Asian Orange Chicken (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Soy-Free)

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/4 cup arrowroot powder 
• 2 tablespoons avocado oil (for frying)

For the Orange Sauce:

• 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice (about 2-3 oranges)
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce or coconut amino
• 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric (for colour, optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

For Garnish:

• 1 green onion, thinly sliced (optional)
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, check for gluten-free if needed)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   • In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with the arrowroot powder until evenly coated.
   • Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
   • Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
2. Make the Orange Sauce:
   • In a medium saucepan, combine the orange juice, apple cider vinegar, minced ginger, minced garlic, fish sauce or coconut aminos, orange zest, and turmeric (if using).
   • Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
3. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
   • Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet with the sauce. Stir to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavours to meld together.
4. Serve:
   • Transfer the orange chicken to a serving dish. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
   • Serve hot over a bed of steamed rice, cauliflower rice, rainbow rice, or with your favourite vegetable sides.

Tips

• Thickening the Sauce: Adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding more or less arrowroot slurry, or by simmering it longer if needed.
• Sweetness and Tang: Adjust the level of sweetness and tanginess by adding more orange juice or apple cider vinegar according to your taste.
• Customizing: Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas to the skillet with the chicken for added flavour and nutrition.

Enjoy your homemade Asian Orange Chicken! It’s a vibrant, satisfying dish and remember to take a few deep breathes before eating – digestion is a north to south process, it stops working if you are stressed while eating.