Sugar Free Low Carb Orange Chicken
This Sugar Free Low Carb Orange Chicken is a delightful dish that captures the essence of traditional flavors while keeping your meal light and healthy. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe makes a fantastic dinner option or a satisfying lunch. With its rich citrus flavor and crispy chicken, this dish will impress both family and friends. You’ll love how simple it is to prepare while still delivering incredible taste.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of orange zest and juice creates a refreshing and vibrant sauce that enhances the chicken.
- Low Carb Friendly: With only 3 grams of carbs per serving, this recipe fits perfectly into your low-carb lifestyle.
- Quick Preparation: In just 50 minutes, you can have a scrumptious meal on the table that is ideal for busy weeknights.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it with cauliflower rice or as part of a salad for a delightful twist.
- Healthy Ingredients: Made with wholesome ingredients, this dish is not only tasty but also nutritious.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start cooking, make sure you have all your tools ready to ensure a smooth preparation process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Skillet
- Whisk
- Mixing bowls
- Cutting board
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Skillet: A good skillet allows for even cooking of the chicken, ensuring it turns out crispy and golden brown.
- Whisk: This tool is essential for mixing ingredients smoothly, especially when preparing the sauce.
- Cutting Board & Knife: These are crucial for safely preparing the chicken and garlic before cooking.

Ingredients
This delicious recipe for Sugar Free Low Carb Orange Chicken is so good that it tastes just like the real restaurant version.
For the Chicken
- 4 Chicken Breast (skinless, boneless, cut up)
- 2 Eggs
- 1 tsp Xanthan Gum (or as needed)
- ½ cup Carbalose
For the Sauce
- 3 tbs oil
- 1 tsp Orange Zest
- ¼ cup Orange Juice
- 3 tbsp Sugar Free Orange Marmalade
- 3 tbsp Rice Apple Vinegar
- 2 tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 tsp Sesame Oil
- 1 tsp Xanthan Gum
- 2 Garlic (minced)
How to Make Sugar Free Low Carb Orange Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces if not already done. Mince your garlic to have it ready for the sauce.
Step 2: Create Dredging Station
Create two shallow bowls: one with whisked eggs and another with Carbalose mixed with xanthan gum. This will help coat your chicken evenly.
Step 3: Preheat Your Skillet
Preheat your skillet over medium-high heat and add oil. While it’s heating, dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture followed by dredging in the flour alternative, shaking off excess.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Cook each piece in the skillet until browned and cooked through. Once done, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
Step 5: Make the Sauce
In a clean bowl, whisk together all remaining sauce ingredients. Once all chicken is cooked, pour this mixture into the same skillet and cook until thickened, stirring as needed.
Step 6: Combine Chicken with Sauce
Reduce heat to low and add cooked chicken back into the skillet. Stir well, allowing everything to warm through until fully coated in sauce.
Step 7: Serve
Top with optional sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve alongside cauliflower rice or your preferred side dish for a complete meal.
Enjoy your delicious Sugar Free Low Carb Orange Chicken!
How to Serve Sugar Free Low Carb Orange Chicken
Serving Sugar Free Low Carb Orange Chicken can elevate your dining experience. Here are some creative ways to present this flavorful dish that will impress your family and friends.
With Cauliflower Rice
- Cauliflower rice is a perfect low-carb alternative to traditional rice, providing a light base that complements the orange chicken’s flavors beautifully.
Over Zoodles
- Zoodles (zucchini noodles) offer a fresh, crunchy texture that pairs wonderfully with the savory sauce of the orange chicken while keeping the dish low in carbs.
Wrapped in Lettuce
- For a fun and healthy twist, serve the orange chicken wrapped in large lettuce leaves for a crispy, refreshing bite.
Alongside Steamed Broccoli
- Steamed broccoli adds vibrant color and nutrition to your plate. Its mild flavor balances out the sweetness of the orange sauce perfectly.
With a Mixed Green Salad
- A simple mixed green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette can complement the richness of the chicken, adding freshness to your meal.
How to Perfect Sugar Free Low Carb Orange Chicken
Achieving perfection in your Sugar Free Low Carb Orange Chicken is just a few steps away. Follow these tips for an even better dish.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and orange juice enhance flavor significantly compared to bottled options.
- Adjust Thickness: If you prefer a thicker sauce, increase the amount of xanthan gum gradually until desired consistency is reached.
- Monitor Cooking Temperature: Ensure your skillet is at medium-high heat before adding chicken to achieve a nice golden brown color without overcooking.
- Experiment with Spices: Adding spices like ginger or chili flakes can create an exciting flavor profile that elevates your dish.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the cooked chicken to rest after frying helps maintain juiciness and enhances overall texture.
