This Easy Keto Low Carb Orange Chicken is the perfect meal for healthy take-out at home! This sugar-free version can be made with either juicy chicken thighs or breasts and is drizzled with a decadent sauce and tossed with sesame seeds.
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Healthy take-out at home? Yes please! No need for Panda Express or takeout when you have this recipe!
Table of Contents
Are Oranges Keto?
Oranges have a good amount of sugar, which makes it hard to keep them keto friendly. Most orange chicken recipes are made with orange juice. So are a lot of the restaurant versions. Orange juice has more sugar than the actual fruit. An 8 oz glass of orange juice is the equivalent to about 4 oranges. Yup, lots of sugar!
The actual zest from the orange peel has a small fraction of the sugar and carbs you will find in the actual orange and in orange juice. That's what I use in the recipe. You still get the same great flavor of using an orange.
What Type of Chicken to Use
I love to use boneless, skinless chicken thighs because they are loaded with so much flavor, they are also super juicy. You can also use chicken breasts or any cut of chicken you wish. It will not alter the cook time.
What Type of Sweetener to Use
To lighten up this recipe, I use granular monkfruit sweetener (to substitute white sugar). These sweeteners are natural, zero-calorie, zero-carb, and won’t spike blood sugar. I love that sweetener doesn't have an aftertaste.
If you use something like stevia, you can follow the standard method you use for converting refined sugar to stevia. Monkfruit sweetener measures 1:1 like refined sugar.
How to Make Keto Orange Chicken
- Add chunks of chicken to a large bowl. Add a beaten egg to the bowl and stir. Add baking powder, salt, and pepper and stir. Ensure the chicken is fully coated.
- Bake or air fry.
- While the chicken cooks, add sesame oil, rice wine vinegar, sweetener, soy sauce, fresh ginger, orange zest, water, and vinegar to a saucepan on medium heat. Simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly until the sweetener has melted and the zest disintegrates.
- Add 2 tablespoons of the sauce to a small bowl with xanthan gum and stir. When it thickens, add the mixture to the sauce and stir continuously. It will take several minutes to thicken.
- Coat the cooked chicken in the orange sauce.
How to Thicken the Sauce
I use xanthan gum. You only need ¼ of a teaspoon. Once you have all of your ingredients combined for the sauce, add 2 tablespoons of the sauce to a small bowl with the xanthan gum and stir. When it thickens, add the mixture to the sauce and stir continuously. It will take several minutes to thicken.
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Another low carb substitute for xanthan gum is the Keto Wheat Flour from King Arthur Baking. Combine one tablespoon with 1 tablespoon of water and add the mix to the sauce. Stir to thicken.
If you aren't concerned with the carbs you can use a tablespoon of either flour or cornstarch along with 1 tablespoon of water. Combine the two in a small bowl and add it to the mixture.
How Many Carbs
The dish has 7 net carbs per serving. 4.5 net carbs in each of the servings is from the orange zest. You can reduce the carbs by using something like orange extract. I prefer to use the real thing, and have not tested it. You will have to experiment with how much is appropriate to use.
What to Pair with the Dish
- Cauliflower Rice (my favorite way): I buy the frozen cauliflower rice in stores and follow the instructions on the package.
- Roasted veggies like Air Fryer Broccoli or Air Fryer Garlic Green Beans.
- Side Salad
How Long it Will Last in the Fridge
It will last in the fridge tightly sealed for 3-4 days.
How to Reheat
The best way to reheat it is using the air fryer. I recommend 350 degrees for a few minutes until it's warm. You can also use the microwave.
Freezer Tips
The chicken will last in the freezer for 3-4 months, tightly sealed. Defrost in the fridge overnight.
More Sugar-Free Recipes
Sugar-Free Apple Pie
Sugar-Free Healthy Banana Bread
Sugar-Free Apple Crisp
Sugar-Free Blueberry Crisp
Sugar-Free Popsicles
Sugar-Free Cheesecake
Healthy Pad Thai
Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken
Popular Keto Recipes
Keto Low Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
Big Mac Casserole
Keto Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
Keto Beef and Broccoli
Keto Low Carb Smothered Pork Chops
Easy Keto Low Carb Orange Chicken
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts Cut into 1 inch chunks.
- 1 egg Beaten
- 3 tablespoons baking powder
- salt and pepper to taste
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar Unseasoned and unsweetened.
