can lead to a gummy or even rubbery texture, so add it gradually, whisking constantly, until your desired thickness is reached.

Chef’s Top Tips for Perfect Keto Orange Chicken

Achieving takeout perfection in your own kitchen is easier than you think with these expert tips:

• Mastering Sauce Thickness: The orange glaze is crucial for an authentic experience. If your sauce appears too thin after simmering, a tiny pinch of xanthan gum is your friend. Add it very sparingly—just ⅛ to ¼ teaspoon at a time—and whisk vigorously. Xanthan gum thickens quickly, and using too much can make your sauce unpleasantly gummy or rubbery, so exercise extreme caution. Continue whisking until the sauce reaches your preferred consistency.
• Lowering Carb Count Even Further: While our breading is low-carb, you can make this dish even lighter. Skip the breading entirely and simply grill or pan-fry the unbreaded chicken pieces until golden and cooked through. You’ll sacrifice a bit of that classic crispy texture and nuanced flavor, but the preparation will be faster, and the carb count will be significantly reduced, making it ideal for the strictest keto days.
• Evenly Coated Chicken: For the best results, ensure each piece of chicken is uniformly coated in the egg wash and then the coconut flour mixture. This guarantees an even crispness and flavor in every bite. Shake off any excess flour before frying to prevent a gummy texture.
• Frying Temperature is Key: Ensure your oil is heated to the right temperature (medium heat) before adding the chicken. If the oil isn’t hot enough, the chicken will absorb too much oil and become greasy; if it’s too hot, the coating will burn before the chicken cooks through. A sizzling sound when the chicken hits the pan indicates the right temperature.
• Batch Frying for Best Crispness: Avoid overcrowding the skillet when frying the chicken. Fry the chicken in batches to maintain a consistent oil temperature and allow each piece to brown and crisp properly. Overcrowding lowers the oil temperature, leading to soggy chicken.
• Fresh Ginger Makes a Difference: While ginger powder can be used in a pinch, fresh grated ginger in the sauce provides a much brighter, more aromatic, and authentic flavor that truly elevates the dish. Don’t skip it if you can help it!
• Serve Immediately: For the crispiest chicken, serve the orange chicken immediately after tossing it in the warm sauce. The longer it sits, the softer the breading will become.

Beyond the Plate: Serving, Storage & FAQs

Ideal Serving Suggestions

This Keto Orange Chicken is wonderfully versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of low-carb sides to create a complete and satisfying meal:

• Cauliflower Rice: The quintessential keto side! Serve the orange chicken over a generous bed of steamed or stir-fried cauliflower rice to soak up all that delicious sauce.
• Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, asparagus, or bell peppers make excellent companions. Their fresh flavors and textures provide a perfect contrast to the rich chicken.
• Keto Noodles: For a more noodle-like experience, consider shirataki noodles or zucchini noodles (zoodles).
• Simple Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a sugar-free vinaigrette can cut through the richness and add a refreshing element to your meal.

Storage and Reheating

Leftovers of this Keto Orange Chicken are delicious, though the breading may soften slightly. Store any remaining chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat:

• Chicken: For the best results, reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat or in an air fryer until warmed through and re-crisped.
• Sauce: Gently warm the sauce in a small saucepan over low heat, adding a tiny splash of broth or water if it’s too thick.
• Combine the chicken and sauce just before serving to maintain the best texture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

A: Absolutely! Chicken thighs are an excellent choice for this recipe. They tend to be more forgiving, staying juicy and tender, and often offer a richer flavor profile. Adjust cooking times slightly as thighs may take a minute or two longer to cook through.

Q: Is this recipe spicy? Can I make it spicier?

A: As written, the recipe is not spicy. For those who enjoy a kick, you can easily add heat to the sauce. Incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes, a dash of sriracha (check for sugar content for keto compliance), or a tiny amount of minced chili garlic sauce. Start small and add more to taste!

Q: Can I prepare any part of this recipe in advance?

A: Yes! You can cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces ahead of time. The sauce can also be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator; simply reheat it gently before tossing with the freshly fried chicken. The chicken breading and frying are best done just before serving for optimal crispness.

Q: What if I don’t have fresh ginger?

A: While fresh ginger is highly recommended for the best flavor, you can substitute with ground ginger. Use about ½ teaspoon of ground ginger for every 1-inch piece of fresh ginger. Keep in mind the flavor will be less pungent and fresh.

Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?

A: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as written, using coconut flour for breading. However, always double-check your chicken broth and soy sauce. Opt for a certified gluten-free chicken broth and use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative to ensure it remains completely gluten-free.

Discover More Delicious Keto Recipes

If you loved the flavor and ease of this Keto Orange Chicken, you’re in for a treat! Explore our other fantastic low-carb creations that prove healthy eating can be exciting and satisfying:

• Zesty Keto Salsa
• Luxurious Keto Creme Brûlée
• Cheesy Keto Green Beans
• Hearty Keto Sloppy Joes
• Creamy Keto Taco Soup
• Keto Big Mac Burger Salad

Keto Orange Chicken

Author: Cheryl Malik

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

This keto orange chicken recipe takes the flavors and textures you love in a classic orange chicken dish but makes it low carb and sugar free. Crispy, pan-fried chicken in a light breading, smothered with a sweet orange glaze made with erythritol. As good as your favorite take-out, without the sugar!

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Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 2 tablespoons milk of choice or heavy cream
• 2 large eggs
• ⅔ cup coconut flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 pound chicken breasts (approximately 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces)

For the Orange Sauce

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce or lite tamari
• Zest from one orange
• Juice from ½ of one orange
• ¼ cup erythritol (powdered or granulated)
• ¼ cup low sodium chicken broth
• 1 (1-inch piece) fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• ½ teaspoon xanthan gum
• Coconut oil or avocado oil, for frying
• Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
• Chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)

Equipment

• 2 shallow bowls
• 2 whisks
• 1 Large skillet
• 1 Small saucepan

Instructions

1. In one shallow bowl, whisk together eggs and milk. In another shallow bowl, whisk together coconut flour, salt, and black pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons coconut oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

   

2. Dip chicken pieces in the egg wash, allowing any excess to drip back into the bowl. Transfer the chicken pieces to the coconut flour mixture and coat well. Shake off any excess coconut flour.

   

3. Place the floured chicken pieces in the hot oil and pan-fry for 1 to 2 minutes per side, or until beautifully browned and cooked through. Transfer the fried chicken to a plate or bowl and repeat the process until all chicken pieces have been fried. Add more oil to the pan as needed between batches.

   

4. In a small saucepan, combine all orange sauce ingredients. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to a glaze-like consistency.

   

5. Pour the thickened sauce over the fried chicken pieces and toss thoroughly to ensure every piece is evenly coated. Serve the orange chicken warm over cauliflower rice, if desired, and garnish with sesame seeds and/or chopped green onions for a vibrant finish.

   

Notes

• To reduce the carbs even more, substitute the juice from the orange with a few drops of orange extract, to taste.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Ensure your chicken broth doesn’t contain any gluten and use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Any gluten-free vinegar will work.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1 serving | Calories: 264kcal | Protein: 33g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Total Carbs: 15g | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 5g | Net Carbs: 8g | Vitamin C: 7mg | Cholesterol: 166mg | Sodium: 1283mg | Potassium: 924mg | Calcium: 42mg | Iron: 2mg

Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.

Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.

To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. The result will be the weight of one serving.

© Author: Cheryl Malik