Best Side Dishes for Sugar Free Low Carb Orange Chicken
Pairing your Sugar Free Low Carb Orange Chicken with complementary side dishes makes for a complete meal. Here are some excellent options to consider:
-
Garlic Mashed Cauliflower
A creamy, buttery alternative to traditional mashed potatoes that keeps it low-carb while adding flavor. -
Stir-Fried Vegetables
Colorful stir-fried vegetables add crunch and nutrition, creating balance with their fresh flavors alongside the chicken. -
Cabbage Slaw
A crunchy cabbage slaw tossed in vinegar dressing offers tanginess that contrasts beautifully with the sweet orange flavor. -
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
These roasted sprouts provide a slightly bitter taste that pairs well with sweet dishes, enhancing the overall meal experience. -
Spaghetti Squash
This versatile squash can be roasted and served as a low-carb noodle alternative, creating an interesting base for the orange chicken. -
Zucchini Chips
Crispy baked zucchini chips make for a delightful snack or side, providing crunch without added carbs. -
Riced Broccoli
Similar to cauliflower rice but packed with nutrients; riced broccoli makes for an excellent side that blends well with any main dish. -
Eggplant Parmesan Bites
These bites offer a cheesy flavor and satisfying texture while remaining within low-carb guidelines, making them perfect companions for your chicken dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Sugar Free Low Carb Orange Chicken, it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls that can affect the final dish’s flavor and texture.
-
Skipping the dredging station: Failing to create a proper dredging station can lead to uneven coating on the chicken. Make sure to dip each piece in egg before coating it in the flour alternative for optimal crispiness.
-
Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken too long can make it dry. Keep an eye on it and remove it from heat as soon as it’s browned and no longer pink inside.
-
Neglecting the sauce consistency: If you don’t whisk the sauce properly or cook it long enough, it may not thicken correctly. Always whisk well and ensure the sauce coats the chicken adequately.
-
Forgetting to adjust flavors: Tasting your sauce is crucial. If it’s too tangy or sweet, adjust with more orange juice or vinegar as needed for balance.
-
Using the wrong oil: Different oils have different smoke points, which can affect cooking. Use oil with a high smoke point like vegetable oil for frying the chicken.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- It lasts up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Sugar Free Low Carb Orange Chicken
- Place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating Sugar Free Low Carb Orange Chicken
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals of 1-2 minutes, checking often to avoid overcooking.
- Stovetop: Warm on medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Sugar Free Low Carb Orange Chicken.
What makes this Sugar Free Low Carb Orange Chicken healthy?
This dish uses lean chicken breast and substitutes sugar with sugar-free marmalade, keeping carbs low while maintaining flavor.
Can I customize the flavors in Sugar Free Low Carb Orange Chicken?
Absolutely! Feel free to adjust ingredients like adding more orange zest or spice levels according to your taste preferences.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
You can substitute Carbalose with a gluten-free flour alternative such as almond flour or coconut flour for a gluten-free version of this dish.
What can I serve with Sugar Free Low Carb Orange Chicken?
This dish pairs beautifully with cauliflower rice or steamed vegetables for a wholesome meal that complements its flavors.
Final Thoughts
Sugar Free Low Carb Orange Chicken is not only delicious but also versatile, making it a perfect option for any dinner table. You can customize this dish by adding vegetables or adjusting seasoning according to your taste. Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!
Sugar Free Low Carb Orange Chicken
Experience the vibrant flavors of Sugar Free Low Carb Orange Chicken, a dish that combines the zest of fresh oranges with crispy, tender chicken for a delightful meal. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a healthy alternative to takeout without sacrificing taste. With its rich citrus sauce and low-carb profile, it’s ideal for those following a low-carb or keto lifestyle. Serve it over cauliflower rice or zoodles for a satisfying meal that will impress your family and friends.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients
- 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup Carbalose flour
- 3 tablespoons sugar-free orange marmalade
- ¼ cup orange juice
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tsp xanthan gum
- 3 tablespoons oil
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 3 tbsp rice apple vinegar
Instructions
- Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and mince garlic.
- Set up a dredging station with whisked eggs in one bowl and Carbalose flour mixed with xanthan gum in another.
- Preheat skillet over medium-high heat and add oil.
- Dip chicken pieces into egg mixture, then coat in Carbalose flour.
- Cook chicken in skillet until browned and cooked through; transfer to paper towel-lined plate.
- In a bowl, whisk together remaining sauce ingredients, then pour into the skillet and cook until thickened.
- Add cooked chicken back into the skillet, stirring to coat well with the sauce.
- Serve immediately over cauliflower rice or your choice of side.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (150g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg