Gluten Free Orange Chicken Recipes – Sweet, Crispy & Better Than Takeout

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My husband used to light up whenever we ordered Chinese takeout, especially orange chicken. But once we committed to eating gluten free for his health, that sweet, sticky dish became one of the things he missed most.
So I set out to bring it back. This gluten free orange chicken recipe recreates all the joy of the original, crispy coating, rich citrus glaze, and bold flavor, without the gluten.
Now, it’s not just a dinner. It’s a way to say, “I remember what you love, and I made it safe for you.” This orange chicken gluten free recipe truly brings the comfort home.

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The Secret to Great Gluten Free Orange Chicken

The Crunch Without the Gluten

Most restaurant orange chicken is dredged in wheat flour before frying, but you can get that same crispy shell using cornstarch or arrowroot starch.
These create a delicate, crisp layer that holds the orange glaze without getting soggy. We skip the gluten, not the texture.
The trick is coating the chicken pieces evenly and letting them rest before frying.
When hot oil hits the starch, the result is that golden crunch you crave.

Flavor First, Then Sauce

Don’t simmer your chicken in the sauce, it softens the crisp coating. Instead, pan fry or air fry the chicken first until golden, then toss it in a hot, thickened glaze.
That’s how this gluten-free orange chicken recipe keeps its satisfying bite with every forkful.
The sauce clings without soaking, making every piece bold, bright, and beautifully sticky.

For other bold dinner favorites, try our Gluten-Free Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe or rich and comforting Gluten-Free Chicken Marsala Recipe.

Gluten Free Orange Chicken Sauce Recipe

There’s no orange chicken gluten free recipe without a sauce that clings, glistens, and bursts with citrus flavor. This homemade glaze is quick to make and far better than anything in a bottle.
It comes together with pantry ingredients and simmers into a shiny, sweet-savory glaze in just 10 minutes.

orange chicken gluten free recipe Ingredients

• ¾ cup orange juice (fresh or no-pulp)
• ¼ cup gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos
• 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup)
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1–2 teaspoons sriracha (optional, for heat)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons cold water

This gluten free orange chicken sauce recipe is flexible, adjust sweetness or spice to taste. Always use gluten-free soy alternatives like tamari to keep it safe.

orange chicken gluten free recipe Instructions

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine orange juice, tamari, honey, vinegar, sugar, ginger, garlic, orange zest, and sriracha (if using). Stir well.
2. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3–5 minutes.
3. In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch with cold water to make a slurry.
4. Pour the slurry into the sauce while stirring constantly.
5. Continue to simmer for 1–2 more minutes until the sauce thickens and turns glossy. Remove from heat.

This glaze clings beautifully to crispy chicken without overpowering it. For another homemade sauce that turns a meal into something special, see our Gluten-Free Chicken Alfredo Recipe, a creamy, dairy-free classic.

Chinese Orange Chicken Recipe Gluten Free

Recreating this iconic dish at home doesn’t require deep-frying or complex techniques. This gluten free orange chicken recipe uses simple ingredients, a quick fry (or air fry), and a flavorful homemade sauce for an authentic feel without the takeout guilt.
It’s sweet, tangy, savory, and totally satisfying.

chinese orange chicken recipe gluten free Ingredients

• 1½ lbs boneless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-size chunks
• ½ cup cornstarch (or arrowroot starch)
• 1 egg, beaten
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil (or neutral oil)
• 2 tablespoons avocado oil or olive oil (for pan-frying)
• Optional: sliced scallions and sesame seeds for garnish
• Prepared sauce from the previous section

This orange chicken gluten free recipe works beautifully with chicken thighs for extra juiciness, though breasts give a classic texture.

chinese orange chicken recipe gluten free Instructions

1. Pat chicken dry and season with salt and pepper.
2. In a bowl, toss chicken with beaten egg, then coat with cornstarch until all pieces are lightly dredged.
3. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Fry chicken in batches, turning until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F). Do not overcrowd.
5. Remove to a paper towel–lined plate.
6. In the same skillet, wipe excess oil and add prepared sauce.
7. Bring to a simmer, then toss chicken into the pan to coat evenly.
8. Cook for 1–2 more minutes until sauce thickens around chicken.
9. Garnish with scallions or sesame seeds.

Serve it fresh over jasmine rice, or pair it with cauliflower rice or stir-fried veggies.

If you enjoy lighter chicken classics, don’t miss our Gluten-Free Chicken Piccata Recipe, it’s sharp, lemony, and just as comforting.

Pro Tips & Meal Pairing Ideas

This gluten free orange chicken recipes turns out sticky, crispy, and balanced with the right method. Here are our favorite tested tips for achieving restaurant-quality results, without gluten, and without the fuss.

How to Fry Gluten Free Orange Chicken?

• Dry the chicken first: Moisture causes the coating to slip or steam, pat it well.
• Cornstarch is key: It crisps faster than flour and gives that signature crunch.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Work in small batches so each nugget fries, not steams.
• Use medium-high heat: The oil should sizzle immediately but not smoke.
• Finish in sauce, not in oil: Fry first, sauce second, it keeps the coating crisp.

Bonus: You can air fry the chicken if you prefer less oil. Simply coat the nuggets and spritz with avocado oil. Cook at 400°F for 12–14 minutes, flipping halfway.

Garnishes & What to Serve With It

• Garnish ideas: sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, orange zest
• Perfect sides: jasmine rice, broccoli stir fry, sesame snap peas
• For a twist: serve in lettuce cups with sticky rice or wrap in gluten-free tortillas

This gluten free orange chicken recipe also freezes beautifully. Cool the coated chicken before saucing and freeze in single layers. Reheat in the oven, then glaze fresh.

Need something cozy to serve on the side later this week?
Our Recipe for Gluten-Free Chicken Pot Pie adds flaky warmth to your rotation.

Conclusion, gluten free orange chicken recipes

Making this gluten free orange chicken recipe isn’t just about the food, it’s about bringing back something you thought was lost.
This dish gave my husband a bite of nostalgia, a memory, a comfort, and it gave me joy to recreate it.
Now we enjoy this sticky, crispy, citrusy dish at home often, no takeout needed. And every time I see that look on his face after the first bite, I know: this recipe is more than dinner, it’s love on a plate.

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