Sugar Free Low Carb Orange Chicken

This delicious recipe for Sugar Free Low Carb Orange Chicken is a flavorful dish that brings the taste of your favorite restaurant right to your kitchen. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, this recipe features juicy chicken coated in a sweet and tangy orange sauce, all while keeping it low-carb and sugar-free. You’ll love how easy it is to make this healthy twist on a classic dish!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful Sauce: The combination of orange juice, zest, and sugar-free marmalade creates a vibrant sauce that’s bursting with flavor.
• Healthy Alternative: This dish is low in carbs and sugar, making it an excellent option for those following a keto diet.
• Quick & Easy: With a prep time of just 30 minutes and a total of 50 minutes, you can have this delicious meal ready in no time.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it over cauliflower rice or even as a filling in lettuce wraps for a fresh twist.
• Kid-Friendly: The sweet orange flavor appeals to both kids and adults, making it a family-friendly dinner choice.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools to make the preparation smooth and straightforward.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Skillet
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Cutting board
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Skillet: A good skillet ensures even cooking and browning of the chicken for optimal flavor.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for creating your dredging station and mixing the sauce without any mess.
• Whisk: Perfect for combining ingredients smoothly when preparing the sauce.

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Ingredients

To create your own Sugar Free Low Carb Orange Chicken, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Chicken

• 4 Chicken Breasts (-skinless, boneless, cut up)
• 2 Eggs
• 1 tsp Xanthan Gum (- or as needed)

For the Coating

• ½ cup Carbalose ( -see post for details and alternatives )
• 3 tbs oil

For the Sauce

• 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

Start by cutting the skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Mince your garlic cloves so they are ready to add to the sauce later.

Step 2: Set Up Dredging Stations

Create two shallow bowls. In one bowl, whisk together the eggs. In the second bowl, combine Carbalose flour alternative with xanthan gum.

Step 3: Preheat Your Skillet

Heat oil in your skillet over medium-high heat. While it’s heating up, take each piece of chicken, dip it in the egg mixture first, then coat it with the flour mixture. Shake off any excess coating.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Place coated chicken pieces into the hot skillet. Cook until golden brown and no longer pink inside. Once cooked, transfer them onto paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 5: Make Your Sauce

In a clean bowl, whisk together orange zest, orange juice, sugar-free marmalade, rice apple vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and xanthan gum until smooth.

Step 6: Combine Chicken with Sauce

Once all chicken pieces are cooked, pour the prepared sauce into your skillet. Cook on low heat while whisking until thickened.

Step 7: Final Touches

Add cooked chicken back into the skillet with sauce. Stir gently until everything is warm and well-coated. Serve topped with optional sesame seeds and chopped green onions alongside cauliflower rice or as desired.

Enjoy your delightful homemade Sugar Free Low Carb Orange Chicken, perfect for any occasion!

How to Serve Sugar Free Low Carb Orange Chicken

Sugar Free Low Carb Orange Chicken is a delightful dish that can be served in various ways. Whether you are hosting a dinner party or enjoying a casual meal, these serving suggestions will elevate your dining experience.

With Cauliflower Rice

• Cauliflower rice is a perfect low-carb alternative to traditional rice. It absorbs the flavors of the orange sauce beautifully.

In Lettuce Wraps

• Serve the chicken in crisp lettuce leaves for a fresh and crunchy twist. This light option is both healthy and satisfying.

Over Zoodles

• Zucchini noodles (zoodles) are another great low-carb option. They provide a fun texture that pairs well with the sweet and tangy sauce.

As Part of a Salad

• Add the chicken to a mixed green salad for a nutritious meal. Top with sesame seeds and sliced almonds for extra crunch.

With Steamed Broccoli

• Steamed broccoli complements the dish’s flavor while adding nutritional value. Its bright color also makes your plate more appealing.

On Skewers

• Thread pieces of chicken onto skewers with bell peppers and onions for an easy-to-eat option. Grill them for added charred flavor.