- 4 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or Liquid Aminos or Coconut Aminos
- ¼ teaspoon fresh ginger If using ground ginger start with ⅛ teaspoon and add more/adjust to taste if necessary.
- 2-3 garlic cloves Minced
- ⅓ cup zero calorie sweetener
- ¼ cup white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons orange zest This is typically one orange, but will vary based on size. The zest should be very fine.
- ¼ teaspoon xanthan gum See notes for substitution.
Optional Garnish
- sesame seeds
- chopped green onions
Instructions
Chicken Assembly
- Add the chunks of chicken to a large bowl. Add the beaten egg to the bowl and stir. Add the baking powder, salt and pepper and stir. Ensure the chicken is fully coated.
Air Fryer Instructions
- Spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil.
- Place the coated chicken in the air fryer.
- Air fry on 400 degrees for 10 minutes. Open the air fryer basket and flip the chicken. Cook for an additional 5-10 minutes until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
Baking Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
- Place the coated chicken on a sheet pan and in the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees. (Flip the chicken halfway through.)
Sauce Assembly
- While the chicken cooks, add all of the ingredients (except for the xanthan gum) for the sauce to a saucepan or skillet on medium heat. Simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly until the sweetener has melted and the zest disintegrates.
- Add 2 tablespoons of the sauce to a small bowl with the xanthan gum and stir. When it thickens, add the mixture to the sauce and stir continuously. It will take several minutes to thicken.
- Coat the cooked chicken in the orange sauce. Serve with sesame seeds if desired.
Video
Notes
- Since orange juice isn't used, the dish may look more brown than orange. This is fine.
- Taste the sauce repeatedly and adjust to suit your taste. The first time you make it, I recommend starting with half of the sweetener noted in the recipe. Continue to taste and adjust as needed. The same goes for the other ingredients like the ginger and soy sauce. Add more or use less in order to fit your preference.
- Double the ingredients for 4 servings. I would start with 3 tablespoons of soy sauce and adjust to taste if necessary. Start with ⅓ cup of sweetener (as noted in the recipe) and adjust to taste if necessary.
- Monkfruit sweetener measures 1:1 like refined sugar. If you want to use table sugar you can use the same amount noted in the recipe.
- Another low carb substitute for xanthan gum is the Keto Wheat Flour from King Arthur Baking. Combine one tablespoon with 1 tablespoon of water and add the mix to the sauce. Stir to thicken.
- If you aren't concerned with the carbs you can substitute xanthan gum for either flour or cornstarch along with 1 tablespoon of water. Combine the two in a small bowl and add it to the mixture.
- I recommend using a citrus zester to zest the orange. You want the zest to be super fine so that it easily disintegrates within the sauce mixture. You can also use the fine side of the cheese grater. If your zest isn't fine enough and you run into trouble getting it to incorporate with the sauce, you may need to strain it. Ensuring it's fine in texture prevents this.
- You can reduce the carbs by using something like orange extract. I prefer to use the real thing, and have not tested it. You will have to experiment with how much is appropriate to use.
- Macros use chicken thighs. Feel free to use a calculator of your choice and adjust as necessary.
lindsay says
I love being able to eat food that is as delicious, if not better, than take out without the bloat and feeling gross after. Feeling healthy and energized and saving money!
staysnatched says
Yes, you're so right! I'm glad you enjoyed the recipe.
Sarah says
As soon as Brandi posted this on Instagram, I knew I had to make it. I was craving Chinese food, but wanted a healthier version.
Prepping was a breeze, and all the ingredients were already in my pantry - which is always a plus and another awesome thing about Brandi - her recipes usually call for the staples 🙂
I cooked mine in my Ninaj Foodi Air Fryer for 15 minutes. I think next time, I will play around with the time more to get a better crunch. The chicken came out in that glorious stickiness that you get a Panda Express!
I plan on serving it with the minute brown rice cups (have it on hand).
staysnatched says
Yay! What an awesome pairing!
Brooke says
This recipe was truly amazing. It was quick and easy and satisfied my craving for orange chicken at a fraction of the calories. This is easily going to become a staple meal in our house and I highly recommend trying it.
staysnatched says
Thank you! I love that it will become a staple.
Kate K says
I got an air fryer for Christmas and have been having so much fun making your recipes! I paired this with your Crab Rangoon recipe. Love that I can make my restaurant favorites at home. Thank you!
staysnatched says
You're welcome! That's such an awesome pairing!
