Here’s a keto-friendly version of a beloved takeout favorite: Keto Orange Chicken! It has all the bold, tangy-sweet flavors you love—but without the sugar or carbs. Crispy bite-sized chicken pieces are coated in a sticky orange sauce made with natural keto ingredients. It’s a quick weeknight winner that feels like a cheat meal (but totally isn’t!).

🍊 Keto Orange Chicken

Ingredients:

For the chicken:

  • 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • ¾ cup crushed pork rinds, almond flour, or a mix (for coating)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 3 tablespoons avocado oil (for pan frying)

For the orange sauce:

  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons orange zest
  • 3 tablespoons fresh orange juice (or 1–2 tablespoons orange extract for ultra low carb)
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce or coconut aminos
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2–3 tablespoons allulose, monk fruit, or erythritol (adjust to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon ginger powder or fresh grated ginger
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon xanthan gum (for thickening)

Instructions:

  1. Coat the chicken:
    Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Dip into the beaten egg, then coat with crushed pork rinds or almond flour.
  2. Cook the chicken:
    Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through (about 3–4 minutes per side). Set aside.
  3. Make the sauce:
    In a saucepan over medium heat, combine chicken broth, orange zest, orange juice or extract, soy sauce, vinegar, sweetener, garlic powder, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer.
  4. Thicken the sauce:
    Sprinkle xanthan gum into the sauce while whisking continuously. Simmer for another 2–3 minutes until thick and glossy.
  5. Combine and coat:
    Toss the cooked chicken in the sauce until fully coated. Heat together for 2–3 more minutes so the flavors soak in.
  6. Serve:
    Serve hot with cauliflower rice, steamed broccoli, or your favorite keto stir-fried veggies.

Tips & Variations:

  • Use orange extract for fewer carbs if you’re strictly keto.
  • Want extra crunch? Try double-coating the chicken with a pork rind-almond flour mix.
  • Store leftovers in the fridge up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet to preserve crispiness.

Would you like a baked or air fryer version of this recipe? I’d be happy to add that!