Gluten-free Never Tasted So Good: How To Make The Ultimate Orange Chicken At Home!

Orange chicken, a beloved dish known for its sweet and savory glaze, can be enjoyed by those following a gluten-free diet with a few simple modifications. This blog post will guide you through the steps of creating a tantalizing gluten-free orange chicken that will satisfy your taste buds without compromising your dietary needs.

Ingredients for the Gluten-Free Orange Chicken:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup gluten-free flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil

Orange Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 cup orange juice
• 1/2 cup soy sauce (use gluten-free soy sauce)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken: In a shallow dish, combine the gluten-free flour, salt, and pepper. Dredge the chicken pieces in the seasoned flour, ensuring they are evenly coated.
2. Coat the Chicken: Dip the floured chicken pieces into the beaten egg and then back into the seasoned flour.
3. Fry the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully add the coated chicken pieces and fry them for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
4. Make the Orange Sauce: In a separate saucepan, whisk together the orange juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, cornstarch, orange zest, and ginger. Bring the mixture to a boil and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until thickened.
5. Combine the Chicken and Sauce: Add the fried chicken pieces to the orange sauce and stir to coat them evenly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the sauce has thickened.
6. Serve: Garnish with fresh orange slices and green onions, if desired. Serve immediately with your favorite sides, such as rice or noodles.

Tips for Making the Best Gluten-Free Orange Chicken:

• Use a good quality gluten-free flour blend. This will help ensure that your chicken is crispy and flavorful.
• Don’t overcrowd the skillet when frying the chicken. This will help prevent the chicken from becoming soggy.
• Cook the chicken until it is golden brown and cooked through. This will ensure that it is safe to eat and has a delicious texture.
• Make sure the orange sauce is thickened before adding the chicken. This will help prevent the sauce from becoming watery.
• Serve the orange chicken immediately. This will help prevent the chicken from becoming soggy.

Variations on Gluten-Free Orange Chicken:

• Spicy Orange Chicken: Add 1-2 teaspoons of red pepper flakes to the orange sauce for a spicy kick.
• Sesame Orange Chicken: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the orange chicken before serving.
• Honey Garlic Orange Chicken: Add 1-2 tablespoons of honey and 1-2 teaspoons of minced garlic to the orange sauce for a sweet and savory twist.

Health Benefits of Orange Chicken (Gluten-Free):

• High in Protein: Chicken is a great source of protein, which is essential for building and maintaining muscle mass.
• Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: Oranges are a good source of vitamin C, which is important for immune function. They also contain potassium, which is important for blood pressure regulation.
• Low in Fat: Orange chicken is a relatively low-fat dish, making it a healthier choice than many other takeout options.

Conclusion:

Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of gluten-free orange chicken without compromising your dietary needs. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe will guide you through the steps to create a dish that will delight your taste buds and nourish your body.

FAQ:

1. What is the best gluten-free flour blend to use for this recipe?

• Use a gluten-free flour blend that contains a variety of flours, such as brown rice flour, sorghum flour, and tapioca flour. This will help ensure that your chicken is crispy and flavorful.

2. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

• Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just be sure to thaw it completely before cooking.

3. How can I make this recipe vegan?

• To make this recipe vegan, use tofu instead of chicken. Press the tofu to remove excess moisture before cutting it into bite-sized pieces. Dredge the tofu in the gluten-free flour mixture and fry it according to the instructions in the recipe.