Name: Keto Orange Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-486501H42M15S
Total time: PT-486501H42M15S
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1½ lbs chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; ½ cup almond flour; ¼ cup parmesan cheese (grated, optional for crispiness); 1 large egg, beaten; ½ tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp black pepper; 2–3 tbsp avocado oil or olive oil, for pan frying; ½ cup orange juice (from fresh oranges or use ½ cup water + 1 tsp orange extract for lower carbs); 1 tbsp orange zest; 2 tbsp soy sauce or coconut aminos; 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar; 2–3 tbsp keto sweetener (like monk fruit, erythritol, or allulose); ½ tsp ginger, grated or ground; ½ tsp garlic powder; ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice); ½ tsp xanthan gum (or use 1 tsp konjac powder) to thicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Keto Orange Chicken gives you all the familiar flavors of traditional orange chicken—crunchy, savory chicken bites with a sweet and tangy orange glaze—without the carbs and sugar. The almond flour coating gives the chicken a crispy texture, while the homemade orange sauce is the perfect balance of citrus, sweetness, and a hint of spice. This dish is incredibly easy to make, full of vibrant flavors, and can be enjoyed as a satisfying meal on its own or paired with cauliflower rice for a complete keto-friendly dinner.

Ingredients

→ For the Chicken
1½ lbs chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
½ cup almond flour
¼ cup parmesan cheese (grated, optional for crispiness)
1 large egg, beaten
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
2–3 tbsp avocado oil or olive oil, for pan frying

→ For the Orange Sauce
½ cup orange juice (from fresh oranges or use ½ cup water + 1 tsp orange extract for lower carbs)
1 tbsp orange zest
2 tbsp soy sauce or coconut aminos
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
2–3 tbsp keto sweetener (like monk fruit, erythritol, or allulose)
½ tsp ginger, grated or ground
½ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
½ tsp xanthan gum (or use 1 tsp konjac powder) to thicken

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Chicken:
- In a medium bowl, combine the almond flour, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Dip each chicken piece into the beaten egg, then coat it in the almond flour mixture, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
Cook the Chicken:
- Heat the avocado oil or olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the coated chicken pieces to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Make the Orange Sauce:
- In a small saucepan, combine the orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce (or coconut aminos), apple cider vinegar, keto sweetener, ginger, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
- Stir the sauce occasionally and let it cook for 5-7 minutes until it begins to thicken slightly.
- To thicken the sauce further, add the xanthan gum or konjac powder. Stir constantly to avoid clumping. Simmer for an additional 1-2 minutes until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
Combine the Chicken and Sauce:
- Once the sauce is thickened, add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss the chicken in the sauce until it’s well coated.
Serve:
- Serve the Keto Orange Chicken immediately, garnished with extra orange zest or green onions if desired. Pair it with cauliflower rice or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves about 4 people. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, and cooking time is around 15-20 minutes. Total time for this recipe is approximately 30-35 minutes.

Variations

Sweetness Level: Adjust the amount of keto sweetener in the orange sauce to suit your taste. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, increase the sweetener by 1 tablespoon.
Add More Veggies: Toss in some sautéed bell peppers, broccoli, or zucchini into the sauce for extra flavor and nutrients.
Spicy Version: Add more red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to give the dish a spicy kick.
Crispier Chicken: For an even crispier texture, you can bake the chicken in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes instead of pan frying.

Storage/Reheating

Storing: Leftover Keto Orange Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken without the sauce for up to 1 month. The sauce can also be stored separately in the freezer. When ready to serve, reheat and toss together.
Reheating: Reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of water or more orange juice and stir.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Yes, chicken thighs work great in this recipe as they are more flavorful and juicy. Just ensure they are cooked through before serving.

Can I make this recipe without xanthan gum?

Yes, you can skip the xanthan gum or use another thickener like konjac powder, but the sauce may be slightly thinner. Simmering the sauce longer also helps it thicken naturally.

Is there a sugar-free alternative to orange juice?

Yes, you can use ½ cup of water plus 1 tsp of orange extract for a lower-carb option. You’ll still get that orange flavor without the sugar from the juice.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can cook the chicken and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. However, it’s best to make the sauce fresh and coat the chicken just before serving to preserve its crispy texture.

Can I use regular soy sauce instead of coconut aminos?

Yes, regular soy sauce can be used, but coconut aminos are a better choice for those on a keto diet as they are lower in carbs.

How can I make the chicken extra crispy?

To achieve a crispier texture, you can bake the chicken in the oven instead of pan frying. Place the coated chicken pieces on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes or until golden and crispy.

Can I make this dish spicier?

Absolutely! You can add more red pepper flakes, a dash of cayenne pepper, or even some fresh chopped chili peppers to the sauce to increase the heat.

Can I serve this dish with something other than cauliflower rice?

Yes, you can serve Keto Orange Chicken with any low-carb vegetable like zucchini noodles, steamed broccoli, or sautéed spinach.

Can I use a different sweetener?

Yes, you can use any keto sweetener of your choice, like monk fruit, erythritol, or allulose. Adjust the sweetness level to your preference.

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. For best results, use fresh chicken for the crispiest texture.

Conclusion

Keto Orange Chicken brings all the delicious flavors of a Chinese takeout classic into a low-carb, keto-friendly meal. With crispy chicken pieces, a tangy orange sauce, and a touch of spice, it’s the perfect dish for satisfying your cravings without the carbs. Whether served with cauliflower rice or your favorite low-carb side, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

Keto Orange Chicken