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Paleo Orange Chicken (Whole30, AIP)

Paleo Orange Chicken
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This Paleo Orange Chicken is a healthier twist on the classic takeout dish, featuring juicy chicken coated in a bright, tangy orange sauce made with fresh citrus, coconut aminos, and a hint of ginger. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, it’s gluten-free, Whole30-compliant, and AIP-friendly with optional tweaks.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

  • 1.5–2 lbs chicken breast, cubed
  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil (or olive oil)
  • 3 cloves garlic, pressed

For the Sauce:

  • ½ cup fresh-squeezed orange juice (about 1–2 oranges)
  • Zest from one orange (about 1 tablespoon)
  • 2 tablespoons coconut aminos
  • 1 teaspoon grated raw ginger
  • ½ teaspoon tapioca starch (or arrowroot starch)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ¼–½ teaspoon ground turmeric (optional, for color)

Optional Garnish:

  • Sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Cook the Chicken: Heat avocado oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add cubed chicken and pressed garlic. Cook for about 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through. Set aside.
  2. Prepare the Sauce: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together orange juice, zest, coconut aminos, ginger, tapioca starch, salt, and turmeric until smooth and lump-free.
  3. Combine Sauce and Chicken: Reduce the heat to medium. Pour the prepared sauce over the cooked chicken in the pan. Stir well to coat evenly. Let it simmer for about 5–7 minutes until the sauce thickens and clings to the chicken. Stir frequently to prevent sticking or burning.
  4. Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle sesame seeds on top if desired. Serve immediately with your favorite sides like cauliflower rice or steamed vegetables.

Notes

Serving Suggestions: Pair this dish with cauliflower rice for a low-carb option or steamed broccoli for added greens. For a heartier meal, serve alongside white rice or quinoa if not on AIP/Whole30.

Tips & Tricks:

  • Use freshly squeezed orange juice for maximum flavor; bottled juice won’t deliver the same brightness.
  • If you prefer darker meat, swap chicken breast for thighs—they’re juicier and more forgiving during cooking.
  • Don’t skip stirring while simmering the sauce; this ensures even thickening and prevents burning.

Storage & Reheating:

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat; add a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.
  • Freezing is not recommended as the sauce may separate upon thawing.

Find it online: https://easyrecipeacademy.com/paleo-orange-chicken/