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Plate of gluten-free orange chicken with rice and vegetables

Gluten-Free Orange Chicken

A comforting dish featuring tender chicken coated in a bright and glossy orange sauce, perfect for chilly evenings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Asian, Gluten-Free
Servings 4 servings
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the chicken

  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 3 tablespoons gluten-free cornstarch (plus 2 tablespoons for coating) Use for coating and thickening the sauce.
  • 2 tablespoons neutral oil for frying (such as canola) To prevent sticking and steaming.
  • Salt and pepper to taste For seasoning the chicken.

For the sauce

  • 1 cup fresh orange juice (about 2–3 oranges)
  • 1 zest of 1 orange Adds brightness to the sauce.
  • 1/4 cup tamari (gluten-free soy sauce)
  • 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup Sweetens the sauce.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 cup warm water To mix with cornstarch for thickening.

For garnish

  • Sliced green onions and sesame seeds For topping before serving.

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Pat the chicken pieces dry, season lightly with salt and pepper, then toss with 2 tablespoons cornstarch until evenly coated.

Browning the chicken

  • Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken in batches so it browns without steaming, about 3–4 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate.

Making the sauce

  • In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium, add garlic and ginger for 30 seconds, then stir in orange juice, zest, tamari, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
  • Whisk in warm water mixed with 3 tablespoons cornstarch to thicken.

Combining and glazing

  • Return the chicken to the skillet and simmer gently until the sauce becomes shiny and coats each piece.

Finishing touches

  • Taste and adjust sweetness or salt, then top with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

Serving

  • Spoon over rice or your favorite gluten-free noodles for a cozy, seasonal meal.

Notes

For extra crunch, double-coat the chicken for crispier results and fry until deeply golden. The sauce can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 800mgFiber: 1gSugar: 15g
Keyword Chicken Thighs, comfort food, Easy Recipe, gluten-free, Orange Chicken
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