Crispy Gluten-Free Orange Chicken (Baked Option)

Better than takeout (including Panda Express!) gluten-free orange chicken recipe comes together effortlessly. Crispy chicken bites in a sweet and spicy orange sauce can be made as a stir-fry or baked for hands-off, healthy, gluten-free, dairy-free dinner!

gluten-free orange chicken – BETTER THAN PANDA EXPRESS

It’s time to give into those Chinese takeout cravings! This easy recipe for gluten-free orange chicken replicates a copycat version of Panda Express’ popular menu item, made with ease!

Choose between frying tender, crispy battered chicken bites or use the healthy baked method, perfected in gluten-free sweet and sour chicken recipe. Either technique is a winning combination with the sweet and spicy gluten free orange chicken sauce.

Whether you looking for new gluten-free dinner ideas or want to enjoy an Asian-inspired meal safe for a gluten-free diet, you will find it all here! Learn how to make gluten-free orange chicken, easy expert tips for crispy breading, and ingredient swaps to make this gluten-free dairy-free recipe work flawlessly for you!

does orange chicken contain gluten?

Many people wonder if recipes for orange chicken are gluten free, or in particular, if Panda Express orange chicken is gluten free.

The short answer is no. Traditional orange chicken recipes, including Panda Express, are not gluten free. While some are breaded in 100% cornstarch, which is safe to consume, many restaurants use wheat flour or a mixture of flour and cornstarch.

Also, orange chicken sauce contains regular soy sauce, which many brands contain wheat. There are safe gluten-free soy sauce options and substitutions, such as tamari or coconut aminos.

Ingredient Notes

Similar to the GF dinners shared on the website and in my gluten-free cookbook, the ingredients are affordable and easily accessible. Recommended ingredient swaps and substitutions are listed below.

• Chicken – Use bite-sized chicken pieces, either boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Chicken thighs would replicate a more authentic orange chicken recipe.
• Ginger – Like in recipes for unstuffed egg rolls and ground beef bulgogi, I prefer the taste of fresh minger ginger. However, 1/4 tsp dried ginger may be used.
• Gluten-free soy sauce – I use La Choy brand because it is gluten-free and readily accessible in my local grocery store. Other gluten-free soy sauce options include tamari or coconut aminos.
• Rice vinegar – Mizkan, Wan Ja Shan, Kikkoman, and Marukan brands are all gluten-free. Some brands may contain other grains, so be sure to read the label carefully. White vinegar may also be substituted.
• Red Pepper Flakes – Adds a bit of spiciness to balance the sweet. If you are sensitive to spice, use 1/8 teaspoon.
• Orange – Great citrus flavor comes from a combination of orange juice and orange zest.

how to make gluten free orange chicken

(Below shows step-by-step photos and modified instructions. For the complete recipe, along with ingredient amounts, scroll down to the recipe card.)

Below is the traditional way to make orange chicken at home. While many Chinese restaurants use deep frying, which could be problematic because of cross-contamination in the fry oil, this recipe uses a small amount of oil on the stove top.

For a healthy orange chicken recipe, refer further down in the post where I include an easy oven-baked method as well.

1. Begin by making the gluten-free orange chicken sauce. In a small sauce pan combine the orange juice, both sugars, vinegar, garlic, ginger, and red chili flakes. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 3 minutes.
2. While the sauce is cooking, whisk together 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water. Add to the orange sauce and stir to combine. Cook until thickened, about 3-5 minutes and set aside.
3. The oil takes about 10 minutes to reach the ideal frying temperature, 350ºF. Therefore, place about 1-2 inches oil in a heavy, deep skillet over medium-high heat before breading the chicken. Check the temperature occasionally using an instant read thermometer (my absolute fave!) or candy thermometer.
4. In a large bowl whisk an egg. Add the chicken pieces and toss to combine. In a separate bowl stir together the starch, flour, salt, and pepper. Toss a few pieces chicken in the flour mixture at a time, coating all sides, then transfer to a baking sheet.
5. Once the oil reaches the proper temperature, cook the chicken in 3 batches. Be careful to not crowd the pan, or the oil temperature will reduce, leading to longer cooking times and greasy chicken.
6. Flip the chicken in the hot oil occasionally to cook all sides until it starts to turn golden brown, about 2-3 minutes. Transfer to a baking sheet lined with paper towels and repeat with remaining chicken.
7. Toss with the sweet orange sauce and serve immediately over rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.

healthy baked method

Good news! You can also skip the frying and make a healthy baked gluten-free orange chicken recipe instead! This method was adapted from my hands-off, easy recipe for gluten free sweet and sour chicken.

1. Drizzle 3 tbsp oil in a 9X13-inch baking dish. Preheat the dish and oil in a 425ºF oven.
2. Bread the chicken lay in a single layer in the hot oil. Bake for 5 minutes, toss, then bake again for 5 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, whisk together the orange sauce ingredients with 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch and no additional water.
4. Reduce the oven to 325ºF. Add the orange sauce to the chicken and toss to combine. Bake for 30-35 minutes, stirring halfway through, or until sauce has thickened and chicken is cooked through.

gluten free breading

Some gluten-free orange chicken recipes use all cornstarch. When experimenting with this, I found the coating to be a little thin and not as crunchy.

Therefore, adding a little gluten-free flour bulks up the breading, makes a crispy coating, and prevents the chicken pieces from sticking together before frying.

If you are looking for a gluten-free substitute for cornstarch, tapioca starch could also be used interchangeably in this recipe.

serving options

Of course, this sweet and spicy dish pairs perfectly over rice to soak up all that delicious sauce. For a low carb option, cauliflower rice works as well.

Other good side dishes to serve with orange chicken include steamed or sautéed broccoli, green beans, sugar snap peas, bell peppers, or carrots.

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