Take a trip down memory lane with me, Anne from Beyond the Bayou Blog, as we savor the comforting flavors of my beloved family recipe—Low-Carb Orange Chicken.
A keto-friendly twist on the classic favorite. Bursting with tangy citrus flavors and tender chicken, this recipe offers a guilt-free dining experience.
Say goodbye to carb-laden takeout and hello to a healthier alternative without compromising on taste. Each bite is a fusion of succulent chicken coated in a luscious orange glaze, tantalizing your taste buds with every mouthful.
Whether you’re following a low-carb lifestyle or simply seeking a wholesome meal option, our Low-Carb Orange Chicken is sure to satisfy your cravings while keeping your health goals on track.
What is Orange Chicken?
Orange chicken is a popular dish often found at American Chinese takeout restaurants. Originally inspired by a dish from China’s Hunan province, it features battered chicken pieces coated in a sweet and sticky orange sauce.
While traditional orange chicken isn’t keto-friendly due to the sugar and carbs, you can make some simple changes to create a low-carb version. With a few tweaks, you can enjoy all the delicious flavors without the extra carbs!
What Type of Chicken to Use?
I love using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for this recipe because they are packed with flavor and stay super juicy. However, you can also use chicken breasts or any cut of chicken you prefer. No matter which cut you choose, the cooking time remains the same.
What Type of Sweetener to Use?
To keep this recipe light and keto-friendly, I use granular monkfruit sweetener instead of white sugar. It’s a natural, zero-calorie, zero-carb sweetener that won’t spike your blood sugar. Plus, it doesn’t have an aftertaste, which is a big win!
If you prefer using stevia, just follow your usual method for converting refined sugar to stevia. Remember, monkfruit sweetener measures 1:1 like regular sugar, making it super easy to use.
Why You Will Love This Recipe?
- Healthier Version of a Favorite: This keto orange chicken is a healthier twist on the classic Chinese takeout dish. It uses real, whole ingredients without any added sugars or unhealthy oils.
- Delicious and Flavorful: The chicken is tender and juicy, coated in a sticky, sweet, and tangy orange glaze that bursts with citrus flavor. It’s the perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess.
- Low-Carb Friendly: Pair this dish with cauliflower rice for a low-carb meal. It also goes great with steamed vegetables, making it a versatile option.
- Quick and Easy to Make: Ready in just 50 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. You’ll have a quick, delicious dinner on the table in no time.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This keto orange chicken is great for meal prepping. Portion it into containers, and you have a tasty and convenient lunch or dinner option for the week.
Overview: How To Make Keto Orange Chicken?
This keto orange chicken recipe is a delicious meal that the whole family will love! It’s perfect for busy nights for a quick and tasty dinner. The combination of sugar-free orange marmalade and no-sugar-added BBQ sauce creates a flavorful glaze that makes the chicken irresistible. With just 10 minutes of prep time and 10 minutes of cooking time, you can have a wholesome meal ready in no time.
To start, you’ll need to cut three large chicken breasts into roughly one-inch cubes. Coat the chicken cubes lightly with baking powder for an optional but recommended step. This helps the sauce stick better to the chicken. Fry the chicken in a large pan with avocado or olive oil, cooking each side for about 3 to 5 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Once the chicken is done, remove it from the pan and set it aside. Wipe down the pan and prepare the orange sauce by combining the sugar-free marmalade and BBQ sauce over low to medium heat. Cook until the sauce starts to bubble and thicken, then add the cooked chicken back into the pan, stirring to coat it well with the sauce. For an extra touch, garnish with green onions or sesame seeds.
Serve this delicious orange chicken with a side of steamed broccoli or cauliflower rice to keep the meal low in carbs. With only 159 calories per serving, it’s a healthy and flavorful option that’s sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!
Try More Chicken Recipes!
- Mexican Shredded Chicken
- Crispy Chicken Thigh
- Three Cup Chicken
- Easy Flavorful Chicken GyrosÂ
- Chicken Stir FryÂ
Keto Orange Chicken Recipe
Equipment
- Cutting Board
- Large frying pan
- Spatula
- Small Bowl
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Sugar Free Smucker’s Orange marmalade
- 1/2 cup Rays No Sugar Added BBQ sauce
- 3 large chicken breasts cubed
- salt and pepper to taste
- Optional chicken coating:
- 1/4 cup baking powder
- Olive oil or Avocado oil for frying
Instructions
- Cut chicken breast into 1-inch cubes for even cooking.
- Optionally, coat chicken cubes lightly with baking powder for better sauce adhesion.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of avocado or olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat.
- Fry chicken for 3 to 5 minutes on each side until cooked through and tender.
- Remove cooked chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Prepare the orange sauce by combining sugar-free marmalade and BBQ sauce in the pan over low to medium heat until bubbling. Then add the cooked chicken back into the pan and stir to coat.
- Optional: Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds.
- Serve with steamed broccoli or cauliflower rice for a low-carb meal. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Tips You Should Try!
- Cut the Chicken Evenly: Make sure to cut your chicken into uniform pieces. This helps it cook evenly, so you don’t end up with some pieces overcooked and others undercooked.
- Check the Cooking Temperature: Ensure your chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F. This ensures it’s fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Thicken the Sauce: If your sauce turns out too thin, just let it simmer on low heat for a bit longer. This will help it thicken up nicely.
- Garnish Creatively: After coating the chicken in the orange sauce, sprinkle sesame seeds on top. You can also add chopped green onions or a few orange zest curls for extra flavor and a pop of color.
- Use Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice gives your keto orange chicken an unbeatable, vibrant flavor. It’s worth the extra effort!
- Opt for Coconut Aminos: If you’re sensitive to soy or prefer a gluten-free option, use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. It adds a great depth of flavor and keeps the dish gluten-free.
What to Serve with Low-Carb Orange Chicken?
Store Your Recipe This Way for Later!
- Storing: Pop any leftovers into the fridge, covered, and they’ll stay good for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Got some extra orange chicken? No worries! Put it in a sealed container and toss it in the freezer. It’ll stay tasty for up to 6 months.
- Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy it again, there are a couple of ways to reheat. Zap it in the microwave in 30-second bursts until it’s warmed through, or heat it up in a non-stick pan for that fresh-out-of-the-pan taste. Easy-peasy!
Is Orange Chicken Good or Bad for You?
- Chicken: A great source of lean protein, chicken is essential for building and maintaining muscle.
- Orange Juice and Zest: Packed with vitamin C and fiber, they add a burst of flavor and nutrition to the dish.
- Cauliflower Rice: When you serve orange chicken with cauliflower rice, you get a complete meal that’s high in fiber, protein, and healthy fats.
Is Orange Chicken High in Carbs?
A normal dish of traditional orange chicken has more than 40 grams of carbohydrates. But each serving of this keto variant only has 5 grams of net carbohydrates.
Is Orange Chicken Gluten-Free?
Because most orange chicken recipes call for breaded chicken that is often dusted with white flour, they are not gluten-free. This gluten-free and ketogenic low-carb orange chicken recipe is cooked with a pork rind breading.