Meghan says
This is great! I made this with regular sugar and cornstarch as the thickener and it was perfect! Doubled the recipe to feed the fam, and even my picky 5yo decided it wasn’t poisonous! Make this, you won’t regret it.
staysnatched says
Yay! I'm so glad you enjoyed it.
Linda says
And another one! Folks Brandy has done it again! Not surprised at all!
This is amazing, flavorful and easy to make. Better then any Chinese place or wherever
staysnatched says
So good to hear! I'm glad you enjoyed this.
Stacey says
Another amazing recipe!!!! This orange chicken recipe was easy to follow and super flavorful! Will be remaking over and over again!
staysnatched says
Yay! I love to hear it will become a staple!
Mayah says
Been dying to make this since it was posted and it did not disappoint. The only thing I would do next time is double the whole thing so I can have some later.
And it was so easy!!!! Love it.
staysnatched says
haha yes! So good you will need more.
donovan wettlaufer says
I really love this recipe along with other recipes you have on here!
staysnatched says
I'm glad you enjoyed it!
donovan wettlaufer says
I really love this recipe along with other recipes you have on here!
staysnatched says
So glad you enjoyed the orange chicken!
Erin says
Loved this recipe! Brandi always provides the best information in her posts to guide you through the recipe. This will definitely become a staple. Served it on riced cauliflower as she recommended and it was delicious. Can’t wait to reheat the rest for lunch this week.
staysnatched says
Yay! Such a great lunch option.
Hayley says
This recipe should really be called “The Only Orange Chicken Recipe You’ll Ever Need” because keto or not, this is delicious! It hits all the right flavour notes and is the perfect balance of sweet, tangy and salty. A great choice for weeknights, you’ll love how well time managed this recipe is! You can whip up the sauce, some (cauli) rice and a veg all while the chicken bakes and enjoy a healthy and balanced dinner in about 30 minutes.
Thank you Brandi for another amazing recipe!
staysnatched says
haha I love that! Maybe I will change the name.
Angele D says
Very full of flavor and zing! Forget the Chinese takeout you have this recipe now!
staysnatched says
Yes exactly! Take out right at home!
Sydney says
Wow wow wow. Such a good and EASY recipe. I swapped the sweetener for honey and it is BOMB!!
staysnatched says
Such a great idea. I'm glad you enjoyed the recipe.
Fallon says
I love this recipe soooo much! I used to have cravings for panda express orange chicken and now I can make it better at home!! Also subbed the chicken for tofu and it's still amazing!!
staysnatched says
Yes! Panda Express at home.
Ya says
A-1 freaking amazing! Love that it’s made faster than it takes to wait on take out! Just delicious.
staysnatched says
Faster and better than takeout for sure!
Marisol McNash says
I was gonna start out by saying “wow, I can’t believe how close to takeout this tastes” but you always serve 5 star recipes so yeah.... I can believe it!
Superb! The only thing I did different was add chili oil because I knew I wanted spice. I use the S&B brand chili oil.
staysnatched says
I love that idea!
Courtney says
Made this tonight in the air fryer, and the whole family loved it! Thank you for the helpful notes - I doubled my batch, and it was perfect! Definitely will be making this again soon.
staysnatched says
A double batch is very necessary!
Giselle Hernandez says
I spent weeks reading this recipe and trying to convince myself to do it. I found it intimidating at first glance but was determined do make it. Today I finally did it and I should’ve known Brandi wouldn’t let me down! This recipe is BOMB! I want to eat the whole pan right now, it’s that good!
Only adjustment I made was using the flour/water tip instead of xantham gum.
staysnatched says
I'm glad it wasn't intimidating!
Holly says
Hits the spot! And you know I mean it because I’m writing this WHILE I AM STILL EATING. Don’t miss this one!
staysnatched says
haha I love to hear that.
Katie D. says
Lord!!!!! This recipe hit my family in allllllll the spots! My 7 and 5 year old have requested this orange chicken 3 weeks in a row and each time we make it, plates are licked clean. Such a good recipe! Thank you!!!!! Follow the recipe exactly and you won’t be disappointed! Her notes and instructions are key!
staysnatched says
Thank you. I'm glad you found them helpful.
Marsha Patrick says
Oh my goodness! (In my Shanaynay voice)When I say this is amazing! My entire family ate this dinner which I prepared with cauliflower fried rice and stir fry veggies. New family favorite! Recipe pointers are always on point and I used the King Arthur flour instead me of xanthan gum. Loved having the choice. Thank you Brandi for helping us keep our low carb journey interesting and delicious!
staysnatched says
Awesome! So glad you enjoyed the recipe.
