Here’s a delicious and healthy Keto Orange Chicken recipe — a low-carb version of the classic takeout favorite! 🍊🐔
It features crispy chicken bites coated in a sticky, sweet, and tangy orange glaze — all without the sugar or high-carb ingredients. You’ll get bold flavor with keto-friendly macros!
🍊 Keto Orange Chicken (Low-Carb, Sugar-Free)
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 min | Cook Time: 15–20 min
Net Carbs: ~4g per serving (depending on sauce ingredients)
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
Instructions:
1. Coat the Chicken:
- Mix almond flour, parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Dip chicken into beaten egg, then into the almond flour mixture until well coated.
2. Cook the Chicken:
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Fry chicken pieces in batches for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Remove and set on a plate lined with paper towels.
3. Make the Sauce:
- In a small saucepan, combine all sauce ingredients except xanthan gum. Bring to a simmer over medium heat for 3–5 minutes.
- Sprinkle in xanthan gum and whisk well to prevent clumps. Simmer until thickened, about 2 more minutes.
4. Toss & Serve:
- Toss the crispy chicken in the warm orange sauce until coated.
- Garnish with sesame seeds, sliced green onions, and extra orange zest if desired.
🥢 Serving Ideas:
- Serve over cauliflower rice or steamed broccoli for a full keto meal
- Add sautéed bell peppers or zucchini for color and texture
- Double the sauce if you like it extra sticky!
💡 Tips:
- For air fryer: Cook chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 12–14 min, flipping halfway.
- For lower carb count, use orange extract with water instead of fresh orange juice.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
Would you like a spicy version, or a baked (instead of fried) option?
