Better Than Takeout Crispy Gluten-Free Orange Chicken
Crispy Gluten-Free Orange Chicken — Better than takeout! After making this many times, I discovered the trick to a crispy coating that stays crispy. Jump to the recipe card or keep reading for my best tips. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Easy Mediterranean Grilled Halloumi Skewers and Creamy Ají Amarillo Chicken with Easy Pan Sauce.
Why This Better Than Takeout Crispy Gluten-Free Orange Chicken Is Pure Comfort
- Crispy coating that stays crispy
- Packed with authentic orange flavor
- Easy to make, better than takeout
What You'll Need for Better Than Takeout Crispy Gluten-Free Orange Chicken
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- chicken breasts
- gluten-free cornstarch
- orange juice
- rice vinegar
- soy sauce
- garlic
- ginger
- red bell pepper
- green onions
- orange zest
- honey
- sriracha
- sesame oil
- sesame seeds
- Optional: chopped green onions
- Optional: sesame seeds
📝 Ingredient Notes
- gluten-free cornstarch: Regular cornstarch can be used if gluten isn't a concern.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Gluten-Free Cornstarch — Ensures a crispy coating that stays crispy → See on Amazon
- High-Quality Sesame Oil — Adds authentic Asian flavor → See on Amazon
How to Make Better Than Takeout Crispy Gluten-Free Orange Chicken
- Prepare the chicken: Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Mix gluten-free cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Coat chicken pieces in the mixture.
- Cook the chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet. Add chicken pieces and cook until crispy and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, sauté garlic, ginger, and red bell pepper. Add orange juice, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, and sriracha. Simmer until thickened.
- Combine and serve: Add chicken back to the skillet. Toss to coat. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve over rice.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Better Than Takeout Crispy Gluten-Free Orange Chicken
- Common mistake and fix: Don't overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken. Cook in batches if necessary to maintain a crispy coating.
- Expert tip: For a spicier version, add more sriracha or use a spicier variety.
- Time-saving tip: Prepare the chicken and mix the sauce ingredients ahead of time for a quick dinner.
- Presentation tip: Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for a restaurant-quality look.
Storing & Reheating Better Than Takeout Crispy Gluten-Free Orange Chicken
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make-ahead tip: Prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Combine and cook just before serving.
Freezing Better Than Takeout Crispy Gluten-Free Orange Chicken
Freeze cooked chicken and sauce separately for up to 2 months.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes. Microwave: Reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: Use chicken thighs for even more flavor.
- Best substitution: Substitute chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Combine and cook just before serving.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or halved.
- Troubleshooting: If the sauce isn't thickening, add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water).
Want to level up this recipe?
High-Quality Wok or Skillet — Ensures even cooking and a crispy texture → Check price on Amazon
Better Than Takeout Crispy Gluten-Free Orange Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- chicken breasts
- gluten-free cornstarch
- orange juice
- rice vinegar
- soy sauce
- garlic
- ginger
- red bell pepper
- green onions
Seasonings
- orange zest
- honey
- sriracha
- sesame oil
- sesame seeds
Optional Toppings
- chopped green onions
- sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Mix gluten-free cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Coat chicken pieces in the mixture.
- Cook the chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet. Add chicken pieces and cook until crispy and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, sauté garlic, ginger, and red bell pepper. Add orange juice, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, and sriracha. Simmer until thickened.
- Combine and serve: Add chicken back to the skillet. Toss to coat. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve over rice.
Notes
- Chef tip: Use chicken thighs for even more flavor.
- Best substitution: Substitute chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Combine and cook just before serving.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or halved.
- Troubleshooting: If the sauce isn't thickening, add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water).
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken and sauce separately for up to 2 months.
- Oven reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave reheat: Reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes.
- Make ahead: Prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Combine and cook just before serving.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbs: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 1800mg
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sat. Fat: 2g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Better Than Takeout Crispy Gluten-Free Orange Chicken FAQs
Yes, prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Combine and cook just before serving.
Don't overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken. Cook in batches if necessary to maintain a crispy coating.
Yes, freeze cooked chicken and sauce separately for up to 2 months.
Add more sriracha or use a spicier variety.
Serve over rice or noodles. Add a side of steamed vegetables or a salad for a balanced meal.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Better Than Takeout Crispy Gluten-Free Orange Chicken and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
