Craving your favorite Chinese takeout but trying to stick to your low-carb lifestyle? This Keto Orange Chicken is everything you love about the classic dish. It has crispy chicken, tangy-sweet orange sauce, and bold flavor without the sugar, starch, or guilt.
Why You’ll Love This Low Carb Option
- Low in carbs, high in flavor . All the taste you expect, without the excessive sugar or cornstarch.
- One-pan recipe . Minimal cleanup and no complicated steps.
- 30-minute dinner . Perfect for busy weeknights.
- Easy to customize . Make it spicier, tangier, or add veggies to suit your preferences.
Made in one pan and ready in about 30 minutes, this low-carb orange chicken is the perfect weeknight dinner. It’s also gluten-free, family-friendly, and easy to scale up for meal prep. No deep frying, no breading mess, just real flavor, fast.
What Does Keto Orange Chicken Taste Like?
Keto orange chicken has a bold, flavorful taste that closely mimics traditional takeout-style orange chicken, but without the sugar or heaviness.
The chicken is tender and juicy, often with a lightly crisp exterior, depending on whether it’s pan-seared or air-fried. The sauce is tangy and slightly sweet, thanks to fresh orange juice, zest, and a low-carb sweetener, with a savory backbone from soy sauce or coconut aminos. A hint of garlic, ginger, and optional red pepper flakes adds warmth and subtle spice.
The result is a well-balanced dish that’s citrusy, umami-rich, and satisfying. It’s perfect for low-carb eaters who still crave bold flavors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs - Main protein base; thighs for juiciness, breasts for leanness.
- 2 tablespoons almond flour - Optional light coating for texture and better sauce adhesion.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt - Seasons the chicken and enhances flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - Adds mild heat and depth.
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil (or other high-smoke point oil) - For sautéing at high heat without burning.
- 1/4 cup orange juice - We’re using a very small amount for several servings. If you’re eating a strict keto diet, this may not work for you. If you’re just watching your carbs, this is a much lower carb version than the original.
- 1 tablespoon orange zest - Intensifies orange flavor without added carbs.
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce - Provides umami and balances sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - Adds tang and brightness.
- 2 tablespoons erythritol - Replaces sugar for a keto-friendly sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon garlic - Adds aromatic depth.
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger - Optional; adds fresh, spicy brightness.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes - Optional; brings subtle heat.
- 1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum - Thickens the sauce without carbs or starches.
How To Make Keto Orange Chicken
- Prepare the Chicken. Toss chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and a light coating of almond flour. This step adds a bit of texture but is completely optional if you prefer it breading-free.
- Cook the Chicken. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook until golden and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Make the Sauce. In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add orange juice, zest, soy sauce, vinegar, sweetener, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Whisk to combine and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Thicken the Sauce. Sprinkle xanthan gum over the sauce and whisk well. Let it simmer another 2–3 minutes until thickened to your liking. A little xanthan gum goes a long way, so don’t overdo it.
- Combine and Serve. Add the cooked chicken back to the pan. Stir to coat evenly in the orange sauce. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve hot.
Tips And Tricks
Making Keto Orange Chicken at home is simple, but a few smart techniques can help you get restaurant-quality results without the carbs. Here are the top tips to ensure your dish turns out flavorful, well-textured, and perfectly sauced every time:
- Use chicken thighs for juicier results . They stay tender during high-heat cooking and absorb the sauce well.
- Cut chicken into even-sized pieces . This helps ensure uniform cooking and prevents dryness.
- Optional flour coating helps sauce cling . A light dusting of coconut or almond flour adds texture and helps the sauce stick, but can be skipped for ultra-low-carb versions.
- Cook chicken in batches if needed . Avoid overcrowding the pan to get a good sear and prevent steaming.
Variations
This Keto Orange Chicken recipe is flexible and easy to adapt to your preferences. Whether you want to change the protein, increase the veggies, or adjust the heat, these variations let you make it your own without straying from your low-carb goals:
- Use chicken breast instead of thighs - A leaner option that still works well, especially if you prefer white meat.
- Make it spicy - Add extra red pepper flakes, sriracha, or diced jalapeños for more heat.
- Add low-carb vegetables - Stir in sautéed broccoli, zucchini, or bell peppers to make it a one-pan meal.
- Try shrimp or pork - This sauce pairs well with other proteins for a fresh twist.
What To Eat With Keto Orange Chicken
Keto Orange Chicken is flavorful and satisfying on its own, but pairing it with the right low-carb sides can help create a complete, well-rounded meal without adding unnecessary carbs. Here are some excellent options:
- Cauliflower rice - A light, fluffy side that absorbs the citrusy orange sauce perfectly.
- Zucchini noodles - A great low-carb noodle alternative that adds texture and volume.
- Sesame ginger broccoli - A simple, fiber-rich side that balances the richness of the chicken.
- Air Fryer bok choy - Mild and quick-cooking greens that pair well with Asian-style dishes.
How Long Does It Last?
Keto orange chicken can be stored safely and still taste great for several days if handled properly. Once cooked and fully cooled, it should be transferred to an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator, where it will keep fresh for up to 4 days.
