Craving something sweet yet healthy? This Easy Keto Orange Chicken recipe is your answer.
With a balance of tangy orange flavor and savory chicken, it’s a delightful twist on a classic dish. Perfect for those following a keto lifestyle, this recipe offers a quick and delicious meal option that everyone will love.
Let’s get cooking!
Steps
- Prepare the Chicken Nuggets: In a small bowl, mix eggs with heavy whipping cream. Dip bite-sized chicken pieces into this mixture, then coat them with pork rind crumbs.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, seasoning with salt and pepper, and fry until they are browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Make the Orange Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine minced garlic, ginger paste, sesame oil, water, soy sauce, brown sugar substitute, orange zest, orange juice, and white vinegar.
- Simmer the Sauce: Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet, reducing the heat to medium. Allow the sauce to simmer and thicken to your desired consistency.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, coating it thoroughly with the orange sauce. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 ½ cups pork rind crumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon ginger paste
- ½ teaspoon sesame oil
- 3 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- ? cup brown sugar substitute
- Zest from one orange
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- ¼ cup white vinegar
- carb version of orange chicken.
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1312 | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 188g | Fat: 52g | Saturated Fat: 20g | Polyunsaturated Fat: N/A | Monounsaturated Fat: N/A | Trans Fat: N/A | Cholesterol: 844mg | Sodium: 6040mg | Potassium: 2832mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1208IU | Vitamin C: 28mg | Calcium: 144mg | Iron: 4mg
FAQ
- Is orange juice compatible with a keto diet?
- Orange juice is generally not considered keto-friendly due to its high carbohydrate content, with an 8-ounce serving containing approximately 25 grams of carbs. However, using a minimal amount, like the two tablespoons in this recipe, can be incorporated without significantly impacting your macros.
- How many carbohydrates are in keto orange chicken?
- The carbohydrate content varies depending on whether you make it at home or order it from a restaurant. For example, a serving of Panda Express’s orange chicken contains around 31 grams of carbs, whereas this homemade keto version contains only 1 gram of net carbs per serving.
- Is orange chicken healthy?
- This homemade keto orange chicken is a healthy option. It provides lean protein from chicken, and the orange juice and zest offer vitamin C and fiber. When paired with cauliflower rice, it becomes a well-rounded meal rich in fiber, protein, and healthy fats.
- How long can keto orange chicken be stored in the refrigerator?
- The keto orange chicken can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Beyond this period, the texture of the breaded chicken may start to decline, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.
- What are some good side dishes for keto orange chicken?
- Keto orange chicken pairs well with various Asian-inspired side dishes. Some options include oven-roasted broccoli, sautéed Chinese green beans, or an egg roll in a bowl. For an appetizer, consider starting with keto egg drop soup.
Tips
- Cut Chicken Evenly: Ensure that all chicken pieces are of uniform size to guarantee even cooking, preventing some pieces from being burnt while others remain undercooked.
- Simmer to Thicken Sauce: If your sauce is too thin, simmer it on low heat until it reaches your desired thickness. This will help the sauce adhere better to the chicken.
- Use Fresh Ingredients for Best Flavor: Opt for freshly squeezed orange juice instead of bottled juice to enhance the citrusy flavor of your keto orange chicken.
- Consider Using Coconut Aminos: For those with a soy sensitivity, coconut aminos can be a great gluten-free alternative to soy sauce, providing a similar umami flavor without the soy.
Equipment
- Pork Rind Crumbs – While not equipment, this is a specialized ingredient that may not be readily available in all households.
- Skillet – A good quality large skillet suitable for frying.
- Garlic Press or Mincer – For mincing garlic efficiently.
- Microplane or Zester – For zesting the orange.
- Meat Thermometer – To ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe temperature.
