This Paleo Orange Chicken has so much flavor and is made in under 30 minutes! The perfect weeknight meal! Gluten free, dairy free, and lightly sweetened with orange juice.
This chicken is mildly sweet, a little spicy, and oh so good! I like using dark meat for this because it is harder to over cook, is more juicy, and is cheap. Is this exactly like the mall orange chicken? No, that stuff is loaded with sugar and deep fried! Is this super delicious and so much healthier? YES!!
If you're making it for kids, you may want to leave the red pepper out. On the other hand, if you like spice you can increase the red pepper and give it more of a kick.
This meal is not Whole30 because it has honey in it. You can try leaving it out or replacing it with date paste, but I haven't tried either yet. Although, next time I may try date paste- I think that would work great. (Update: most people like it with the honey omitted and that makes it Whole30)
Seriously, so good!!
The freshness from the orange, the sweetness from the honey, and the spice from the ginger and red pepper all work so well together. It is fantastic served over cauliflower rice- it makes it feel like the real thing! This is a great quick dinner that you will love! I know you will love this paleo orange chicken. Here are some more chicken dinners you'll love:
*Updated October 2019 with low FODMAP directions in the notes
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Paleo Orange Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken, cut into bite size pieces (dark meat works best)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
- 1 orange, zested and juiced
- ⅓ cup coconut aminos
- 1 inch ginger, peeled and grated (about 1-2 tablespoons)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons honey (omit for Whole30)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder can use fresh if you want
- 1-2 tablespoons tapioca starch
Instructions
- Sprinkle salt on chicken and stir to evenly coat.
- In a large skillet over medium high heat, add the sesame oil and chicken.
- Cook for about 5 minutes until mostly cooked through.
- While that is cooking, in a small bowl, combine orange zest and juice, coconut aminos, ginger, tomato paste, honey, red pepper, and garlic powder. Stir as best you can with a spoon.
- Pour over chicken and stir to evenly coat.
- Cook for 5-10 minutes or until chicken is fully cooked through.
- Add tapioca starch if you want the sauce thicker. Stir it in and cook for a couple minutes for it to thicken.
- Serve over cauliflower rice.
Notes:
Nutrition Information
Nicole says
We just started the whole 30 and my body is already craving comfort foods!Darn it! So I found this and had to try it. I didn't add the honey, added a touch more seasame oil at the end and it's amazing!!! Thank you!
Jessica DeMay says
You're welcome, Nicole! Thank you so much for trying my recipe and for the feedback. Hope you find some more of my recipes you love for your Whole30!
Shannan says
Could you use coconut flour instead of tapioca starch?
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Shannon- you can try, but coconut flour doesn't thicken sauces like tapioca does. Let me know if you try it and how it comes out.
Marcie says
Where do you find dark meat chicken? Do you mean that you use boneless thighs?
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Marcie- you can find dark meat chicken at almost any store that carries meat. I actually get boneless drumsticks from a local farmer. It's a cut I know they don't sell anywhere. Boneless thighs would be great in this- that's what I would use if I bought it from the store. Those are easy to find and so much for flavorful than breast. Cheaper as well 🙂 I hope that helps. Let me know if you have any other questions.
Heidi Meyer says
I made this for dinner tonight and the whole family loved it! 7 year Olds asked for seconds. Quick, easy and delicious!
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks, Heidi! I'm so glad you and your family enjoyed it. Thanks for making it!
Cara says
I'm AIP Paleo...is there something I could substitute for the tomato paste?
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Cara! I think leaving it out would be fine. It's only a couple tablespoons. I hope you try it and love it!
Vanda says
Hi, it looks delicious, but I don't have any coconut aminos on hand, any idea what can I use for replacement? Thanks.
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks Vanda! There is nothing that can really replace the coconut aminos. You can leave it out, but it won't taste exactly the same. I definitely recommend buying some- they sell it online or at any health food store. I hope you try the chicken- you'll love it!
Caitlin says
Coconut aminos is the paleo substitute for soy sauce, so you could try either Braggs Liquid Aminos (easier to find, just not coconut or paleo), or normal soy sauce. It'll probably alter the taste a bit though.
I'm excited to try this recipe for paleo purposes though! I miss Chinese food...
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks for the tips, Caitlin! I love buying the coconut aminos on Thrive Market (http://thrv.me/H1oxqu)- the best price I've found and delivered to my door 🙂 I think you'll love this recipe- enjoy!
Amy says
You can often find Soy Aminos? Will that work? Or perhaps just Soy Sauce though that's last resort.
I think this recipe needs to be doubled so there's enough sauce.
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Amy- soy is not a great choice and should be avoided. Also, soy sauce and aminos are much saltier than coconut amnios so the measurement wouldn't be the same. Thank you for the suggestion though! I like the idea of doubling the sauce.
Carol Peterson says
If you've been able to replicate the taste of the mall orange chicken without the sugar, you've just won some fans around my house! Going to have to try this recipe soon.
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks, Carol! It is a favorite around here. Let me know if you try it- I hope you enjoy it! 🙂
Thalia @ butter and brioche says
Though I don't follow the paleo diet - this paleo orange chicken is something I will be making. Love how healthy it is.
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks, Thalia! You will love it even though you aren't paleo. It would also be good over white rice!
Felesha says
Drooling Jay! I love sweet and spicy anything? Beautifully done!
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks Felesha! You would love this then 🙂
Mary Ann | the beach house kitchen says
Sounds really delish Jessica! Looks like a quick, easy weeknight dinner! Perfect for summer!
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks, Mary Ann!!
Lindsey says
We were totally going to just get take-out, but I'm doing a Whole10 starting on Sunday and don't want to totally go banana's right beforehand. My 11 y/o daughter LOVES orange chicken and this one sure was a hit! I'll definitely try it when I do W30 in January sans honey, and I'll let you know how it tastes.