Homemade Orange Chicken Delight

This healthy orange chicken transforms your favorite takeout into a nutritious homemade meal that doesn't sacrifice flavor. Made with real ingredients and naturally gluten-free, it satisfies cravings while keeping calories in check. The sweet-tangy orange sauce perfectly coats tender chicken pieces alongside vibrant broccoli for a complete dinner that feels indulgent.

I first made this when trying to recreate my husband's favorite takeout during our health journey. Now it's become our Wednesday night tradition, proving healthy eating doesn't mean giving up comfort foods.

Ingredients

• Chicken: tenderloins or breast cuts into perfect bite sized pieces while staying tender
• Fresh orange juice: no sugar added provides natural sweetness and authentic flavor
• Coconut aminos: offers the umami depth without gluten or excessive sodium
• Gluten free rolled oats: create a surprisingly effective coating that crisps beautifully
• Garlic and ginger powder: infuse traditional Asian flavors without extra chopping
• Green onions: add a fresh bite and visual appeal to the finished dish
• Broccoli florets: balance the meal with essential nutrients and texture contrast

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Skillet:

Heat your large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil, allowing it to reach temperature before adding chicken. This prevents sticking and ensures proper browning.

Create Oat Flour:

Transform rolled oats into flour by blending for a full minute until you achieve a fine powder consistency. This creates a lighter coating than traditional flour that crisps beautifully while keeping the dish gluten free.

Coat and Cook Chicken:

Pat chicken pieces completely dry before coating in oat flour. This crucial step ensures proper browning. Cook each piece 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown, working in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding which would steam rather than sear the meat.

Prepare the Orange Sauce:

Whisk orange juice, chicken broth, coconut aminos, and spices thoroughly before adding to the hot skillet. Bring to a boil and let reduce for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. The sauce will gradually thicken to a beautiful syrupy consistency that coats the back of a spoon.

Steam the Broccoli:

While sauce reduces, steam broccoli until bright green and just tender about 5 minutes. Slightly undercook if you prefer more texture as it will continue softening when served with the hot chicken and sauce.

Combine and Serve:

Return browned chicken to the thickened sauce along with green onions, gently tossing to coat every piece evenly. Serve immediately over broccoli for maximum flavor and texture enjoyment.

The coconut aminos are truly the secret ingredient here. I discovered them after developing a soy sensitivity and was amazed how they provide that perfect umami flavor without the common allergens. My daughter now requests this dish for her birthday dinner each year instead of going out for Chinese food.

Perfect Pairings

This orange chicken shines when served over steamed brown rice or cauliflower rice for a complete meal. The neutral base soaks up the delicious sauce while adding satisfying texture. For a more substantial meal, consider quinoa which adds protein and a pleasant nutty flavor that complements the orange beautifully.

Make Ahead and Storage

This recipe maintains its quality remarkably well in the refrigerator for up to five days. Store the chicken with sauce separately from the broccoli for best results. When reheating, add a splash of water or orange juice to loosen the sauce which thickens considerably when chilled. For freezing, place in airtight containers for up to three months, though the broccoli texture will soften upon thawing.

Ingredient Swaps

Cannot find coconut aminos? Low sodium soy sauce works well though the dish will no longer be gluten free. For a paleo version, substitute the oat flour with arrowroot as mentioned in the ingredients list. The recipe is quite forgiving with protein choices as well. Turkey breast, firm tofu, or even shrimp can be substituted using the same cooking method, adjusting cooking times accordingly.

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Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make this orange chicken recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this orange chicken in advance. After cooking, allow it to cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of water or orange juice if the sauce needs thinning.

→ What can I substitute for coconut aminos?

If you don't have coconut aminos, you can substitute with tamari (for gluten-free) or low-sodium soy sauce (if gluten isn't a concern). You may want to use slightly less as these alternatives can be saltier than coconut aminos, and consider adding a small amount of sweetener to replicate the milder, slightly sweet flavor.

→ How do I know when the orange sauce is properly thickened?

The orange sauce is properly thickened when it reaches a syrup-like consistency that coats the back of a spoon. If you run your finger across the spoon, it should leave a clear path that doesn't immediately fill in. This typically takes about 15 minutes of simmering as specified in the instructions.

→ Can I use other vegetables besides broccoli?

Absolutely! While broccoli pairs wonderfully with orange chicken, you can substitute or add other vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, or bok choy. Simply adjust cooking times accordingly as some vegetables may require more or less time to steam than broccoli.

→ Is there a way to make this orange chicken spicy?

Yes, you can easily add heat to this dish. Try adding crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce while it's simmering. For a more authentic approach, add a few thin slices of fresh red chili or a teaspoon of chili paste like sambal oelek to the sauce mixture.

→ What's the best way to serve this orange chicken?

This orange chicken is traditionally served over steamed white rice or brown rice with the broccoli on the side. For a lower-carb option, serve it over cauliflower rice or alongside additional steamed vegetables. Garnish with extra sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation.