Irresistibly Tangy Keto Orange Chicken: Your Go-To Low-Carb Takeout Alternative
Craving the vibrant, sweet, and tangy flavors of your favorite orange chicken takeout without the guilt of excessive sugar and carbs? Look no further! This Keto Orange Chicken recipe delivers all the deliciousness you love, transformed into a healthy, low-carb, and sugar-free meal you can enjoy right in your own kitchen. With nearly 100 five-star reviews, this recipe has become a staple for many who follow a ketogenic or low-carb lifestyle, proving that healthy eating doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor.
As a passionate creator of low-carb recipes since 2016, I can confidently say this keto orange chicken truly works. It captures that iconic sweet and savory balance, coating juicy chicken bites in a sticky, citrusy sauce that rivals, if not surpasses, any restaurant version. Get ready to ditch the takeout menu and whip up a meal that’s both satisfying and perfectly aligned with your health goals.
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Imagine enjoying healthy “takeout” at home, anytime you want! This recipe makes it possible, eliminating the need for high-sugar, high-carb options from places like Panda Express. It’s an ideal choice for busy weeknights or when you simply desire a flavorful, guilt-free meal.
Why You’ll Love This Keto Orange Chicken
This recipe isn’t just a low-carb alternative; it’s a culinary experience that hits all the right notes. Here’s why it stands out:
- Authentic Flavor: Despite being sugar-free, this dish perfectly captures the sweet, savory, and tangy essence of classic orange chicken. The secret lies in fresh orange zest and a carefully balanced sugar substitute.
- Crispy, Juicy Chicken: Whether you opt for the air fryer or oven, your chicken pieces will be delightfully crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, providing the perfect canvas for the luscious sauce.
- Healthy & Guilt-Free: Say goodbye to the high-fructose corn syrup and hidden sugars found in traditional takeout. This homemade version uses natural, zero-calorie sweeteners and fresh ingredients, making it ideal for keto, low-carb, and sugar-conscious diets.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just over 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. The instructions are straightforward, making it accessible even for novice cooks.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it with cauliflower rice for a classic pairing, or experiment with various roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
Keto Orange Chicken Ingredients: The Building Blocks of Flavor
Crafting this delicious keto orange chicken relies on a thoughtful selection of ingredients that deliver maximum flavor with minimal carbs. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component is essential:
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are my top recommendation for their inherent juiciness and rich flavor, which stands up wonderfully to the tangy sauce. Chicken breasts can also be used for a leaner option, simply adjust cooking times to ensure they don’t dry out.
- Eggs: Crucial for creating that initial coating on the chicken, helping the baking powder adhere and contribute to a crispy exterior.
- Baking Powder: This might seem unusual for chicken, but it’s a game-changer! It reacts with the chicken’s surface, creating tiny air bubbles that result in an incredibly crispy texture without the need for traditional high-carb breading.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance the chicken’s natural flavor before it even meets the sauce.
- Sesame Oil: A foundational flavor in many Asian dishes, sesame oil adds a nutty, aromatic depth to the sauce that is simply irreplaceable.
- Rice Wine Vinegar: Provides the necessary tang and acidity to balance the sweetness of the sauce, giving it that authentic orange chicken zest. Ensure you use unsweetened and unseasoned varieties for keto compliance.
- Soy Sauce (or Alternatives): Delivers umami and savory notes. For a gluten-free or soy-free option, liquid aminos or coconut aminos work perfectly as substitutes.
- Fresh Ginger: Ground ginger can be used, but fresh grated ginger offers a brighter, more pungent flavor that truly elevates the sauce. It’s a key element in traditional orange chicken.
- Garlic: Minced garlic cloves are indispensable for aromatic depth, complementing the ginger and rounding out the savory profile of the sauce.
- Sweetener: A zero-calorie, zero-carb granular sweetener like monk fruit is used to replace the sugar. Monk fruit measures 1:1 like sugar, making it easy to use. This allows for the signature sweetness without affecting blood sugar levels.
