Deliciously sweet and savory, this easy gluten-free orange chicken is a tasty alternative to your favorite Chinese take-out. Crispy chicken pieces tossed in a sweet orange sauce… YUM! Eat this chicken dinner over a steaming bowl of rice, or enjoy it on its own! Totally dairy-free too.
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Jump to:
- What is Orange Chicken?
- Is Orange Chicken Gluten-Free?
- Why This Recipe Works:
- Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Recipe Notes + Substitutions:
- How to Make Gluten-Free Orange Chicken (Step by Step):
- Dish by Dish Tips/Tricks:
- Recipe FAQs:
- Asian Recipes to Enjoy:
- Other Gluten-Free Chicken Recipes You’ll Enjoy:
- Other Main Dishes You’ll Love:
- Easy Gluten-Free Orange Chicken (Dairy-Free)
What is Orange Chicken?
Orange chicken is big hit and the signature dish at the American Chinese franchise Panda Express (and it’s probably a favorite Chinese take-out for many, such as the Panda Express honey sesame chicken!).
It involves coating chicken pieces in a batter and then frying the chicken until it is golden brown and crispy, before drizzling it in a sweet orange sauce that is glossy and looks more like a glaze.
Is Orange Chicken Gluten-Free?
Typically, the batter used for orange chicken is made with normal wheat flour (which contains gluten), and the orange glaze is made with soy sauce (which also contains gluten).
Hence, most orange chicken sold at restaurants is not safe for Celiacs, unless it is specifically said to be gluten-free.
Today, we’re making a copycat version of Panda Express orange chicken that’s both gluten-free and dairy-free. Let’s dive right into this copycat recipe and I’ll show you how to make homemade orange chicken!
Why This Recipe Works:
- Simple Ingredients: The ingredients required for making this gluten-free dairy-free orange chicken recipe are easily accessible at the local grocery stores (nothing fancy required!).
- Easy to Make: Making the batter for this easy gluten free orange chicken is uncomplicated, and then all you need to do is coat the chicken in the batter before frying it and then preparing the spicy orange sauce.
- Totally Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free: The best part is that this healthy orange chicken recipe os 100% gluten-free and dairy-free, which means that even those with Celiac disease or gluten or lactose intolerances can enjoy it without issues.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Here’s a visual overview of the ingredients required for this gluten-free orange chicken recipe.
(For exact measurements, please scroll down to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.)
Recipe Notes + Substitutions:
- Chicken: I used chicken breast but you can also use any other chicken parts you prefer, such as chicken thighs or chicken legs etc.
- Egg: The egg helps to bind the flour mixture to the chicken. If you are allergic to egg, or would simply prefer to keep the recipe egg-free, go ahead and use acquafaba or an egg-replacer instead.
- Gluten-Free Flour: I recommend using a good-quality gluten-free flour blend that is made up of lighter flours/starches (such as rice flour, tapioca starch, corn starch, or potato starch). I do NOT recommend a gluten-free blend that is made up of heavier flours (such as a garbanzo bean flour).
- Cornstarch: Cornstarch is important as it results in a lighter crust once the chicken is fried. If you don’t have corn starch, you can use tapioca starch or arrowroot starch instead.
- Oil: You can use any oil you prefer for frying. I like using sunflower oil because I always have it on hand. However, you may use another vegetable oil instead (such as canola oil, olive oil, avocado oil, melted coconut oil etc).
- White Wine: I used white wine, but if you rather keep this recipe wine free, you can also use apple cider vinegar or white vinegar instead.
- Orange Juice: I prefer using fresh orange juice for the best flavor. Alternatively, if you don’t have freshly oranges on hand, feel free to use bottled orange juice instead.
- Orange Zest: Make sure to grate the orange zest just before using it to maintain the orange flavor.
- Sesame Oil: Sesame oil adds a unique flavor to this recipe and I do not recommend swapping it out for another oil.
- Gluten-Free Tamari: I used gluten-free tamari (which is gluten-free soy sauce) to keep this recipe gluten-free. However, if you are not Celiac or gluten-intolerant, feel free to use use regular soy sauce instead. Alternatively, if you prefer to make orange chicken without soy sauce, you can use coconut aminos instead.
- Brown Sugar: I used brown sugar but you can also use normal cane sugar or even coconut sugar if you prefer. If you are diabetic or insulin-resistant, I highly recommend that you use granulated monkfruit sweetener (a 1:1 sugar substitute that is zero glycemic-index and will not raise your blood sugar).
- Red Chili Flakes: Chili flakes are a signature part of the orange sauce, but you may also use chili powder instead. If you aren’t a fan of heat, feel free to leave out the chili.
- Minced Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds a deliciously savory flavor. So make sure you use fresh garlic.
- Minced Ginger: Fresh ginger adds depth of flavor to this gluten-free orange chicken, so make sure you don’t skip it.
- Sesame Seeds: I like sprinkling white sesame seeds over the orange chicken for garnish. You can also use black sesame seeds or a mixture.
- Green Onions: Chopped green onions add a nice contrast in color to the orange chicken, but you could also use chopped fresh chives or cilantro if you prefer.
How to Make Gluten-Free Orange Chicken (Step by Step):
1. Dip Chicken in Egg Mixture
Whisk the egg with salt and pepper. Dip the chicken pieces in it.
2. Coat Chicken in Flour Mixture
Whisk the cornstarch and gluten-free all-purpose flour in a bowl until well combined. Then roll the chicken pieces in the flour mixture, coating them evenly before shaking off any excess flour from the chicken.
3. Place Chicken in Skillet
Heat the oil in a large skillet. Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer, on the pan.
4. Cook Until Golden Brown
Fry the chicken pieces until they are golden brown and crispy, stirring occasionally, 6-7 minutes over medium heat. Then transfer to a plate and set aside.
5. Sauté Ginger and Garlic
Add some oil to the pan and sauté the garlic, ginger and chili flakes for a minute, stirring occasionally.
6. Add Wet Ingredients
Pour soy sauce, white wine, orange juice, brown sugar and orange zest into the pan. Heat for 1 minute, stirring.
7. Add Corn Starch Mixture to Make Orange Sauce
Mix water with cornstarch and whisk well so that there are no lumps. Pour into the pan, also add sesame oil. Stir until the gluten-free orange chicken sauce thickens (approximately 1-2 minutes).
8. Toss Chicken with Sauce
Transfer the chicken pieces to the skillet and toss until each is covered in the glossy orange sauce.
9. Serve and Enjoy
Serve the gluten-free orange chicken with sesame seeds and green onions.
Dish by Dish Tips/Tricks:
- Substitute Chicken with Another Protein: If you prefer not to use chicken, feel free to swap out the chicken for pieces of tofu, pork or fish.
- Serve with Rice: I like eating this gluten-free orange chicken recipe with rice, but you can also use cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Recipe FAQs:
To store, place the cooled orange chicken in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave before eating.
Typically, the batter used for orange chicken is made with normal wheat flour (which contains gluten), and the gluten-free orange chicken sauce is made with soy sauce (which also contains gluten). Hence, most orange chicken sold at restaurants is not safe for Celiacs, unless it is specifically said to be gluten-free.
Asian Recipes to Enjoy:
- Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
- Cashew Chicken (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
- Easy Fried Rice (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
- Shrimp Pad Thai (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
- Inside Out Egg Roll (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
- Beef and Broccoli (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
Other Gluten-Free Chicken Recipes You’ll Enjoy:
P.S. If you try this recipe, I’d love for you to leave a star rating below, and/or a review in the comment section further down the page. I always appreciate your feedback. Be sure to check out my entire Recipe Index for all the recipes on the blog. You can also follow me on Pinterest, Facebook or Instagram! Sign up for my Email List to get fresh recipes in your inbox each week!
PrintEasy Gluten-Free Orange Chicken (Dairy-Free)
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Deliciously sweet and savory, this easy gluten-free orange chicken is a tasty alternative to your favorite Chinese take-out. Crispy chicken pieces tossed in a sweet orange sauce… YUM! Eat this chicken dinner over a steaming bowl of rice, or enjoy the gf orange chicken on its own! Totally dairy-free too.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken breast, diced
- 1 large egg
- 4 tablespoons gluten-free all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons sunflower oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
For the Orange Sauce:
- 1/4 cup filtered water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons white wine
- 1/3 cup orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 tablespoons gluten-free tamari
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon minced ginger
For Garnishing:
- 1/4 cup white sesame seeds
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
Instructions
- Dip Chicken in Egg Mixture: Whisk the egg with salt and pepper. Dip the chicken pieces in it.
- Coat Chicken in Flour Mixture: Whisk the cornstarch and all-purpose flour in a bowl until well combined. Then roll the chicken pieces in the flour mixture, coating them evenly.
- Place Chicken in Skillet: Heat the oil in a large skillet. Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer, on the pan.
- Cook Until Golden Brown: Fry the chicken pieces until golden brown, stirring occasionally, 6-7 minutes over medium heat. Then transfer to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Ginger: Add some oil to the pan and sauté the garlic, ginger and chili flakes for a minute, stirring occasionally.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Pour soy sauce, white wine, orange juice, brown sugar and orange zest into the pan. Heat for 1 minute, stirring.
- Add Corn Starch Mixture to Make Orange Sauce: Mix water with cornstarch and whisk well so that there are no lumps. Pour into the pan, also add sesame oil. Stir until the sauce thickens (1-2 minutes).
- Toss Chicken With Sauce: Transfer the chicken pieces to the skillet and toss until each is covered in the glossy orange sauce.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the gluten-free orange chicken with sesame seeds and green onions.
Notes
Chicken: I used chicken breast but you can also use any other chicken parts you prefer, such as chicken thighs or chicken legs etc.
Egg: The egg helps to bind the flour mixture to the chicken. If you are allergic to egg, or would simply prefer to keep the recipe egg-free, go ahead and use acquafaba or an egg-replacer instead.
Gluten-Free Flour: I recommend using a good-quality gluten-free flour blend that is made up of lighter flours/starches (such as rice flour, tapioca starch, corn starch, or potato starch). I do NOT recommend a gluten-free blend that is made up of heavier flours (such as a garbanzo bean flour).
Cornstarch: Cornstarch is important as it results in a lighter crust once the chicken is fried.
Oil: You can use any oil you prefer for frying. I like using sunflower oil because I always have it on hand. However, you may use another vegetable oil instead (such as canola oil, olive oil, avocado oil, melted coconut oil etc).
White Wine: I used white wine, but if you rather keep this recipe wine free, you can also use apple cider vinegar or white vinegar instead.
Orange Juice: I prefer using fresh orange juice for the best flavor. Alternatively, if you don’t have freshly squeezed orange juice on hand, feel free to use bottled orange juice instead.
Orange Zest: Make sure to grate the orange zest just before using it to maintain the orange flavor.
Sesame Oil: Sesame oil adds a unique flavor to this recipe and I do not recommend swapping it out for another oil.
Gluten-Free Tamari: I used gluten-free tamari (which is gluten-free soy sauce) to keep this recipe gluten-free. However, if you are not Celiac or gluten-intolerant, feel free to use use normal soy sauce instead.
Brown Sugar: I used brown sugar but you can also use normal cane sugar or even coconut sugar if you prefer. If you are diabetic or insulin-resistant, I highly recommend that you use granulated monkfruit sweetener (a 1:1 sugar substitute that is zero glycemic-index and will not raise your blood sugar).
Chili Flakes: I like adding chili flakes for a little kick of heat, but you may also use chili powder instead. If you aren’t a fan of heat, feel free to leave out the chili.
Minced Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds a deliciously savory flavor. So make sure you use fresh garlic.
Minced Ginger: Fresh ginger adds depth of flavor to this gluten-free orange chicken, so make sure you don’t skip it.
Sesame Seeds: I like sprinkling white sesame seeds over the orange chicken for garnish. You can also use black sesame seeds or a mixture.
Green Onions: Chopped green onions add a nice contrast in color to the orange chicken, but you could also use chopped fresh chives or cilantro if you prefer.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Grace Lim says
Good morning Felicia!
Just reading your post and looking at the pictures of dish makes me salivate. Wondering what am I waiting for when the recipe is so simple and the ingredients are all available in my kitchen.
As I am almost running out of ideas in preparing the chicken dishes and your recipe comes handy. This dish will be served at the dinner table tonight! Thank you Felicia!
Have a blessed day!
Mum
Felicia Lim says
Glad you enjoyed this mummy!! Will be posting more chicken recipes on the blog!