Sugar Free Low Carb Orange Chicken

This Sugar Free Low Carb Orange Chicken is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of your favorite restaurant right into your kitchen. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, this recipe is easy to follow and delivers a savory experience without the guilt. With its zesty orange flavor and satisfying texture, you’ll find yourself making this dish again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: This dish captures the authentic taste of orange chicken, making it a favorite among all ages.
• Easy Preparation: With simple steps and common ingredients, you can whip up this meal in no time.
• Health-Friendly: Low in carbs and sugar-free, it’s perfect for those following a keto or low-carb lifestyle.
• Versatile Serving Options: Pair it with cauliflower rice or your favorite veggies for a wholesome meal.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Great for leftovers, making it ideal for busy weekdays.

Tools and Preparation

Before you begin cooking, ensure you have the right tools ready. This will make your cooking process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Skillet
• Two shallow bowls
• Whisk
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Skillet: A good skillet allows for even cooking and browning of the chicken, ensuring delicious results.
• Whisk: Using a whisk helps combine ingredients smoothly, especially when preparing sauces.
• Cutting board & Knife: These are essential for safely preparing chicken and chopping garlic.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Ingredients

This delicious recipe for Sugar Free Low Carb Orange Chicken is so good that it tastes just like the real restaurant version.

For the Chicken

• 4 Chicken Breast (-skinless, boneless, cut up)
• 2 Eggs
• 1 tsp Xanthan Gum (- or as needed)
• ½ cup Carbalose ( -see post for details and alternatives)

For the Sauce

• 3 tbs oil
• 1 tsp Orange Zest
• ¼ cup Orange Juice ( -see post for details and alternatives)
• 3 tbsp Sugar Free Orange Marmalade ( -see post for details and alternatives)
• 3 tbsp Rice Apple Vinegar
• 2 tbsp Soy Sauce
• 1 tsp Sesame Oil
• 1 tsp Xanthan Gum
• 2 Garlic cloves (- minced)

How to Make Sugar Free Low Carb Orange Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Prepare the chicken by cutting it into bite-sized pieces if it has not been done yet. Also mince your garlic to get it ready for adding to the sauce.

Step 2: Create Dredging Station

Create a two shallow bowl dredging station:
1. Whisk eggs in one bowl.
2. In the second bowl, whisk together Carbalose flour alternative and xanthan gum.

Step 3: Preheat Your Skillet

Preheat your skillet with oil on medium-high heat. Meanwhile, dip each piece of chicken in the egg mixture then dredge it in the flour mixture, shaking off excess ingredients as needed.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Cook the chicken in the heated skillet until browned and no longer pink inside:
1. Line a plate or rimmed baking sheet with paper towels.
2. Once cooked, place each piece on paper towels to drain excess oil until all chicken is cooked.

Step 5: Prepare the Sauce

Use a clean whisk to combine remaining ingredients:
1. In the same skillet where you cooked chicken, add sauce ingredients after removing cooked chicken.
2. Cook until sauce thickens, whisking as necessary.

Step 6: Combine Chicken with Sauce

Turn heat down to low:
1. Add cooked chicken back into the skillet with sauce.
2. Cook until warm and fully coated with sauce.

Step 7: Serve

Top with optional sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving with cauliflower rice or as desired. Enjoy your delicious Sugar Free Low Carb Orange Chicken!

How to Serve Sugar Free Low Carb Orange Chicken

Serving Sugar Free Low Carb Orange Chicken is a delightful experience that can elevate any meal. Its rich flavors and vibrant colors make it a perfect centerpiece for lunch or dinner. Here are some serving suggestions to make your dish even more enjoyable.

With Cauliflower Rice

• Cauliflower rice is a fantastic low-carb alternative to traditional rice, providing a great base for the orange chicken while absorbing all the delicious sauce.

In Lettuce Wraps

• Serve the orange chicken in crunchy lettuce leaves for a refreshing twist. The crisp texture adds a nice contrast to the tender chicken.

Over Zoodles

• Zucchini noodles (zoodles) are another excellent low-carb option. They pair wonderfully with the orange sauce and add a unique flavor profile.

With Steamed Broccoli

• Steamed broccoli adds a nutritious green element to your plate. The slight bitterness complements the sweetness of the orange chicken.

As Part of a Salad

• Toss the orange chicken with mixed greens, avocado, and cucumbers for a light yet satisfying salad. Drizzle with extra vinaigrette for added flavor.

How to Perfect Sugar Free Low Carb Orange Chicken

To ensure your Sugar Free Low Carb Orange Chicken is always perfect, follow these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chicken and produce enhance the flavor of your dish significantly. Quality ingredients lead to better results.

• Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, feel free to add more sugar-free orange marmalade or adjust the orange juice according to your taste.

• Maintain Temperature: Keeping your skillet at medium-high heat ensures the chicken cooks evenly without becoming soggy.

• Whisk Thoroughly: When making your sauce, whisk until smooth. This will help all ingredients blend well and create a deliciously cohesive flavor.

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook in batches if necessary. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and steaming rather than frying.

Best Side Dishes for Sugar Free Low Carb Orange Chicken

Pairing side dishes with your Sugar Free Low Carb Orange Chicken can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Mashed Cauliflower: A creamy, garlicky alternative to mashed potatoes that complements the flavors of orange chicken beautifully.

2. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, roasted Brussels sprouts bring both texture and taste to your plate.

3. Sautéed Green Beans: Quick-cooked green beans add freshness and crunch, making them an excellent balance alongside the saucy chicken.

4. Cabbage Slaw: A tangy slaw made from shredded cabbage offers crunch and acidity that brightens up your meal.

5. Riced Broccoli Medley: Mix riced broccoli with herbs for an aromatic side that pairs nicely with citrus flavors.

6. Stuffed Bell Peppers: Fill bell peppers with quinoa or cauliflower rice mixed with spices for an exciting twist on traditional stuffed peppers.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Sugar Free Low Carb Orange Chicken can be simple, but there are some common mistakes that can affect the outcome. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Skipping the dredging station: Not setting up a proper dredging station can lead to uneven coating on your chicken. Always prepare two bowls, one for the egg mixture and another for the flour alternative.

• Overcrowding the skillet: Placing too many chicken pieces in the skillet at once can lead to steaming instead of frying. Cook in batches to ensure each piece gets that perfect golden brown color.

• Not letting the sauce thicken: Rushing through the sauce preparation may leave it watery. Allow it to simmer until it reaches your desired thickness for better flavor adherence.

• Ignoring ingredient temperatures: Using cold chicken or sauce can affect cooking times and results. Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting.

• Using incorrect substitutions: Substituting ingredients without understanding their properties can lead to unexpected flavors. Always follow recommended alternatives closely for best results.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Sugar Free Low Carb Orange Chicken

• Place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Sugar Free Low Carb Orange Chicken

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until warmed.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Sugar Free Low Carb Orange Chicken that might help you succeed with this recipe.

Can I use different meats for Sugar Free Low Carb Orange Chicken?

You can definitely use turkey or even beef if you prefer! Just adjust cooking times as necessary based on thickness.

What is Carbalose flour?

Carbalose flour is a low-carb alternative to regular flour. It works well in recipes like Sugar Free Low Carb Orange Chicken for dredging and thickening sauces.

How do I make my sauce thicker?

Adding more xanthan gum while whisking or allowing it to simmer longer will help thicken your sauce effectively.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to add bell peppers or broccoli during the cooking process for extra nutrition and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Sugar Free Low Carb Orange Chicken is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting spice levels. It’s perfect for lunch or dinner and sure to impress anyone at your table. Give it a try!