Crispy Orange Chicken
This gluten-free crispy orange chicken recipe delivers the classic takeout flavors you love without the gluten! The secret is in the rice flour coating and the bright, tangy orange sauce.
45 min
Total Time
4
Servings
medium
Difficulty
15 min
Prep Time
30 min
Cook Time
45 min
Total Time
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 1 cup Rice flour
- 1/2 cup Tapioca starch
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper
- 1 Egg
- 1/2 cup Avocado oil (or other high-heat oil) (for frying)
- 3/4 cup Orange juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 tsp Orange zest
- 1/4 cup Gluten-free soy sauce (tamari)
- 2 tbsp Rice vinegar
- 3 tbsp Honey
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp Ginger (grated)
- 1/4 tsp Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 2 Green onions (chopped, for garnish)
- 1 tsp Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- 1
In a bowl, whisk together rice flour, tapioca starch, salt, and pepper.
- 2
In another bowl, beat the egg. Dip each piece of chicken into the egg, then dredge in the rice flour mixture, ensuring it's fully coated.
- 3
Heat avocado oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- 4
Carefully add the chicken to the hot oil in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- 5
Remove chicken from the skillet and place on a wire rack to drain excess oil. Keep warm in a low oven (200°F).
- 6
In a separate saucepan, combine orange juice, orange zest, gluten-free soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- 7
Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce heat to low and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- 8
Add the crispy chicken to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
- 9
Serve immediately, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve with rice or quinoa.
Tips & Notes
- •For extra crispy chicken, double-fry it! After the first fry, let the chicken cool slightly, then fry it again for 1-2 minutes per side.
- •Adjust the honey and red pepper flakes to your liking to control the sweetness and spice level.
- •Make sure your oil is hot before adding the chicken; otherwise, it will absorb too much oil and become soggy.
Recipe Variations
- →Try adding different herbs for variety.
- →Substitute ingredients based on dietary needs.