- Fresh Orange Zest: This is the star of the “orange” flavor! Unlike orange juice, which is high in sugar, the zest contains the concentrated essential oils and flavor of the orange peel with very few carbs. It provides an authentic citrusy aroma and taste.
- Xanthan Gum: A low-carb thickener that creates a sticky, luscious sauce consistency without the need for cornstarch or flour. Only a small amount is needed for dramatic results.
How to Thicken the Sauce Perfectly for a Keto Finish
Achieving that signature sticky, glaze-like texture for your orange chicken sauce is crucial, especially in a keto recipe where traditional thickeners like cornstarch or flour are avoided due to their high carb content. My secret weapon is xanthan gum.
You only need a tiny amount – typically ¼ teaspoon – to create a perfectly thick sauce. Here’s how to do it without lumps:
- Once all your sauce ingredients (except xanthan gum) have simmered, remove about 2 tablespoons of the warm sauce and place it in a small separate bowl.
- Add the ¼ teaspoon of xanthan gum to this small bowl and stir vigorously until it forms a smooth paste. This pre-mixing prevents the xanthan gum from clumping when added to the larger batch of sauce.
- Pour this thickened paste back into the main saucepan with the rest of the sauce. Stir continuously over medium heat. The sauce will gradually thicken over several minutes. Be patient, as it takes a little time for the xanthan gum to fully activate.
Non-Keto Thickening Option: If you are not strictly concerned with carbohydrate count, you can substitute xanthan gum with 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour or cornstarch. Combine the flour/cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Add this slurry to your simmering sauce and stir continuously until thickened. This method also works effectively but will add more carbs to the dish.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Keto Orange Chicken
Crafting this flavorful keto orange chicken is simpler than you might think. Follow these detailed steps to achieve a restaurant-quality meal at home.
- Prepare the Chicken: Start by cutting your boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts into uniform 1-inch chunks. This ensures even cooking. Place the chicken pieces into a large mixing bowl.
- Coat the Chicken: In a separate small bowl, beat one egg. Add the beaten egg to the chicken and stir until all pieces are lightly coated. Next, sprinkle baking powder, salt, and pepper over the chicken. Mix thoroughly, ensuring every piece is fully coated with the mixture. This coating is key to developing a crispy exterior when cooked.
- Cook the Chicken: You have two excellent options for cooking the chicken:
- Air Fryer Method: Lightly spray your air fryer basket with cooking oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the coated chicken in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the basket (cook in batches if necessary). Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes. Open the basket, flip the chicken pieces, and continue cooking for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is golden brown and crispy.
- Baking Method: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the coated chicken pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through, until it’s cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Prepare the Orange Sauce: While your chicken is cooking, begin preparing the sauce. In a saucepan or skillet over medium heat, combine all the sauce ingredients except the xanthan gum: sesame oil, rice wine vinegar, sweetener, soy sauce (or aminos), fresh ginger, minced garlic, orange zest, water, and white vinegar.
- Simmer the Sauce: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly for 3-4 minutes. Continue stirring until the sweetener has fully dissolved and the orange zest begins to disintegrate into the sauce, infusing it with its bright citrus flavor.
- Thicken the Sauce: To thicken, take 2 tablespoons of the simmering sauce and place it into a small bowl. Stir in ¼ teaspoon of xanthan gum until a smooth paste forms (this prevents lumps). Return this paste to the main saucepan, stirring continuously for several minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. It should become glossy and sticky.
- Combine & Serve: Once the chicken is cooked and the sauce is thickened, add the crispy chicken pieces directly into the saucepan with the orange sauce. Toss gently until all the chicken is thoroughly coated. Serve immediately, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired.
What to Pair with Keto Orange Chicken
Complementing your Keto Orange Chicken with the right side dishes can elevate your meal into a truly satisfying and balanced experience. Here are some of my favorite low-carb pairings:
- Cauliflower Rice: This is my absolute favorite way to serve keto orange chicken. It’s a perfect low-carb substitute for traditional rice, soaking up all the delicious sauce without adding extra carbs. Simply buy frozen cauliflower rice from the store and follow the package instructions for quick preparation.
- Roasted Vegetables: Enhance your meal with a serving of crisp, roasted greens.
