Indulge in the perfect balance of tangy and savory flavors with this Dairy-Free Homemade Orange Chicken recipe—a healthier, allergen-friendly twist on the classic takeout favorite! Tender, bite-sized chicken thighs are coated in cornstarch for a crispy texture, then tossed in a luscious orange glaze made with real orange juice, soy sauce, and a blend of aromatic ginger and garlic. A hint of red pepper flakes adds a subtle kick, while brown sugar and orange zest elevate the natural sweetness of the sauce. Ready in just 35 minutes, this quick and easy dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings with friends. Serve it piping hot, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, over steamed rice or your favorite dairy-free sides. This recipe is ideal for anyone seeking a flavorful, dairy-free alternative without compromising on taste or texture.
Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces.
In a medium bowl, coat the chicken pieces with cornstarch until evenly covered.
Heat the cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces, cooking them until golden brown and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes.
While the chicken is cooking, prepare the sauce by whisking together orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, red pepper flakes, and orange zest in a bowl.
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
Pour the prepared sauce into the same skillet and bring it to a simmer over medium heat.
Let the sauce cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until it begins to thicken.
Return the chicken to the skillet, tossing it with the sauce to ensure all pieces are well-coated.
Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the chicken is heated through and the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
Serve the orange chicken hot, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
Calories |
2488 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 174.7 g | 224% | |
| Saturated Fat | 22.9 g | 114% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 567 mg | 189% | |
| Sodium | 2153 mg | 94% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 110.6 g | 40% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.1 g | 15% | |
| Total Sugars | 67.8 g | ||
| Protein | 127.3 g | 255% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.8 mcg | 4% | |
| Calcium | 179 mg | 14% | |
| Iron | 6.7 mg | 37% | |
| Potassium | 1946 mg | 41% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.