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Gluten-Free Orange Chicken Recipe


  • Author: Charlotte
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 3 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This Gluten-Free Orange Chicken recipe offers a crispy, flavorful twist on a classic favorite, perfect for those avoiding gluten. Tender chicken pieces are coated in a fragrant blend of gluten-free flour and spices, fried to golden perfection, and then tossed in a homemade tangy and sweet orange sauce. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a special treat, this dish combines crunchy texture with zesty, rich flavors.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 3 4-ounce boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch sized pieces
  • 4 cups vegetable oil (preferably peanut oil) for frying

Dry Coating

  • 1/2 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour (e.g., Pillsbury Gluten Free Flour)
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch (e.g., Argo)
  • 2 teaspoons ground ginger
  • 2 large eggs, whisked

Orange Sauce

  • 4 tablespoons gluten-free soy sauce (e.g., La Choy)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup orange juice
  • 1/2 cup gluten-free rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
  • 4 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 4 tablespoons water

Instructions

  1. Prepare dry coating mixture: Combine the gluten-free all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and ground ginger in a large plastic storage bag. This mix will form the crispy coating for the chicken.
  2. Cut chicken pieces: Cut each chicken breast into approximately 1-inch size pieces by halving and then halving again to ensure even cooking.
  3. Coat chicken in egg: Whisk the eggs in a medium bowl. Add the chicken pieces and stir to ensure they are fully coated in the egg wash.
  4. Coat chicken with dry mixture: Place the egg-coated chicken pieces into the plastic bag containing the dry coating mixture. Seal the bag and shake or turn it over repeatedly until each piece is fully coated. Refrigerate while heating the oil.
  5. Heat oil for frying: In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil on medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F. Use a thermometer for accuracy.
  6. Fry chicken: Carefully add the coated chicken pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 3-4 minutes until they turn a light golden brown. Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.
  7. Dispose or save oil: Once frying is complete, carefully pour the hot oil into a heatproof bowl to cool for disposal or reuse. Wipe out the skillet with a paper towel.
  8. Prepare orange sauce base: Spray the skillet lightly with gluten-free nonstick cooking spray or add a little oil. Set heat to medium and combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, garlic powder, and ground ginger in the skillet. Stir to mix well.
  9. Add liquids to sauce: Stir in the orange juice until sugars dissolve partially. Then add gluten-free rice vinegar and gluten-free soy sauce and stir thoroughly.
  10. Make cornstarch slurry: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth. Add this slurry to the skillet and cook while stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens to a maple syrup-like consistency.
  11. Combine chicken and sauce: Return the fried chicken pieces to the skillet with the sauce. Stir gently to coat all pieces evenly with the sticky orange sauce.
  12. Serve and store: Serve immediately for best texture. Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and can be reheated in the microwave.

Notes

  • Ensure the oil temperature is maintained around 350°F for optimal frying results and crispy chicken.
  • Cornstarch and gluten-free flour blends vary, so pick a trusted brand to guarantee crispiness and gluten-free safety.
  • Avoid overcrowding the skillet when frying to prevent steaming rather than frying the chicken.
  • Adjust sugar in the sauce to taste for a sweeter or less sweet result.
  • Use fresh orange juice for the best natural flavor in the sauce.
  • Properly dispose of frying oil or reserve it for other frying purposes to reduce waste.
  • Gluten-free soy sauce is key to keeping this recipe gluten-free; verify the brand to ensure compliance.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Asian-American

Keywords: Gluten-Free Orange Chicken, Crispy Orange Chicken, Gluten-Free Chicken Recipe, Asian-inspired Chicken, Fried Chicken with Orange Sauce