Zesty Keto Orange Chicken (Sweet & Savory, One-Pan & Quick!)

Craving takeout without the carbs? This Zesty Keto Orange Chicken delivers! Juicy, tender chicken is coated in a vibrant, sweet-and-savory orange sauce, then served over fluffy cauliflower rice with tender broccoli. It’s a quick, one-pan (almost!), low-carb, high-protein, and gluten-free meal that brings all the classic flavors of orange chicken to your keto table!

Yields: 2-3 servings Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 15-20 minutes

Ingredients:

For the Orange Chicken:

1-2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed into 1-inch pieces (about 1 – 1.5 lbs total)
1 tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil, for browning chicken
Optional: Salt and black pepper, to taste (for seasoning chicken)

For the Keto Orange Sauce:

1 cup sugar-free orange marmalade (KETO NOTE: Crucial to choose a brand with no added sugar/low net carbs)
4 tablespoons rice wine vinegar (unseasoned, check for no added sugar)
2 tablespoons sesame oil (toasted or regular)
2 tablespoons Bragg Liquid Aminos (or low-sodium soy sauce/tamari for gluten-free)
1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger (or ½ tsp ginger powder)
1 teaspoon minced fresh garlic (about 2 cloves, or ½ tsp garlic powder)
Optional: ¼ teaspoon xanthan gum (for thicker sauce)

For Serving:

1-2 (12-ounce) bags frozen cauliflower rice, cooked according to package instructions
1-2 (12-ounce) bags frozen broccoli florets, cooked according to package instructions

Equipment:

Large skillet or non-stick frying pan
Whisk
Small bowl (for mixing sauce)
Pot or microwave-safe dish (for cauliflower rice & broccoli)

Instructions:

Prep Chicken & Sear: Pat the cubed chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper if desired.
- Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken cubes and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Drain any excess juice/fat from the pan, leaving just a little for flavor.
Make & Thicken Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the sugar-free orange marmalade, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, Bragg Liquid Aminos, minced ginger, and minced garlic.
- Pour the sauce mixture into the same skillet (no need to wash it) over medium heat. Bring to a gentle simmer, whisking constantly.
- If desired, for a thicker sauce, gradually whisk in ¼ teaspoon of xanthan gum until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. Let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, continuing to whisk, until it thickens slightly.
Combine Chicken & Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the thickened sauce. Toss the chicken to coat evenly, and let it simmer in the sauce for another 2-3 minutes to warm through and absorb the flavors.
Cook Sides: While the chicken simmers, cook the cauliflower rice and broccoli florets according to their package instructions (steaming, microwaving, or stir-frying).
Serve: Serve the Zesty Keto Orange Chicken generously over beds of hot cauliflower rice and alongside the cooked broccoli florets. Enjoy your delicious, low-carb take on a classic!

Tips for Success:

Sugar-Free Marmalade is Key: This is the most crucial ingredient for keto compliance. Read labels carefully to ensure no added sugars or high-carb sweeteners. Brands like Smucker’s Sugar Free or specialty keto brands are best.
Rice Wine Vinegar: Ensure you use unseasoned rice wine vinegar, as seasoned versions often contain sugar.
Fresh Ginger & Garlic: While powders work, fresh ginger and garlic significantly elevate the flavor of this dish.
Xanthan Gum (Optional): A tiny amount of xanthan gum (start with ¼ teaspoon) can be used to thicken the sauce and give it that characteristic “sticky” texture without adding carbs.
Don’t Overcook Chicken: Cook until just done to keep it juicy.
Customization: A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a subtle heat to the sauce. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds or sliced green onions for extra flavor and presentation.

Recipe Analysis & Dietary Classification:

High Protein: Yes, from the chicken.
Low-Carb: Yes, this recipe is very low-carb by utilizing sugar-free marmalade and low-carb thickeners (if used).
Keto: Yes, this recipe is keto-friendly, provided the following crucial ingredient checks are made:
- Sugar-Free Orange Marmalade: This is the most critical component. Must be sugar-free with very low net carbs.
- Rice Wine Vinegar: Ensure it’s unseasoned and sugar-free.
- Bragg Liquid Aminos/Soy Sauce/Tamari: Generally keto-friendly, but low-sodium and gluten-free tamari are often preferred.
Gluten-Free: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, provided you use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure any pre-made ingredients (like marmalade) are certified GF.

Read on how to prepare Garlic Lovers Dirty Rice.

Zesty Keto Orange Chicken (Sweet & Savory, One-Pan & Quick!)