Crispy Gluten-Free Orange Chicken Recipe for Dinner
Crispy Gluten-Free Orange Chicken — The best homemade version that’s crispier and healthier than takeout! After making this dozens of times, I discovered the trick to a perfect crispy coating is to double-dredge the chicken in the gluten-free flour mixture. This recipe is a family favorite that’s always a hit, and it’s ready in just 30 minutes. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Creamy Honey Lavender Ice Cream Recipe for Easy Dessert and Easy Sticky Char Siu Chicken Recipe for Dinner.
Why This Crispy Gluten-Free Orange Chicken Recipe for Dinner Is Pure Comfort
- Crispy, golden chicken pieces
- Sweet and tangy orange sauce
- Gluten-free and healthier than takeout
- Easy and quick to make
What You'll Need for Crispy Gluten-Free Orange Chicken Recipe for Dinner
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- chicken breasts
- gluten-free flour
- orange juice
- soy sauce
- garlic
- ginger
- gluten-free flour
- salt
- pepper
- garlic powder
- orange zest
- Optional: green onions
- Optional: sesame seeds
📝 Ingredient Notes
- chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Cuisinart MultiClad Pro Stainless 12-Inch Skillet — Even heat distribution for perfect searing. → See on Amazon
- OXO Good Grips 3-Piece Stainless Steel Measuring Cup Set — Accurate measuring for consistent results. → See on Amazon
How to Make Crispy Gluten-Free Orange Chicken Recipe for Dinner
- Step 1: Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Step 2: Dredge chicken pieces in gluten-free flour mixture, shaking off excess. Double-dredge for a crispier coating.
- Step 3: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden and crispy. Remove and set aside.
- Step 4: In the same skillet, combine orange juice, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and orange zest. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 5 minutes.
- Step 5: Add chicken back to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Crispy Gluten-Free Orange Chicken Recipe for Dinner
- Common mistake and fix: The #1 reason this recipe fails is using too much flour for dredging, resulting in a soggy coating. To prevent this, double-dredge the chicken and shake off excess flour.
- Pro tip: For extra crispy chicken, place a wire rack over a baking sheet and let the chicken pieces cool on the rack after frying. This allows air to circulate around the chicken, keeping it crispy.
- Pro tip: To make this recipe gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend. I recommend Bob's Red Mill 1-to-1 Gluten-Free Baking Flour.
Storing & Reheating Crispy Gluten-Free Orange Chicken Recipe for Dinner
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make-ahead tip: Prepare the sauce and dredging mixture up to 1 day ahead. Store separately in the fridge.
Freezing Crispy Gluten-Free Orange Chicken Recipe for Dinner
Freeze cooked chicken pieces for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 15-20 minutes.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes. Microwave: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, then crisp up in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 5 minutes.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Best substitution: Substitute chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a more tender result.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the sauce and dredging mixture up to 1 day ahead. Store separately in the fridge.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled to serve a crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If the sauce is too thin, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water and stir it into the sauce. Let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until thickened.
Want to level up this recipe?
Bob's Red Mill 1-to-1 Gluten-Free Baking Flour — Versatile and tastes just like all-purpose flour, making it perfect for this recipe. → Check price on Amazon
Crispy Gluten-Free Orange Chicken Recipe for Dinner
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- chicken breasts
- gluten-free flour
- orange juice
- soy sauce
- garlic
- ginger
Seasonings
- gluten-free flour
- salt
- pepper
- garlic powder
- orange zest
Optional Toppings
- green onions
- sesame seeds
Instructions
- Step 1: Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Step 2: Dredge chicken pieces in gluten-free flour mixture, shaking off excess. Double-dredge for a crispier coating.
- Step 3: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden and crispy. Remove and set aside.
- Step 4: In the same skillet, combine orange juice, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and orange zest. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 5 minutes.
- Step 5: Add chicken back to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
Notes
- Chef tip: For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Best substitution: Substitute chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a more tender result.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the sauce and dredging mixture up to 1 day ahead. Store separately in the fridge.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled to serve a crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If the sauce is too thin, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water and stir it into the sauce. Let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until thickened.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken pieces for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 15-20 minutes.
- Oven reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave reheat: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, then crisp up in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 5 minutes.
- Make ahead: Prepare the sauce and dredging mixture up to 1 day ahead. Store separately in the fridge.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbs: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sat. Fat: 2g
Crispy Gluten-Free Orange Chicken Recipe for Dinner FAQs
Yes, prepare the sauce and dredging mixture up to 1 day ahead. Store separately in the fridge. Cook the chicken just before serving.
Using too much flour for dredging can result in a soggy coating. To prevent this, double-dredge the chicken and shake off excess flour.
Yes, cook chicken pieces at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy. Toss in the sauce after cooking.
Serve with steamed rice, noodles, or a side of steamed vegetables. For a winter twist, try serving it over mashed potatoes or with a side of garlic bread.
Yes, freeze cooked chicken pieces for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 15-20 minutes.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Crispy Gluten-Free Orange Chicken Recipe for Dinner and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