When reheating, you can warm it in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave for 1–2 minutes until heated through. Adding a splash of water or broth can help loosen the sauce if it thickens in the fridge.
Can You Freeze It?
If you’d like to store it longer, keto orange chicken can also be frozen for up to 2 months, ideally without the sauce to preserve texture.
Simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving, then toss with freshly made sauce for the best flavor and consistency.
More Low Carb Asian Dishes
- Asian Glazed Salmon
- Keto Sushi
- Low Carb Sesame Ginger Chicken
- Cauliflower Fried Rice
- Ground Beef And Broccoli
Keto Orange Chicken Recipe | Low Carb Orange Chicken
Ingredients
- ▢ 1 1/2 pounds Boneless Chicken Thighs
- ▢ 1/2 cup Almond Flour
- ▢ 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt
- ▢ 1/4 tsp Ground Black Pepper
- ▢ 2 tbsp Avocado Oil
- ▢ 1/4 cup Orange Juice , fresh squeezed or no sugar added
- ▢ 1 tbsp Orange Zest
- ▢ 3 tbsp Soy Sauce
- ▢ 1 tbsp Rice Vinegar
- ▢ 2 tbsp Erythritol
- ▢ 1 tsp Garlic , minced
- ▢ 1 tsp Ginger , grated
- ▢ 1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
- ▢ 1/4 tsp Xanthan Gum
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken. Toss chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and a light coating of almond flour. This step adds a bit of texture but is completely optional if you prefer it breading-free.
- Cook the Chicken. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook until golden and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Make the Sauce. In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add orange juice, zest, soy sauce, vinegar, sweetener, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Whisk to combine and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Thicken the Sauce. Sprinkle xanthan gum over the sauce and whisk well. Let it simmer another 2–3 minutes until thickened to your liking. A little xanthan gum goes a long way, so don’t overdo it.
- Combine and Serve. Add the cooked chicken back to the pan. Stir to coat evenly in the orange sauce. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve hot.
Get support & connect with our community on Facebook!
Nutrition
If you already signed up, you should have received an email with a password to give you unlimited access to our FREE Printable Library. The password is case sensitive. Enter it below and get printing!
Password:
Keto Orange Chicken Recipe | Low Carb Orange Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds Boneless Chicken Thighs
- 1/2 cup Almond Flour
- 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt
- 1/4 tsp Ground Black Pepper
- 2 tbsp Avocado Oil
- 1/4 cup Orange Juice fresh squeezed or no sugar added
- 1 tbsp Orange Zest
- 3 tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 tbsp Rice Vinegar
- 2 tbsp Erythritol
- 1 tsp Garlic minced
- 1 tsp Ginger grated
- 1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
- 1/4 tsp Xanthan Gum
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken. Toss chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and a light coating of almond flour. This step adds a bit of texture but is completely optional if you prefer it breading-free.
- Cook the Chicken. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook until golden and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Make the Sauce. In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add orange juice, zest, soy sauce, vinegar, sweetener, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Whisk to combine and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Thicken the Sauce. Sprinkle xanthan gum over the sauce and whisk well. Let it simmer another 2–3 minutes until thickened to your liking. A little xanthan gum goes a long way, so don’t overdo it.
- Combine and Serve. Add the cooked chicken back to the pan. Stir to coat evenly in the orange sauce. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve hot.
Keto Orange Chicken Recipe | Low Carb Orange Chicken https://twosleevers.com/keto-orange-chicken-recipe/
Budget dinners don’t have to feel like a sacrifice. This 7-day plan is built around smart shortcuts (rotisserie chicken, premade crust, pantry staples), recipes that serve multiple portions, and leftovers that actually get eaten. You’ll get a mix of pizza night, cozy casserole, fresh salad night, and a one-pan “comfort food” finish, without a grocery bill that spirals.
Why You’ll Love These Budget-Friendly Dinners
- Saves money without feeling “cheap” . You still get pizza night, creamy pork chops, and fresh bruschetta chicken, just built with smart, affordable ingredients.
- Uses shortcuts that actually help . Rotisserie chicken, premade crust, and make-ahead pinwheels cut prep time and keep you out of the store.
- Built-in leftovers equal extra meals . Pizza, quiche, and casserole nights naturally stretch into lunches (or a second dinner).
- Ingredient overlap reduces waste . Bacon, Parmesan, garlic, tomatoes, and chicken show up across multiple recipes so you use what you buy.
- A mix of comfort and fresh . You get cozy bakes and creamy dishes balanced with salads and lighter “assembly” meals.
- Easy to customize . Swap cheeses, veggies, and proteins based on what’s on sale or what’s already in your fridge.
- Weeknight-friendly flow . Heavier prep nights are balanced by faster “assemble and go” dinners, so the week doesn’t feel like a slog.
This plan keeps dinner affordable, flexible, and satisfying with smart shortcuts and leftovers that stretch your budget all week.
