Fakeout Kitchen

Panda Express-Style Orange Chicken

This version replaces inflammatory seed oils and refined sugars with avocado oil, raw honey, and fresh citrus for a nutrient-dense take on a restaurant favorite.

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Ingredients

  • 1 lb organic chicken breast, cubed
  • 1/4 cup avocado oil
  • 1/4 cup arrowroot starch
  • 1 egg white
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 1 tsp orange zest
  • 2 tbsp organic coconut aminos
  • 1 tbsp raw honey
  • 1 tsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp red chili flakes
  • 1/4 tsp sea salt

Clean swaps

How we upgrade the restaurant version with better ingredients.

  • Canola or vegetable oil (typical restaurant) → Avocado oil — Eliminates inflammatory omega-6 rich industrial seed oils.
  • Refined white sugar → Raw honey — Provides natural sweetness without the blood sugar spike of refined sugars.
  • Artificial orange flavoring → Fresh orange juice and zest — Ensures real flavor profile without synthetic chemical additives.

Instructions

  1. Whisk the egg white, arrowroot starch, ginger, and sea salt in a large bowl to create a thick coating.
  2. Add the cubed chicken to the mixture and toss until every piece is thoroughly coated.
  3. Heat the avocado oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
  4. Fry the chicken pieces in batches until golden brown and crispy (about 5-7 minutes), then drain on a paper towel.
  5. In a small saucepan, combine orange juice, zest, coconut aminos, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, and chili flakes.
  6. Simmer the sauce over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until it begins to thicken slightly.
  7. Add the fried chicken back into the pan and toss rapidly to coat every piece in the glaze.
  8. Serve immediately over steamed organic broccoli or quinoa.

FAQ

Is this version gluten-free?

Yes, by using arrowroot starch instead of wheat flour, this dish is naturally gluten-free.

Can I use maple syrup instead of honey?

Absolutely! Maple syrup works beautifully as a substitute for honey while maintaining the clean-eating profile.

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