Keto Orange Chicken (Panda Express Copycat)

When you’re in the mood for Chinese takeout (hello, Panda Express) but want to stay within your macros, my easy keto orange chicken is the best dupe recipe! Top with sesame seeds and green onions, and dinner is ready in under an hour.

If you have ever looked at the sugar content of Panda Express orange chicken, you probably know why I remade a keto-friendly version.

Not only is the crispy fried chicken usually breaded, but the orange sauce is loaded with sugar - in addition to the fresh orange juice in it. All that sugar is what makes it taste so undeniably delicious, though!

Thankfully, there is a way to turn a takeout favorite into a low-carb dinner you can eat over and over again!

Why you'll love this keto orange chicken recipe!

• This recipe for keto orange chicken is a healthier version of the popular Chinese takeout dish. It's made with real, whole ingredients and is free from any added sugars or unhealthy oils.
• The chicken is tender and flavorful, coated in a sticky and sweet orange glaze that packs a punch of citrus flavor. It's the perfect balance of sweet and tangy.
• You can enjoy this dish over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. It's also delicious and served with some steamed vegetables on the side.
• This recipe is easy to make and comes together in just 50 minutes. It's a great option for a quick and flavorful dinner on busy weeknights.
• Keto orange chicken is also great for meal prep - just portion it out into containers for a delicious and convenient lunch or dinner option throughout the week!

Ingredients needed

Here are the ingredients needed for each part of the keto orange chicken recipe: the homemade low-carb nuggets and the sugar-free orange sauce!

Gluten-Free chicken nuggets

All you need to make low-carb chicken nuggets are some chicken breast pieces or skinless chicken thighs. You also need some eggs, heavy whipping cream (or coconut cream), salt, and pepper.

Use plain pork rind crumbs for the crispy coating. It is the perfect breadcrumb replacement! I even like it better than almond flour or coconut flour because it really makes the chicken crispy.

Sugar-free orange sauce

To make a keto orange sauce, you'll need:

• Minced garlic
• Ginger paste (or ground ginger)
• Sesame oil
• Soy sauce (for the spicy and umami flavor)

Then, add a brown sugar substitute and white vinegar to give it that classic sweet and tangy balance.

Yes, there really is orange juice and orange zest in the sauce! Some like to use actual orange peels to really enhance that citrus flavor.

I only used two tablespoons of orange juice in the entire recipe, so it won't impact the total carb amount that much!

Please note: Check out the recipe card at the bottom for a full list of ingredients used to make this low-carb recipe.

Cooking tips

• Cut the chicken evenly. This will help it all cook at the same rate so you don't have some pieces burning while others are undercooked.
• Make sure the chicken is fully cooked. The safe cooking temperature of chicken breasts is 165°F.
• Easily thicken your sauce if it is too thin. Just simmer the sauce on low in order to thicken it.
• Use your favorite garnish. Garnish the chicken with sesame seeds after you toss it in the orange sauce.
• Use fresh squeezed orange juice. It will give your keto orange chicken the most incredible flavor.
• Use coconut aminos. It's gluten-free and perfect for those who have a soy sensitivity.

How to make keto orange chicken

All you have to do is fry the chicken and then simmer the keto orange sauce and mix them all together. It really is that easy to make incredible low-carb orange chicken!

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make them:

Step 1: Make the chicken nuggets

To make the nuggets, coat the chicken pieces in the egg wash and then dredge them in the pork rind crumbs.

Once covered, fry them in a skillet over medium-high heat. Continue to saute them until they are browned and cooked completely through.

Step 2: Make sugar-free orange chicken sauce

This is even easier than making the nuggets! Just mix all the sauce ingredients in a bowl and stir until it is all combined.

Step 3: Simmer the orange chicken sauce

The orange sauce won't be very thick at first. That's why it is so important to simmer it at low heat.

Let it cook down until it thickens up to your liking.

step 4: Add the chicken to the sweet sauce

Finally, add the chicken nuggets back to the skillet and toss the pieces in the orange sauce. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.

Then, enjoy your delicious keto orange chicken recipe!

What to serve with low carb orange chicken

This keto orange chicken will become one of your favorite Chinese dishes to make at home. Serve it with any of your favorite Asian side dishes like oven-roasted broccoli and sauteed Chinese green beans!

If you enjoy egg rolls, then make an egg roll in a bowl. It basically tastes like the stuffing inside of an egg roll without the fried wrapper. Or, serve this chicken on top of some cauliflower rice.

If you like to start your meal out with soup, then I suggest making keto egg drop soup as an appetizer beforehand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the questions I hear the most about my keto orange chicken recipe. If you don't see your questions answered here, please leave them for me in the comments below.

Love This Keto Orange Chicken Recipe? Try These!

If you enjoyed this keto orange chicken recipe, here are some more keto chicken recipes you should make next. They are some of my favorites!

• Shredded Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken has a sweet and bold flavor, and you can use it in a variety of different recipes.
• Chinese Salt and Pepper Chicken makes for the perfect stir fry sauteed with bell peppers, onions, and Chinese five spice.
• Easy Thai Chicken Salad is made with canned chicken, so it comes together in just a few minutes.
• Keto Sesame Chicken is made with fried chicken thighs in a perfectly sweet umami sesame sauce.
• Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken has baked boneless chicken pieces that are lightly breaded and served with a sweet and sour sauce.

Follow us on FACEBOOK, PINTEREST, and INSTAGRAM for even more tasty keto-friendly recipes!

Recipe