At A Glance: Your 7 Day Budget Dinner Schedule
- Day 1: Chicken Alfredo Pizza
- Day 2: Ham & Cheese Pinwheel Sandwiches
- Day 3: Spaghetti Squash Casserole (Marinara + Parmesan Bake)
- Day 4: Bruschetta Chicken
- Day 5: Chicken Cobb Salad
- Day 6: Bacon, Egg & Cheese Breakfast Quiche (“Brinner” night)
- Day 7: Creamy Pork Chops (One-Pan Comfort Food)
Why This Plan Is Budget-Friendly Without Feeling “Cheap”
Here’s why this budget-friendly dinner plan works so well and keeps your week easier and cheaper:
- Smart shortcuts like rotisserie chicken and premade crust save time and prevent “extra trip” spending.
- High-yield dinners (pizza, casserole, quiche) create built-in leftovers and lunch options.
- Repeat ingredients on purpose : bacon, Parmesan, garlic, tomatoes, and chicken show up across multiple nights.
- Leftover-friendly recipes help you cook once and eat more than once (pinwheels and spaghetti squash especially).
Yes, this plan is super flexible. Swap rotisserie chicken for leftover cooked chicken (or even turkey), use whatever cheese you have (mozzarella, cheddar, Swiss), and pick the cheapest in-season produce for bruschetta and salads.
Buy store-brand staples, use a single rotisserie chicken across multiple meals, cook a full pack of bacon once for both the Cobb salad and quiche, and add frozen veggies as low-cost sides.
Chicken Alfredo Pizza, Spaghetti Squash Casserole, and Breakfast Quiche all make multiple servings, and pinwheel sandwiches are perfect for grab-and-go lunches the next day.
Budget-friendly sides like bagged salad, roasted frozen vegetables, rice, pasta, or fruit make the meals more filling without adding much cost.
Get the clickable shopping list to add everything you need to make these recipes straight to your Walmart shopping cart here: https://walmrt.us/4qZns0y #WalmartPartner
Double-check the quantities of the items needed (for example: weight of meat, quantity of rotisserie chickens, fresh produce volume) before checking out, as the amounts do not always add to the cart correctly.
Creamy Pork Chops | One Pan Comfort Food
These Creamy Pork Chops are a quick one-pan comfort food dinner with golden-seared pork chops simmered in a rich garlic Parmesan cream sauce made with chicken broth, heavy cream, and Italian seasoning. Ready in about 23 minutes, this easy pork chops in cream sauce recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and tastes like a cozy restaurant-style meal at home.
Breakfast Quiche Recipe | Bacon Egg And Cheese Quiche
This Breakfast Quiche is a hearty bacon, egg, and cheese quiche with a creamy custard filling baked in a flaky pie crust, making it perfect for easy breakfasts and weekend brunch. Simple to prep and easy to customize with veggies or different cheeses, this classic quiche recipe is a make-ahead favorite for busy mornings and meal prep.
Chicken Cobb Salad Recipe | Classic Cobb Salad With Chicken
This Chicken Cobb Salad recipe is a hearty, protein-packed salad loaded with grilled chicken, crispy bacon, hard-boiled eggs, creamy avocado, juicy cherry tomatoes, red onion, and bold blue cheese over crunchy romaine. Finished with a tangy homemade red wine vinaigrette, it’s an easy meal-prep friendly lunch or dinner that tastes fresh, filling, and restaurant-worthy at home.
Bruschetta Chicken Recipe | Italian Herbed Chicken Recipe
This Bruschetta Chicken is an easy Italian-inspired dinner with tender baked chicken topped with a fresh tomato and basil bruschetta mixture for bright, bold flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights, this baked bruschetta chicken recipe delivers a high-protein meal that tastes like restaurant-quality comfort food at home.
Spaghetti Squash Casserole | Baked Spaghetti Squash Recipe
This Spaghetti Squash Casserole is an easy baked spaghetti squash recipe that turns roasted squash strands into a cozy, low carb “pasta” dinner topped with your favorite sauce and optional Parmesan, basil, or red pepper flakes. Baked at 375°F until tender and perfectly shred-able, it’s a simple weeknight meal that delivers big comfort-food vibes without the noodles.
Pinwheel Sandwiches | Ham and Cheese Pinwheels
These easy Pinwheel Sandwiches (ham and cheese pinwheels) are a no-cook party favorite made with tortillas, mayo, lettuce, Swiss cheese, and deli ham for the perfect picnic lunch or appetizer. Ready in under 30 minutes and endlessly customizable, this pinwheel sandwich recipe delivers bite-sized flavor that’s great for meal prep, potlucks, and kid-friendly snacks.
Chicken Alfredo Pizza Recipe | Tasty Twist On Traditional Pizza
This Chicken Alfredo Pizza is a creamy homemade pizza topped with tender chicken, rich Alfredo sauce, and a melty blend of mozzarella and Parmesan on a golden crust. Baked hot and fast at 475°F to 500°F until bubbly, this easy Alfredo sauce pizza is a delicious weeknight dinner you can customize with toppings like mushrooms, spinach, or bacon.
If you want a budget-friendly dinner plan that keeps weeknights easy and your grocery bill under control, this 7-day lineup is a keeper. Save it, rotate the nights you love most, and you’ll always have a reliable set of cheap weeknight dinners that feel satisfying, flexible, and family-approved.
