Paleo Orange Chicken Recipe

Say hello to your new favorite weeknight dinner: Paleo Orange Chicken! This vibrant, delicious dish brings together sweet, tangy flavors with juicy, tender chicken – all on your table in about 20 minutes. It’s gluten-free, dairy-free, paleo-friendly, and full of zesty orange flavor. If you’re craving takeout but want something healthier and just as satisfying, this recipe needs to be in your rotation. Plus, it’s so easy and quick, you’ll want to make it again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what brings this stunning dinner together – and why each ingredient is essential:

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast: Provides lean protein. Chicken thighs work beautifully too if you prefer a bit more juiciness.
• Arrowroot Starch: Gives a light, crisp texture on the chicken and helps thicken the sauce. You can use tapioca starch if needed.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential for flavor balance and depth right from the start.
• Avocado Oil: Perfect for high-heat cooking with a neutral taste. Coconut oil also works.
• Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed is ideal for brightness, but bottled is fine in a pinch.
• Orange Zest: Intensifies the citrus flavor. Don’t skip it! It’s the secret to a deep orange aroma.
• Rice Wine Vinegar: Adds tanginess that cuts the sweetness. Apple cider vinegar can step in if you’re out.
• Fish Sauce: Totally optional! It’s a subtle umami booster. Skip it if you don’t have any, the dish will still shine.
• Honey: Lends that sweet, sticky finish. Omit for Whole30.
• Garlic: A clove of minced garlic gives a savory punch.
• Ginger: Freshly grated ginger brings warmth and zing.
• Sesame Oil: A finishing touch for deep, nutty aroma. Just a little goes a long way.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, for gentle heat and complexity.
• Sesame Seeds: Garnish – a pop of crunch and visual appeal.
• Scallions: Fresh, bright garnish and a mild onion flavor.
• Cauliflower Rice: Keeps it light, grain-free, and perfect for soaking up that luscious sauce.

Tip: Ingredient swaps are welcome. See below for fun variations!

Variations

Ready to make this recipe your own? Try these tasty twists:

• Try Chicken Thighs: For a richer flavor and extra-juicy bites, swap in boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
• Add Veggies: Toss in some snap peas, broccoli florets, or bell peppers when simmering the sauce for extra color and nutrition.
• Make It Spicier: Add more red pepper flakes, a teaspoon of sriracha, or diced fresh chili for a stronger kick.
• Sweetener Swaps: Maple syrup works in place of honey – or leave it out entirely for Whole30 or a less-sweet dish.
• More Garnishes: Citrus segments, toasted cashews, or cilantro would all make fantastic toppings.

How to Make Paleo Orange Chicken

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces (about 1 inch). In a bowl, toss chicken with arrowroot starch, salt, and pepper to ensure every piece is coated.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Heat avocado oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken pieces on both sides, working in batches so they brown beautifully, not steam. This takes about 3-4 minutes per side.

Step 3: Make the Orange Sauce

Set the browned chicken aside. To the same skillet, add orange juice, orange zest, rice wine vinegar, fish sauce (if using), honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Bring mixture to a boil, scraping up any flavorful browned bits stuck to the pan.

Step 4: Finish Cooking

Once the sauce thickens (this happens fast!), return the chicken to the pan. Stir to coat and simmer for about a minute, just until the chicken is cooked through and hot.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Spoon the saucy orange chicken over warm cauliflower rice. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced scallions. Serve immediately; enjoy every bite!

How to Serve

Paleo Orange Chicken is intensely flavorful and super versatile for serving. It’s tailor-made for a fluffy bed of cauliflower rice, which soaks up all that incredible sauce while keeping things especially light and healthy. If you want a heartier meal, serve it with sautéed vegetables like bok choy, steamed broccoli, roasted carrots, or snap peas. For even more color, double up on veggie sides or go with a crisp cucumber salad.

Tip: Keep leftovers in mind! This chicken is just as delicious tossed into a grain bowl the next day or spooned into lettuce wraps for a crunchy, fresh lunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool completely, then keep chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cauliflower rice can be stored separately for best texture.

Freezing

Freeze leftovers in a well-sealed freezer container for up to 2 months. The sauce may thin a little upon thawing, but the flavor remains bold and delicious.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or orange juice to keep the sauce silky. If microwaving, cover loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring gently in between.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Paleo Orange Chicken is a total weeknight hero: quick, lively, wholesome, and gloriously flavorful with every mouthful. Whether you’re new to paleo or just looking for a better-than-takeout dinner you can pull together in a flash, this recipe is pure gold. Don’t hesitate – give it a try and let those bright, tangy flavors energize your dinner tonight!

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