Soy Free Classic Orange Chicken

Total time50 min

Prep time25 min

Cook time25 min

Crispy, golden-fried chicken thighs get tossed in a glossy, citrusy sauce built from fresh orange juice and zest, garlic, ginger, and a touch of rice vinegar for brightness. The cornstarch-and-flour batter fries up light and crunchy, giving every bite that satisfying crackle before it soaks in the sticky-sweet glaze. A quick simmer thickens the sauce until it clings perfectly to the chicken, and a shower of green onions and sesame seeds on top finishes it just like your favorite takeout version. Served hot over steamed rice, this one delivers all the bold, tangy flavor of classic orange chicken without any guesswork on the ingredient front. It's a solid pick to add to your soy free dinner rotation whenever the craving for something sweet, spicy, and crunchy hits.

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Ingredients

4 servings

For the chicken

1 ½ lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 tsp soy sauce
Nutiva Coconut Secret Coconut Aminos Soy-Free Soy Sauce Alternative Original - 8 oz Coconut Secret Ssng Sce Orig Soy Free - 16.9 Oz Dynamic Health Coconut Aminos Seasoning Sauce Simple Truth Organic Coconut Aminos All-Purpose Seasoning Sauce, 10 fl oz O Organics Coconut Aminos - 10 FZ
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Chef's tip
Coconut aminos are sweeter and less salty; taste and adjust the seasoning.
1 tsp sesame oil
½ tsp kosher salt
½ tsp black pepper

For the batter

¾ cup cornstarch
¼ cup all-purpose flour
½ tsp baking powder
½ cup cold water
1 large egg

For frying

2 cups vegetable oil, for frying

For the sauce

1 tbsp vegetable oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
½ tsp red pepper flakes
1 tbsp orange zest (from about 1 large orange)
½ cup fresh orange juice (from about 2 oranges)
3 tbsp soy sauce
Chef's tip
Coconut aminos are sweeter and less salty; taste and adjust the seasoning.
2 tbsp rice vinegar
3 tbsp granulated sugar
1 tbsp hoisin sauce
1 tsp cornstarch
2 tbsp water

For serving

2 green onions, thinly sliced (optional)
1 tsp sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions

1
In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with 1 tsp soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat and set aside while you prepare the batter.
2
In a shallow dish, whisk together the cornstarch, flour, and baking powder. Add the cold water and egg, whisking until a smooth, thick batter forms — it should cling to the back of a spoon without running off immediately.

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