Do you have a taste for sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy orange chicken but need to avoid gluten? You're in the right place! This gluten free orange chicken recipe delivers all the flavor and crunch you love. For more comforting meals, try our chicken noodle soup. If you love crispy chicken, these chicken tenders are a must-try. And for a classic favorite, don’t miss our chicken nuggets!

After my celiac diagnosis, I spent years perfecting this recipe. The result? A homemade version that’s even better than takeout and completely gluten-free. I’ve made it three times this week—not that I’m obsessed! If you’re looking for another tasty option, try this sesame chicken that’s easy on the stomach and full of flavor.

This recipe combines the perfect crunch of double-fried chicken pieces with a vibrant orange sauce that's the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory. Better yet, it comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you're craving something special but don't want to spend hours in the kitchen.

What You'll Love

Restaurant-quality at home - This recipe rivals any takeout orange chicken, with the benefit of being completely gluten-free
Crispy texture - The double-frying technique ensures your chicken stays crispy even after being coated in sauce
Versatile dish - Easily customizable with your favorite vegetables or protein substitutions

Recipe Ingredients

Everything you need to create this mouthwatering dish can be found at your local grocery store, with special attention to gluten-free alternatives for traditional ingredients:

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Cornstarch
Gluten-free flour
Tamari sauce
Chinese five-spice seasoning
Eggs
Sesame oil
Orange juice and zest
Rice vinegar
Brown sugar
Chili garlic
Ground ginger
Canola oil

See recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.

Ingredient Notes

Tamari sauce - This is a gluten-free alternative to traditional soy sauce. Always double-check the label to ensure it's certified gluten-free, as some varieties may contain trace amounts of wheat.
Gluten-free flour - I recommend rice flour for the best results, but you can also use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend if that's what you have on hand.
Chicken thighs - While you can substitute chicken breast, thighs provide more flavor and stay juicier after frying.

How to Make Gluten Free Orange Chicken Recipe

Follow these simple steps to create perfect orange chicken every time! For exact measurements and detailed instructions, scroll down to the printable recipe card.

Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and pat dry
Create the gluten-free batter by combining cornstarch, gluten-free flour, tamari, seasonings, egg, sesame oil, and water

step 1: Combine all the chicken batter ingredients in a medium bowl

Coat chicken pieces thoroughly in the batter
Heat oil to 340°F and fry chicken in small batches until golden
Remove chicken to a wire rack and let drain

step 2: Fry the chicken in small batches image

Double-fry the chicken for one additional minute for extra crispiness

step 3: Fry the chicken pieces once more until golden brown image

Fry the chicken pieces once more until golden brown

Prepare the orange sauce by combining all sauce ingredients in a wok or large pan
Thicken the sauce with a cornstarch slurry

step 4: Orange Sauce with chicken pieces

Make the cornstarch slurry, add it to the sauce, and cook until it thickens iamge

Toss the crispy chicken in the thickened sauce until well coated
Serve immediately over rice or noodles

Pro Tips

For the crispiest chicken that doesn't get soggy when coated in sauce, don't skip the double-frying method! This restaurant technique makes all the difference.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigeration - Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing - Freeze the fried chicken separately from the sauce for up to 2 months.
Reheating - For best results, reheat the chicken in an air fryer or oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until crispy, then toss with reheated sauce.

Additions & Substitutions

Additions:

Add steamed broccoli or bell peppers for extra nutrition and color
Include pineapple chunks for a tropical twist
Try adding cashews or peanuts for crunch
Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds for restaurant-style presentation

Substitutions:

Replace chicken with tofu for a vegetarian version
Substitute honey for brown sugar for a different sweetness profile
Use arrowroot powder instead of cornstarch for a paleo-friendly option
Swap orange juice for a combination of lemon and mandarin juice if needed

FAQs about this Gluten Free Orange Chicken

Is the orange chicken from Trader Joe's gluten free?

No, Trader Joe's orange chicken contains wheat flour and is not gluten-free. Always check labels as formulations can change.

Is orange chicken from Costco gluten free?

No, Costco's orange chicken typically contains wheat-based ingredients and is not suitable for those following a gluten-free diet.

Is Panda Express orange chicken gluten free?

No, Panda Express orange chicken is not gluten-free as it contains wheat in both the batter and sauce. This homemade version is your safe alternative!

What Can I Serve with this Orange Chicken?

This gluten free orange chicken pairs perfectly with steamed jasmine rice, cauliflower rice for a low-carb option, or gluten-free noodles. Add a side of steamed vegetables like broccoli or bok choy to complete the meal.

If you try this recipe, I'd love to hear how it turned out! Please leave a comment below and share your experience. Your feedback helps me improve recipes and inspires other readers to try them too!

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