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    Home / Recipes / Chicken

    Keto Orange Chicken

    By Lisa MarcAurele · Jan 21, 2022 · 3 Comments

    1.3K shares
    Jump to Recipe
    keto orange chicken pinterest image

    When you’re in the mood for Chinese takeout but want to stay within your macros, this easy keto orange chicken is a dinner recipe that’s sure to please your tastebuds! Top it with some sesame seeds and sliced green onions and you have the perfect dinner meal!

    keto orange chicken closeup on white plate
    Article Index
    •  Why you'll love it
    • Ingredients
    • Tips
    • Instructions
    • ️ Serving suggestions
    • FAQs
    • Related recipes
    • Recipe

    If you have ever looked at the sugar content in restaurant 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. That's why this keto orange chicken recipe is everything!

     Why you'll love it

    This recipe has two parts - the crispy chicken tenders and the sweet and tangy keto orange chicken sauce.

    Save this recipe because you can even use it to make homemade keto chicken nuggets. Then, cover them with any of your favorite low-carb sauces that you want.

    This orange sauce also tastes amazing drizzled on tender pork or shrimp.

    Trust me - this is going to become one of your favorite low-carb copycat recipes of all time!

    Ingredients

    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 bread crumb 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.

    keto orange chicken recipe ingredients

    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.

    Instructions

    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!

    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.

    coating and frying the chicken

    Make The Orange 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.

    making the orange sauce

    Simmer The 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.

    Add The Chicken

    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!

    thicken sauce and add chicken to skillet

    ️ Serving suggestions

    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!

    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.

    orange chicken in skillet

    FAQs

    Before we get to the printable recipe card, here are some questions people often ask about how to make it.

    Is orange juice keto friendly?

    Orange juice is not a keto-friendly drink. One 8-ounce serving has 25 grams of carbs. That's why I only used about two tablespoons in the entire recipe.

    It is possible to cook with a small bit of orange juice without throwing off your macros.

    How many carbs are in orange chicken?

    This depends on whether you order it from Panda Express or make it at home. Panda Express orange chicken has about 31 grams of carbs in each serving.

    My recipe only has 1g net carbs per serving. Talk about a huge difference!

    Is orange chicken good or bad for you?

    The orange chicken recipe I made is really good for you.

    Chicken is a lean protein that is vital for your muscle development. Orange juice and zest have lots of vitamin C and fiber in them.

    When you serve this with cauliflower rice, you have a complete meal that is a fantastic source of fiber, protein, and healthy fats.

    How long will keto orange chicken last in the refrigerator?

    Since the chicken is breaded, it will only stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. After three days, the texture will begin to deteriorate.

    I recommend eating it as soon as possible for the best possible taste.

    tall image of keto orange chicken on square white plate with salt and pepper shakers

    Related recipes

    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!

    • Keto Shredded Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken has a sweet and bold flavor and you can use it in a variety of different recipes.
    • Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings are a delicious lunch or party food - and they have no net carbs!
    • Easy Thai Chicken Salad is maded with canned chicken, so it comes together in just a few minutes.
    • Baked Bacon Ranch Chicken is covered in cheese and only has 1.7 grams net carbs per serving.
    • Keto Mexican Chicken Soup is really easy to make in the slow cooker and has an irresistibly spicy flavor.

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

    Recipe

    orange chicken on square rimmed white plate

    Keto Orange Chicken

    5 from 1 vote
    When you’re in the mood for Chinese takeout but want to stay within your macros, this easy keto orange chicken is a dinner recipe that’s sure to please your tastebuds! Top it with some sesame seeds and sliced green onions and you have the perfect dinner meal!
    Prep Time:20 mins
    Cook Time:30 mins
    Total Time:50 mins
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: Chinese
    Diet: Diabetic, Gluten Free
    Print Pin Review Recipe Save Recipe View Collections
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 328

    Video

    Ingredients

    • 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breast cut into bite sized pieces
    • 1 ½ cups pork rind crumbs
    • 2 large eggs
    • 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
    • salt and pepper to taste
    • oil for frying

    Sauce:

    • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
    • 1 teaspoon ginger paste
    • ½ teaspoon sesame oil
    • 3 tablespoons water
    • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
    • ⅓ cups brown sugar substitute
    • zest from one orange
    • 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
    • ¼ cup white vinegar

    Instructions

    • Cover the bottom of a large skillet with oil, and heat over medium high heat.
    • Combine eggs and heavy whipping cream in a small bowl.
    • Dip the chicken pieces into the egg mixture and then dredge in the pork rind crumbs.
    • Place the chicken into the heated oil, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Saute until browned and cooked through.
    • Remove the chicken and set aside.
    • In a bowl, combine the ingredients for the sauce.
    • Remove the excess oil from the skillet and reduce the heat to medium.
    • Pour in the sauce mixture and simmer until thickened.
    • Toss the chicken in the sauce, and allow to cool slightly before serving garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.

    Notes

    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.

    Low Carb Sweeteners | Keto Sweetener Conversion Chart

    Nutrition

    Calories: 328 | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 47g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 211mg | Sodium: 1510mg | Potassium: 708mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 302IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 36mg | Iron: 1mg

    Additional Info

    Net Carbs: 1 g | % Carbs: 1.3 % | % Protein: 60.8 % | % Fat: 37.9 % | SmartPoints: 7
    Values
    Array
    (
        [calories] => 328
        [carbohydrates] => 2
        [protein] => 47
        [fat] => 13
        [saturated_fat] => 5
        [polyunsaturated_fat] => 1
        [monounsaturated_fat] => 3
        [trans_fat] => 1
        [cholesterol] => 211
        [sodium] => 1510
        [potassium] => 708
        [fiber] => 1
        [sugar] => 1
        [vitamin_a] => 302
        [vitamin_c] => 7
        [calcium] => 36
        [iron] => 1
    )
    

    Notes on Nutritional Information

    Nutritional information for the recipe is provided as a courtesy and is approximate only. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site. Erythritol carbs are not included in carb counts as it has been shown not to impact blood sugar. Net carbs are the total carbs minus fiber.

    Copyright

    © LowCarbYum.com - Unauthorized use of this material without written permission is strictly prohibited unless for personal offline purposes. Single photos may be used, provided that full credit is given to LowCarbYum.com along with a link back to the original content.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Miryam44

      June 03, 2022 at 12:58 pm

      This recipe looks very good, but I don't eat pork, could it be dredged in a pecan flour or the Whisps Parmesan coating instead? Would love to try to make this without the Pork skins. Thanks for all the great recipes you put out here for us! Blessings!

      Reply
      • Lisa MarcAurele

        June 03, 2022 at 1:07 pm

        Yes! Feel free to use another breading option. I love the seasoned cheese crumbs by Whisps!

        Reply
    2. Judi

      March 06, 2022 at 8:28 am

      5 stars
      Just looks very good

      Reply

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