How to Perfect Sugar Free Low Carb Orange Chicken

To achieve the best results with your Sugar Free Low Carb Orange Chicken, follow these helpful tips that will enhance both flavor and texture.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic, citrus zest, and juice significantly improve the dish’s flavor profile.
• Monitor oil temperature: Ensure your skillet is adequately heated before adding chicken to achieve a crispy exterior.
• Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter taste, add more sugar-free orange marmalade while cooking the sauce.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cooking in batches prevents steaming, ensuring each piece of chicken gets nicely browned.
• Let it rest: Allowing cooked chicken to rest briefly after frying keeps it juicy before adding it to the sauce.
• Garnish creatively: Use sesame seeds or chopped green onions as garnishes to enhance presentation and add extra flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Sugar Free Low Carb Orange Chicken

Pairing side dishes with Sugar Free Low Carb Orange Chicken can make your meal even more delightful. Here are some excellent options to consider:

1. Garlic Mashed Cauliflower
   Creamy mashed cauliflower is a great low-carb alternative that pairs well with the orange flavor.

2. Stir-Fried Vegetables
   A mix of bell peppers, broccoli, and snow peas stir-fried in sesame oil makes for a colorful side full of nutrients.

3. Cabbage Slaw
   A crunchy cabbage slaw dressed in vinegar adds freshness and balances out the sweetness of the chicken.

4. Riced Broccoli
   Similar to cauliflower rice, riced broccoli provides an excellent base while keeping carbs low.

5. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
   Roasting sprouts brings out their natural sweetness, making them an excellent companion to the savory chicken.

6. Eggplant Stir-Fry
   Quick stir-fried eggplant absorbs flavors well and adds unique texture alongside your main dish.

7. Zucchini Chips
   Baked zucchini chips provide crunch without carbs, making them a fun snack or side dish option.

8. Spicy Cucumber Salad
   A refreshing cucumber salad with a kick complements the rich flavors of orange chicken while keeping things light.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Sugar Free Low Carb Orange Chicken, it’s easy to make mistakes that can affect the taste and texture. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them:

• Skipping the dredging step – Dredging chicken in egg and a flour alternative helps create a crispy coating. Don’t skip this; it’s crucial for texture.
• Using too much oil – While some oil is necessary for frying, using too much can make the dish greasy. Use just enough to coat the skillet without excess pooling.
• Not properly preheating the skillet – If your skillet isn’t hot enough, the chicken won’t brown properly. Always preheat your skillet before adding the chicken.
• Overcooking the chicken – Overcooked chicken can become dry. Cook until browned and no longer pink in the center, then remove from heat immediately.
• Neglecting to whisk the sauce thoroughly – If your sauce isn’t well combined, you may end up with uneven flavors. Whisk all ingredients together until smooth before adding to the skillet.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Sugar Free Low Carb Orange Chicken

• Allow the dish to cool completely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags; it will last up to 3 months.

Reheating Sugar Free Low Carb Orange Chicken

• Oven – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and reheat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave – Heat on medium power in short intervals, stirring occasionally until hot.
• Stovetop – Place in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Sugar Free Low Carb Orange Chicken:

Can I use other types of meat for Sugar Free Low Carb Orange Chicken?

You can substitute chicken with turkey or even beef for different flavor profiles while keeping it low carb.

What can I use instead of Carbalose flour?

Almond flour or coconut flour are great alternatives if you’re looking for a gluten-free option while staying within low carb guidelines.

How can I customize Sugar Free Low Carb Orange Chicken?

Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli for extra nutrients and color! You can also adjust spice levels with additional garlic or ginger.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This Sugar Free Low Carb Orange Chicken holds up well when stored and reheated, making it perfect for meal prepping.

Can I make this recipe spicier?

Yes! You can add red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce to increase the heat level according to your taste preference.

Final Thoughts

Sugar Free Low Carb Orange Chicken is not only delicious but also versatile, appealing to various dietary needs. It’s perfect for a quick dinner or meal prep throughout the week. Feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables or spices, making it your own special dish. Enjoy cooking this delightful recipe!