Keto Orange Chicken (Panda Express Copycat)

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Keto Orange Chicken (Panda Express Copycat)

If you’re a fan of savory and tangy flavors but are sticking to a keto lifestyle, this Keto Orange Chicken recipe is your dream come true. Not only is it a delightful low-carb version of the popular Panda Express Orange Chicken, but it’s also quick to whip up, making it an ideal weeknight dinner. Why is it popular? Well, for starters, it captures the zest and warmth of classic orange chicken without compromising your keto plans. With our homemade approach, you’ll find it easy to enjoy this flavorful dish right from your kitchen. Dive into the world of Easy Keto Orange Chicken and redefine healthy eating.

Why You’ll Love This Keto Orange Chicken

  • Best way to make Orange Chicken at home: This copycat version is perfect for those who crave the restaurant favorite but want to stay healthy.
  • Easy Keto Orange Chicken for beginners: With a total time of just 30 minutes, it’s a quick and simple recipe.
  • Perfect for meal prep: You can double the batch for a week’s worth of flavorful meals.
  • Gluten-free and sugar-free: Substitute traditional ingredients to suit dietary preferences.
  • Savory and sweet flavors: The combination of soy sauce, orange juice, and a sugar-free sweetener provides a rich, authentic taste.

    Ingredients for Keto Orange Chicken

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 cup almond flour (Best flour for low-carb breading)
    For a nut-free option, substitute with coconut flour, adjusting for texture.
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
    For gluten-free, use tamari.
  • 1/4 cup orange juice
    Preferably fresh, but bottled works too.
  • 1/4 cup sugar-free sweetener
    Choose erythritol or monk fruit for best results.
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon ginger powder
    Essential ingredients for full flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 1 green onion, chopped for garnish

    How to Make Keto Orange Chicken – Step by Step

     

    Preparing the Chicken

    1. Mix the coating: In a bowl, whisk together the almond flour, garlic powder, and ginger powder.
    2. Coat the chicken: Dip each piece of chicken into the beaten eggs, then coat with the almond flour mixture. This step ensures a crispy, gluten-free crust.

      Cooking the Chicken

    3. Heat the skillet: Add sesame oil to a large skillet and heat over medium until shimmering.
    4. Cook to golden: Add the coated chicken pieces to the skillet. Cook until both sides are golden brown and fully cooked, approximately 7-10 minutes.

      Preparing the Sauce

    5. Whisk the sauce: In a separate bowl, combine soy sauce, orange juice, sugar-free sweetener, and rice vinegar. Mix well until the sweetener dissolves.

      Final Assembly

    6. Combine and coat: Once the chicken is cooked, pour the prepared orange sauce over the chicken in the skillet. Stir to ensure each piece is evenly coated.
    7. Simmer and thicken: Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly, thanks to the natural sugars in the orange juice.
      Keto Orange Chicken (Panda Express Copycat)
      Keto Orange Chicken (Panda Express Copycat)

      Pro Tips for Making the Best Keto Orange Chicken

  • Can I make Keto Orange Chicken ahead of time? Yes, simply prepare the chicken and sauce separately. When ready to serve, reheat and combine to maintain freshness.
  • What is the secret to the best Keto Orange Chicken? The key lies in the blend of flavors – use fresh ginger and a quality sugar-free sweetener for the best results.
  • Add some heat: Consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

    Best Ways to Serve Keto Orange Chicken

    The best way to serve Keto Orange Chicken is with a side of steamed broccoli or cauliflower rice to keep it low-carb. For an enhanced dining experience, serve alongside our Keto Stir Fry Vegetables for a pop of color and flavor. A cold glass of keto-approved iced tea complements the zest of the dish perfectly.

    Nutritional Information for Keto Orange Chicken

  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Proteins: 30g
  • Fats: 20g
    Ideal for keto macronutrient balance.

    Storage & Leftovers

  • Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
  • Freezing: To freeze, place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
  • Best reheating methods: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for the best texture, or microwave with a damp paper towel to keep it moist.

    4 FAQs for Keto Orange Chicken

    1. Can I freeze Keto Orange Chicken?
      Yes, it freezes well. See storage tips above for best practices.
    2. What can I use instead of soy sauce in Keto Orange Chicken?
      Tamari or coconut aminos are great alternatives that fit a keto lifestyle.
    3. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
      Absolutely, chicken breast works as well, though thighs provide more flavor and moisture.
    4. Is this recipe spicy?
      The base recipe is not, but you can add chili flakes to spice it up to your liking.

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Keto Orange Chicken (Panda Express Copycat)


  • Total Time: 30
  • Yield: 4 1x
  • Diet: Keto

Description

Keto Orange Chicken is a delightful low-carb version of your favorite takeout dish!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 cup almond flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup orange juice
  • 1/4 cup sugar-free sweetener
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon ginger powder
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 1 green onion, chopped for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, whisk together the almond flour, garlic powder, and ginger powder.
  2. Dip each piece of chicken into the beaten eggs, then coat with the almond flour mixture.
  3. Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  4. Add the coated chicken pieces to the skillet and cook until golden brown and fully cooked, about 7-10 minutes.
  5. In a separate bowl, combine soy sauce, orange juice, sugar-free sweetener, and rice vinegar. Mix well.
  6. Once the chicken is cooked, pour the orange sauce over the chicken in the skillet and stir to coat evenly.
  7. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  8. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onion.

Notes

  • Enjoy this dish as a low-carb meal option.
  • Can be served with vegetables for a complete meal.
  • Prep Time: 15
  • Cook Time: 15
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Pan-fry
  • Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 500mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 6g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 150mg

Keywords: Keto, Orange Chicken, Low Carb, Healthy Eating, Sugar Free, Panda Express, Copycat Recipe

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