DeErica Reddish says
This was a hit tonight for dinner!! I used extract instead of zest and it was still perfect.
staysnatched says
I'm glad to hear it!
Ceecee says
@DeErica Reddish, May I ask how much orange extract you used? Thanks!
MrsBernieMadoff says
I MADE THIS KETO ORANGE CHICKEN ABOUT A WEEK AGO, OMGAWD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, ITS SOooooooo DELISOUS. AND U CANT EVEN TELL ITS DIET FOOD, IT TASTE BETTER THAN THE CHINESE PLACES THAT I PAY ALL THAT MONEY TO IN THE PASS. THIS WOMEN RIGHT HERE CAN COOK!!!!, I SEE WHY SHE IS ALL OVER THE WEB. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK AND KEEP THE KETO RECIEPES COMING....YUMMY. I USED THE ORANGE EXTRACT LIQUID, AND IT CAME OUT OH SO GOOD AND YUMMY.😁😄😊😉😋☺🙂🤗🙄😶😏😮😯😌😛
staysnatched says
Wonderful! I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Ceecee says
@MrsBernieMadoff, May i ask how much orange extract you used? Thanks.
A H says
This recipe came out so well, and was so easy to follow- the tips are extremely helpful. I can't wait to make it again!
staysnatched says
I'm glad you found the tips helpful!
Anne D says
Another reason to make your own take out food! This recipe is amazing! I love that I already had all the ingredients on hand and it was simple to make. I did make the sauce in a sauce pan, but would probably try a pan next time as I think that would coat the chicken better. I followed the notes and started with less sugar and it was sweet enough for me. The only other thing I would change next time is double the sauce since I served over rice and I like my rice saucy. I certainly did not feel gross after eating this meal which can happen sometimes with take out. Thanks for another great recipe, Brandi!
staysnatched says
Thank you for sharing all of this feedback!
Audrey says
Can i make this with cooked chicken?
staysnatched says
Sure.
Kasey says
This recipe was incredible! It tasted just like takeout, but so much better! I used the oven but it didn't get as crispy as I would’ve liked. I’d definitely stick with the air fryer next time. I paired it with steamed broccoli and rice. Will definitely make this again soon!
staysnatched says
I love that pairing!
MaryAnne says
This was incredible. It popped up on my IG as I was deciding what to make for dinner, and I just had to grab the oranges. I’ve been low carb/keto for about three years and haven’t had Chinese food in that long. This was just like eating takeout but better! And it was super quick and simple to throw together.
staysnatched says
Wonderful! I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Sasha says
This came out SO GOOD. I love Asian food but the sauces always ramp up to too many calories so I don’t have it often. This was the perfect meal to satisfy that craving! I didn’t have monk sweetener so I used Swerve brown sugar instead and it still came out divine. Added some red pepper flakes for some heat, too! Thank you for sharing!!
staysnatched says
I love the red pepper flakes idea!
Skye says
Hollered after my first bite of this cause damn this was right on the money... and the fact that it was low carb was the cherry on top. Served it on riced cauliflower as she recommended and it was too good.
staysnatched says
OMG I love that reaction!
Sabrina Boucher says
I loved this recipe! It was so good! And it's easy to make so you can whip it together after work and have a delicious meal.
staysnatched says
Such an easy one. Glad you enjoyed it!
Angela Crawford says
This recipe is delicious. I doubled the recipe and bake some pieces in the oven. I think the chicken that was cooked in the airfryer had a better crunch. I love the freshness of the orange with the homemade sauce. This is a must try.
staysnatched says
I'm so glad you enjoyed it.
Ann says
This recipe was amazing!! I made two batches- one in air fryer and one on stove top and both turned out so delicious. I would highly recommend this recipe to everyone! So yummy and great weeknight meal!
staysnatched says
Yay! I'm so glad you enjoyed it.
Kayla says
Delicous! My husband and I both really enjoyed this recipe. I appreciate all the notes and how well written it is, easy to follow.
staysnatched says
You're welcome! I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Lucy says
This orange chicken was delicious! The recipe was so easy to make with pantry staples, and the sauce was mouth watering!
staysnatched says
Glad you enjoyed the sauce!
kristin says
This orange chicken is PHENOMENAL! The taste rivals any restaurant but seems lighter and healthier. Definitely a favorite healthy weeknight go-to!
staysnatched says
Wonderful! So glad to hear it.
