One of the foods I do miss since becoming gluten free is Chinese food. It is almost impossible to find Chinese food that is gluten free. To satisfy the cravings, I make my own, healthier versions of my favorite Chinese dishes. Not only are they just as tasty as the OGs, but they are not as heavy as the fried versions.

This crispy orange chicken recipe is a client favorite, and my favorite of my Chinese influenced recipes. Definitely check it out for a healthier versions of the classic orange chicken.

  • SERVINGS:  4
  • PREP TIME: 10 Mins
  • ACTIVE TIME: 35 Mins
  • TOTAL TIME:45 Mins

This chicken is crispy, spicy and tangy. It is a perfect substitution for your typical take out night.

Ingredients:

  • For the chicken:
  • 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • salt
  • 1 egg, whisked
  • 1 cup arrowroot powder
  • avocado oil as needed

For the sauce:

  • 2 cups orange juice
  • 1/4 cup coconut aminos
  • 1 tsp ginger powder
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
  • salt to taste
  • 3 tbsp arrowroot powder
  • 3 tbsp water

Garnish:

  • green onions, sliced

Preparation:

STEP 1.

Cube the chicken thighs and salt all over, set aside.

STEP 2.

In one bowl have your whisked egg, in another bowl have your arrowroot flour. Coat the chicken in egg wash and then dip in the arrowroot, thoroughly coating.

STEP 3.

Meanwhile, in a pan, add avocado oil 1/2 inch all over, heat to medium high heat. Once heated, add chicken, one piece at a time and make sure the pan isn’t too crowded, at least 1 inch between each piece. Work in batches and flip once it is golden brown on each side. Pull from the pan once cooked through and golden and place on a plate and reserve for later.

STEP 4.

To make the sauce, add all of the ingredients besides the arrowroot and water to a pot and bring to a simmer. In a separate bowl whisk together the 3 tbsp arrowroot and water until mixed. Once orange sauce is simmering, add the arrowroot slurry, whisking while doing, to thicken the sauce. If you want it to be thicker, add more of the arrowroot water mix.

STEP 5.

In a clean pan over medium heat, add your chicken and enough sauce to coat the chicken. Bring to a simmer and stir until thickened and the chicken is nicely coated. Serve with green onions and enjoy!

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