- Air Fryer Broccoli: Roasting broccoli in the air fryer gives it a slight char and tender-crisp texture that pairs wonderfully with the tangy chicken.
- Air Fryer Garlic Green Beans: These are quick to make, packed with garlicky flavor, and offer a lovely crunch that contrasts nicely with the soft chicken.
- Other options include asparagus, bell peppers, or zucchini.
- Simple Side Salad: For a light and refreshing option, a crisp green salad with a sugar-free vinaigrette can cut through the richness of the orange chicken, providing a refreshing contrast.
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Keto Low Carb Orange Chicken Recipe
This recipe has garnered nearly 100 five-star reviews and ratings for a reason! Having created and shared low-carb recipes since 2016, I guarantee this keto orange chicken recipe is a winner. It delivers the beloved sweet, tangy orange flavor of takeout, but without all the sugar and carbs. Each bite features juicy chicken coated in a sticky, citrusy sauce that’s truly better than the restaurant version.
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Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts (Cut into 1-inch chunks.)
- 1 egg (Beaten)
- 3 tablespoons baking powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar (Unseasoned and unsweetened.)
- 4 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or Liquid Aminos or Coconut Aminos)
- ¼ teaspoon fresh ginger (If using ground ginger, start with ⅛ teaspoon and adjust to taste if necessary.)
- 2-3 garlic cloves (Minced)
- ⅓ cup zero calorie sweetener
- ¼ cup white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons orange zest (Typically one orange, but varies by size. The zest should be very fine.)
- ¼ teaspoon xanthan gum (See notes for substitution.)
Optional Garnish
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
Instructions
Chicken Preparation
- Add the chunks of chicken to a large bowl. Add the beaten egg to the bowl and stir. Add the baking powder, salt, and pepper and stir. Ensure the chicken is fully coated.
Air Fryer Instructions
- Spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil.
- Place the coated chicken in the air fryer in a single layer.
- Air fry on 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200°C) for 10 minutes. Open the air fryer basket and flip the chicken. Cook for an additional 5-10 minutes until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74°C).
Baking Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200°C).
- Place the coated chicken on a sheet pan and in the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74°C). (Flip the chicken halfway through.)
Sauce Assembly
- While the chicken cooks, add all of the ingredients for the sauce (except for the xanthan gum) to a saucepan or skillet on medium heat. Simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly until the sweetener has melted and the zest disintegrates.
- Add 2 tablespoons of the sauce to a small bowl with the xanthan gum and stir until a smooth paste forms. When it thickens, add the mixture to the sauce and stir continuously. It will take several minutes to thicken.
- Coat the cooked chicken in the orange sauce. Serve with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired.
Recipe Notes and Pro Tips
- Color Variation: Since orange juice is not used in this recipe, the final dish may appear more golden-brown than bright orange. This is completely normal and does not affect the flavor.
- Taste and Adjust: The beauty of homemade cooking is customization! Taste the sauce frequently while it simmers and adjust the seasonings to suit your preference. When first making it, I recommend starting with half the amount of sweetener specified and adding more gradually. The same goes for ginger and soy sauce – add more or less to achieve your perfect balance.
- Scaling the Recipe: To double the recipe for four servings, simply double all the ingredients. For the sauce, start with 3 tablespoons of soy sauce and ⅓ cup of sweetener, then taste and adjust as needed.
- Sweetener Options: Monk fruit sweetener is measured 1:1 like refined sugar. If you prefer to use regular table sugar (and are not concerned with carbs), you can use the same amount noted in the recipe. If using other zero-calorie sweeteners like Stevia, follow the conversion rates provided by the manufacturer.
- Xanthan Gum Alternatives: Another excellent low-carb thickener is Keto Wheat Flour from King Arthur Baking. Combine one tablespoon of this flour with 1 tablespoon of water, then add the mix to the sauce and stir to thicken. For non-keto diets, you can use 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour or cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of water as a slurry.
- Zesting Success: For the best results, use a citrus zester or the fine side of a cheese grater to create very fine orange zest. This ensures it easily disintegrates into the sauce, preventing any need to strain.