Gina says
Made this for dinner tonight and it was amazing! Brandi does it AGAIN!! The orange flavor is so delicious and I love knowing that this is low carb.
staysnatched says
I'm so glad you enjoyed it!
Jay says
I rarely comment. I have to thank you for sharing this wonderful recipe. It's the best orange chicken I ever have.
I made it last night. Even my picky eater son likes. Since I changed to Keto and I.F. last year, I've been missing this dish.
I added some union, bell pepper, tomato and a little orange juice. It's so yummy but a little bit too sweet because I cooked the veggies too long. Next time, I will adjust the amount of sweetener, test taste when adding, and cook the veggies shorter time.
staysnatched says
I'm so glad you enjoyed it.
Monique says
I cooked this last night for us to eat my husband enjoyed it and so did I. Thanks
staysnatched says
You’re welcome! I’m glad you enjoyed it.
kristina says
Ugh I wish this turned out. It smells excellent, but when I did the chicken, egg, and baking soda mix it bubbled up and looked weird. I tried it twice, two different ways. I then said eh maybe it's correct, and went to cook it, but it was like I was cooking chicken and eggs. I scrapped it and just did chicken and the sauce. The sauce was very good
staysnatched says
It’s because you used baking soda. The recipe says baking powder. Baking soda bubbles and causes the chemical reaction you mentioned. I suggest trying the recipe with baking powder. Two different ingredients with different results.
Susanna says
Brandi, I've tried twice to make this recipe. The first time, the egg and baking powder mix, just drained off the chicken. The second time, I tried doing an egg dip then roll in the seasoned baking powder. But then I tried frying in avocado oil, which wasn't successful either. My husband and I both didn't care for the flavor of the baking powder, so I may try a zero carb coating mix. If that doesn't work, I'll just bake or fry with no coating at all. Now the sauce.... the sauce was AMAZING!! The first time, I used orange zest, and it tasted a little bitter to my husband. The second time, I use orange extract. 1 tsp per sauce for 4 servings. It was exquisite! This sauce will definitely be a staple in our house.
staysnatched says
Thanks for sharing! Your baking powder shouldn't have any taste. It sounds like it may be expired.
Karen says
This recipe is GENIUS! It’s easy, fast and delicious! I love the egg and baking powder batter, which makes a crispy crust without the thick heavy coating you get with takeout. I also like that it makes a meal for two. I didn’t have a citrus grater so my zest shreds didn’t melt, but my husband didn’t complain as he gobbled it down and said to tag this recipe as a favorite! LOL. Thank you, Brandi!
staysnatched says
You're welcome! I'm so glad you enjoyed it.
Shunta says
Delicious and who needs takeout with questionable meat when you have this recipe?! Brandi hasn’t failed yet with my favorite takeout meals tasting better when I make them at home!
staysnatched says
Thank you so much!
Ashley says
Wow! I had boneless chicken breasts sitting in the fridge so I searched the site for recipes and had everything on hand for this gem! The chicken came out great. Paired with some cauliflower rice and had a delicious meal!
staysnatched says
I'm so glad you enjoyed it!
Isaiah says
It was barely edible, I did everything exactly as instructed and wound up with sour chicken slop. I used organic oranges and washed them really well too, but the zest was so sharp tasting it was not enjoyable. Really can't pin down what exactly went wrong with this recipe, possibly it was many things. Unfortunately my honest review is 1 star.
staysnatched says
Interesting. It sounds like you don’t like a lot of orange flavor and should use less.
Sarita says
We all loved this recipe and will definitely be making it often. The only changes I made were 3/4 tsp of orange extract & 1 Tbsp of dried orange peel instead of the zest.
Sarita says
We all loved this recipe and will definitely be making it often. The only changes I made were 3/4 tsp of orange extract & 1 Tbsp of dried orange peel instead of the zest.
staysnatched says
Awesome.
Michael C says
The sauce is amazing, I looked like a genius. Thank you.
I used the sauce for pan cooked shrimp. And I used Stevia for sweetener.
staysnatched says
I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Sarah Lynnard says
Delicious!!! Made using chicken thighs, added red pepper flakes, used less water & omitted the xantham gum. Tasted as good as Chinese take out!!! 10/10 I'm already planning to make this again! Chicken looked crazy in the air fryer but trust the process! MUST TRY !!!
staysnatched says
So glad to hear it!