Begin by preparing your chicken. Cut the boneless, skinless chicken breast into uniform 1-inch (2.54cm) pieces. This ensures even cooking and allows each piece to be perfectly coated in the delicious sauce. Place the chicken pieces into a medium-sized bowl. Next, season the chicken generously by sprinkling it with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Gently stir the chicken until every piece is thoroughly coated with the spices. This initial seasoning is crucial for building a flavorful base.

Place a cast-iron skillet over medium heat and add the cooking oil. Allow the oil to heat for about 5 minutes, ensuring it’s hot enough to sear the chicken effectively. Carefully add the seasoned chicken pieces to the hot skillet in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding the pan. Cook the chicken, stirring and flipping occasionally, until all sides are beautifully browned and the chicken is fully cooked through. This process typically takes between 8 to 15 minutes, depending on the thickness of your chicken pieces and the heat of your skillet. To ensure safety, always use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken has reached a minimum safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

While the chicken is cooking to perfection, take advantage of this time to prepare your flavorful orange sauce in a separate, small pot.

To create your delectable keto orange chicken sauce, combine the sugar-free orange marmalade, sugar-free BBQ sauce, dried ginger, and reduced-sodium soy sauce (or gluten-free alternative) in a small pot. Place the pot over medium heat and whisk the ingredients frequently. Continuous whisking is key to ensuring that the marmalade fully dissolves and all the components meld together seamlessly, forming a warm, uniform, and wonderfully aromatic sauce. Allow the sauce to gently warm through without boiling, ensuring all flavors are well-integrated.

Once your chicken is cooked and your sauce is perfectly warmed, it’s time to bring it all together. Pour the rich, keto orange sauce directly over the cooked chicken in the skillet. Stir gently but thoroughly, ensuring every piece of chicken is generously coated with the glistening, flavorful sauce. Serve your no-sugar orange chicken immediately to enjoy its optimal taste and texture. For an extra touch of flair and flavor, garnish the dish with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat, thinly sliced green onions for freshness, and toasted sesame seeds for a nutty crunch. This saucy, sweet, and incredibly delicious meal is surprisingly fast to make, proving that healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming!

For the keto chicken:

• ▢ 1 lb. boneless and skinless raw chicken breast (454 grams)
• ▢ ½ teaspoon paprika
• ▢ ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ▢ ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• ▢ ¼ teaspoon sea salt
• ▢ ¼ cup cooking oil

For the keto orange sauce:

• ▢ ½ cup sugar-free orange marmalade
• ▢ ¼ cup sugar-free BBQ sauce
• ▢ 2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
• ▢ ¼ teaspoon dried ginger
• ▢ crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• ▢ optional garnishes (toasted sesame seeds, sliced scallions)

• Cut the chicken breast into 1-inch pieces (2.54cm) and place in a medium-size bowl. Sprinkle with the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Gently stir to coat.
• Heat the oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes. Add the chicken and cook, stirring and flipping occasionally, until browned on all sides. Chicken that is fully cooked will reach a minimum safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer.
• To make keto orange chicken sauce, stir together the marmalade, BBQ sauce, ginger, and soy sauce in a small pot. Whisk frequently over medium heat to warm it and make a uniform mixture.
• Pour the keto orange sauce over the cooked chicken and stir. Serve immediately after mixing the chicken and sauce. Garnish with red pepper flakes, thinly sliced scallions, and sesame seeds (if desired).

💭 Expert Tips from Dietitian Summer Yule

This is a level 1 recipe (may help support fat loss). Is keto orange chicken healthy? Absolutely! Unlike most orange chicken recipes, this keto version contains no added sugar and avoids refined grains, making it a significantly healthier choice in terms of general nutrition, especially if you’re looking for a low-calorie orange chicken meal.

To create a complete and filling meal that’s under 500 calories, serve this delicious keto orange chicken over a bed of fluffy cauliflower rice, accompanied by a vibrant side of green beans. The combination of high-protein chicken with high-volume, low-calorie non-starchy vegetables is a powerful duo when your goal is weight management and fat loss.

Here are a few more excellent options for side dishes that perfectly complement keto orange chicken:

• Steamed broccoli: A classic, nutrient-dense, and low-carb vegetable that pairs wonderfully.
• Shirataki rice: A zero-calorie, zero-carb alternative to traditional rice, perfect for soaking up the delicious orange sauce.
• Zucchini noodles (zoodles): A light and fresh way to add more vegetables and volume to your plate.
• Air fryer spaghetti squash: A wonderful low-carb pasta alternative with a delicate texture.
• Garden salads: A fresh, crisp salad with a keto-friendly dressing can provide a refreshing contrast.

Is orange chicken good for diabetics? Traditional orange chicken recipes, laden with sugar and refined carbohydrates, are generally not suitable for diabetic diets. However, this specifically formulated orange chicken recipe is much easier to incorporate into low-carb diets and exchange diets aimed at blood sugar control. By eliminating added sugars and high-carb breading, it offers a delicious way to enjoy a classic flavor without adverse effects on blood glucose levels. As always, if you have specific dietary concerns or medical conditions, it is crucial to consult with a doctor or a registered dietitian who is familiar with your medical history to ensure this recipe aligns with your individual dietary plan.

Nutrition information is for one serving and will vary depending on the brand of marmalade and BBQ sauce you use. Keto recipes on the web, including this one, are not necessarily appropriate for medically prescribed ketogenic diets.