Your Zestiest Low Carb Keto Orange Chicken Recipe Ever Made
Sizzling wok aromas and tangy keto orange chicken dance together in this mouthwatering low-carb culinary adventure.
Forget bland diet meals that leave you unsatisfied.
This recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavors without the carb overload.
Zesty orange sauce coats tender chicken pieces, creating a meal that rivals your favorite takeout spot.
Each bite bursts with bright citrus notes and rich, savory goodness.
Health-conscious foodies will love how simple ingredients combine to create something spectacular.
Get ready to enjoy a guilt-free feast that satisfies your taste buds and supports your nutrition goals.
Cooking Tips for Flavorful Low Carb Orange Chicken
Replace pork rinds with almond flour or crushed keto-friendly cereal for a different textural coating that keeps the low-carb profile.
Add red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce to the orange sauce for a zesty kick that transforms the classic chicken into a spicier version with extra heat.
Cook extra chicken and sauce separately, storing them in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Reheat gently to maintain the crispy coating's texture and prevent sogginess.
Maximize orange flavor by using fresh orange extract or adding extra orange zest. For deeper citrus notes, incorporate a tiny splash of sugar-free orange juice concentrate into the sauce.
Serve alongside roasted cauliflower rice, sautéed zucchini noodles, or steamed broccoli to create a complete low-carb meal that complements the chicken's vibrant flavors.
Serving Keto Orange Chicken the Fresh Way
Plate with Zesty Greens: Serve the low carb keto orange chicken over a bed of crisp, fresh mixed greens like arugula or spinach for added nutrition and texture.
Garnish with Crunch: Sprinkle chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds on top to add a delightful crunch and visual appeal to the dish.
Create a Low-Carb Side: Pair with cauliflower rice or roasted low-carb vegetables like zucchini noodles to complete the meal and keep it keto-friendly.
Elevate with Fresh Herbs: Finish with a handful of fresh cilantro or parsley to brighten the flavors and add a pop of color to the orange chicken.
Keep Keto Orange Chicken Delicious for Days
Prepare Ahead: Chop and season chicken up to 24 hours before cooking, storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for maximum flavor development.
Refrigerate Smartly: Store leftover orange chicken in sealed containers for 3-4 days, keeping the crispy coating separate from sauce to maintain texture.
Freeze with Care: Pack individual portions in freezer-safe bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring best quality and taste.
Reheat Perfectly: Warm refrigerated chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, using a baking sheet to restore crispiness and prevent sogginess.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Calories: 364 kcal
Servings: 4
Orange Chicken Made Keto: Ingredient Essentials
For Chicken and Coating:
Chicken Thighs or Breasts: Tender protein base that absorbs delicious flavors, choose boneless and skinless for easy preparation.
Eggs: Binding agent that helps pork rind coating stick perfectly, select fresh large eggs for best results.
Pork Rinds: Crunchy low-carb breading alternative with incredible texture, look for plain or lightly seasoned varieties.
Sea Salt: Enhances natural chicken flavor, choose fine-grain for even seasoning.
Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth, freshly ground provides more robust taste.
For Sauce Base:
Avocado Oil: High-heat cooking oil with smooth, neutral flavor, select cold-pressed for maximum nutrients.
Garlic: Aromatic flavor booster, choose fresh cloves for most intense taste.
Coconut Aminos: Soy sauce substitute with sweet-savory profile, great for gluten-free diets.
White Wine Vinegar: Adds tangy brightness, balances sauce's sweetness.
For Sauce Flavor and Sweetness:
Orange Zest: Provides bright citrus essence, use fresh oranges for most vibrant flavor.
Monk Fruit Allulose Blend: Natural zero-carb sweetener, ensures keto-friendly sauce without sacrificing taste.
Ground Ginger: Warm, spicy undertone that complements citrus, use high-quality dried version for consistent flavor.
Gear Guide for Keto Orange Chicken Prep
Large Skillet: Essential for searing and cooking chicken perfectly.
Medium Bowls: Two needed for coating chicken with eggs and pork rinds.
Whisk: Great for blending eggs smoothly.
Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure seasonings and spices.
Sharp Knife: For zesting orange and mincing garlic.
Cutting Board: Provides clean surface for chopping ingredients.
Foil: Keeps cooked chicken warm while preparing sauce.
Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring sauce and coating chicken.
How to Cook Keto Orange Chicken with Ease
Zesty Orange Chicken Delight
Chicken Prep Fresh chicken pieces get a sprinkle of salt and pepper for a flavor boost.
Crispy Coating Crush pork rinds into fine crumbs, creating a crunchy exterior for the chicken. Whisk eggs in a separate bowl for dipping.
Golden Sizzle Heat oil in a skillet until shimmering. Dunk chicken pieces in egg, then roll in pork rind crumbs. Cook until each side turns a beautiful golden brown, ensuring the meat is perfectly cooked through.
Sauce Magic Mince fresh garlic and sauté until fragrant. The kitchen will fill with an incredible aroma that signals something delicious is happening.
Flavor Explosion Add tangy coconut aminos, zippy white wine vinegar, bright orange zest, sweet monk fruit sweetener, and warm ground ginger. Stir these ingredients together, scraping up any delicious browned bits from the pan.
Sauce Transformation Let the mixture bubble gently, transforming into a glossy, thickened sauce that clings perfectly to the chicken. The kitchen will smell absolutely amazing during this process.
Final Touch Gently return the crispy chicken to the pan, coating each piece in the luxurious orange sauce. Let it rest for a moment to allow the flavors to mingle and the sauce to reach peak deliciousness.
Keto orange chicken combines zesty citrus flavors with crispy, tender chicken pieces for a low-carb delight. Chinese-inspired ingredients deliver rich taste without traditional high-carb components, helping you enjoy a guilt-free meal.
Ingredients
Scale
1 lb (450g) chicken breast (boneless, skinless, cut into 1-inch/2.5cm pieces)
2 large eggs
3 oz (85g) pork rinds (crushed)
3 tbsps avocado oil
½ cup (120ml) coconut aminos
¼ cup (60ml) white wine vinegar
2 cloves garlic (minced)
2 tbsps orange zest
2 tbsps powdered monk fruit allulose blend
½ tsp sea salt
¼ tsp black pepper
½ tsp ground ginger
Instructions
Seasoning: Generously coat chicken pieces with sea salt and black pepper, ensuring uniform coverage.
Coating Preparation: Whisk eggs in one bowl, place crushed pork rinds in another for dredging.
Skillet Heating: Warm avocado oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
Chicken Dredging: Fully submerge chicken in whisked eggs, then completely coat with pork rind mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
Cooking Chicken: Arrange coated pieces in hot skillet, maintaining spacing, and cook 3-4 minutes per side until golden-brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Sauce Creation: In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic briefly, then add coconut aminos, white wine vinegar, orange zest, monk fruit allulose blend, and ground ginger. Simmer for 8-10 minutes until sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
Finishing: Reintroduce chicken to the skillet, gently turning to coat completely with sauce, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.
Notes
Perfectly Coat Chicken: Press pork rinds firmly onto egg-dipped chicken to create a crispy, even layer that locks in moisture and delivers maximum crunch.
Control Cooking Temperature: Ensure oil is hot but not smoking to achieve golden-brown exterior without burning the delicate pork rind coating.
Sauce Consistency Matters: Simmer sauce slowly and stir frequently to develop rich flavors and prevent burning, creating a glossy, thick orange sauce that clings beautifully to chicken.
Monk Fruit Sweetener Tip: Use powdered monk fruit allulose blend for smoother sauce integration and more consistent sweetness without granular texture.
Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist
Expertise
Recipe Development and Testing, Modern American and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops
Education
Johnson & Wales University
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and global cuisines.
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Program: Diploma in Pastry Arts
Focus: Specialized education in baking and pastry, emphasizing artisanal bread, confections, and plated desserts.
Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.
Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.
At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.
Michael Reynolds
Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist
Expertise
Recipe Development and Testing, Modern American and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops
Education
Johnson & Wales University
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.
Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.
At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.