- Orange Extract: While I prefer fresh zest, you can reduce carbs further by using orange extract. I haven’t tested this personally, so you’ll need to experiment with the amount to achieve your desired flavor intensity.
- Nutritional Calculations: The provided macros are calculated using chicken thighs. If you use chicken breasts or make other substitutions, please use a nutrition calculator of your choice to adjust the information as necessary for accuracy.
Nutrition (displayed with net carbs)
Calories: 381kcal |
Carbohydrates: 7g |
Protein: 49g |
Fat: 18g
Frequently Asked Questions and Expert Tips
I highly recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They are inherently juicy and flavorful, which makes them incredibly forgiving and delicious in this dish. Their higher fat content also contributes to a richer taste. However, if you prefer a leaner option, boneless, skinless chicken breasts work perfectly as well. The cooking methods (air frying or baking) and times are flexible enough to accommodate either cut without significant alteration to the final result, just be mindful not to overcook chicken breasts to prevent dryness.
Traditional oranges, particularly orange juice, are quite high in natural sugars and carbohydrates, making them generally unsuitable for strict ketogenic diets. For example, an 8-ounce glass of orange juice can contain the sugar equivalent of about four whole oranges! This is why most restaurant orange chicken recipes, which often use orange juice, are packed with sugar. The key to making this recipe keto-friendly while retaining authentic orange flavor lies in using fresh orange zest. Orange zest, derived from the peel, contains the concentrated essential oils and flavor compounds of the orange but with a significantly smaller fraction of the sugar and carbs found in the fruit’s pulp or juice. This allows you to achieve that bright, tangy orange taste without derailing your carb count.
For this recipe, I find that granular monk fruit sweetener is the ideal choice. It’s a natural, zero-calorie, and zero-carb sweetener that won’t cause a spike in blood sugar, making it perfect for keto. A major benefit of monk fruit is that it measures 1:1 like refined white sugar, which simplifies conversions and makes the recipe straightforward to follow. Additionally, many people, myself included, appreciate that it doesn’t leave an unpleasant aftertaste, which can sometimes be an issue with other artificial sweeteners. If you prefer to use other sugar substitutes like stevia or erythritol blends, ensure you adjust the quantity according to their specific sweetness ratios compared to sugar.
This delicious keto orange chicken boasts approximately 7 net carbs per serving. Of this amount, about 4.5 net carbs come from the fresh orange zest, which provides the authentic citrusy flavor. If you are aiming for an even lower carb count, you can experiment with reducing the amount of orange zest slightly, or consider using a few drops of orange extract as a substitute. I personally prefer the natural taste of fresh zest and haven’t thoroughly tested orange extract for this recipe, so you would need to experiment with the appropriate quantity to achieve your desired flavor without overdoing it.
Once cooked, any leftover keto orange chicken should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will remain fresh and delicious for about 3-4 days. It’s a fantastic option for meal prepping throughout the week.
For the crispiest and best results, I highly recommend reheating your leftover orange chicken in an air fryer. Simply air fry at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until it’s warmed through and the chicken regains some of its crispiness. If an air fryer isn’t available, the microwave can also be used, but the chicken may not be as crispy.
Yes, this dish freezes wonderfully! Once cooled completely, transfer the orange chicken to a freezer-safe, airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. It will maintain its quality in the freezer for 3-4 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply defrost it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
More Sugar-Free and Keto Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this Keto Orange Chicken, you’re in for a treat! Explore more of my favorite sugar-free and keto-friendly recipes that make healthy eating both delicious and effortless.
More Sugar-Free Delights:
- Sugar-Free Apple Pie
- Sugar-Free Healthy Banana Bread
- Sugar-Free Apple Crisp
- Sugar-Free Blueberry Crisp
- Sugar-Free Popsicles
- Sugar-Free Cheesecake
- Healthy Pad Thai (Low-carb adaptable)
- Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken (Healthy version)
Popular Keto Recipe Favorites:
- Keto Low Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
- Big Mac Casserole
- Keto Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
- Keto Beef and Broccoli
- Keto Low Carb Smothered Pork Chops