Sticky Orange Glazed Chicken

By: @mariehealthyhill Marie Hemphill

There’s something irresistible about Orange Chicken—the sticky glaze, the savory-sweet balance, and the juicy chicken pieces that just melt in your mouth. But if you’ve ever wondered what goes into your favorite takeout version, you might hesitate before making it a regular part of your meals. The good news? With this Sticky Orange Glazed Chicken recipe, you can enjoy all the flavor you love, made with cleaner, healthier ingredients right in your own kitchen.

“The Ick” with Typical Takeout Orange Chicken

Takeout Orange Chicken often comes with a few hidden drawbacks—things like MSG, excess sodium, gluten, and soy. These ingredients can leave you feeling bloated, overly full, far from microbiome friendly, raises inflammation, and for those with dietary restrictions or sensitivities, it’s not a good option.

That’s where this homemade version shines. Not only does it capture the bold, satisfying flavors you crave, but it does so with wholesome, real ingredients. You’ll skip the artificial additives and excess salt while still delivering a dish that feels indulgent and restaurant-quality.

What Makes This Recipe Better

This Sticky Orange Glazed Chicken recipe is packed with flavor while staying clean and free of unnecessary fillers. Here’s how we did it:

1. No MSG or Excess Sodium:
   Instead of soy sauce, this recipe uses coconut aminos, a naturally low-sodium, gluten-free alternative. Coconut aminos bring a hint of natural sweetness that complements the orange glaze perfectly.
2. Gluten-Free and Grain-Free:
   By using arrowroot starch instead of traditional cornstarch or flour, this recipe is completely gluten-free and grain-free. Arrowroot crisps up beautifully, giving the chicken a golden crust without the need for heavy frying.
3. No Soy:
   Whether you’re avoiding soy for dietary reasons or simply prefer alternatives, this recipe eliminates soy-based sauces entirely. Instead, the combination of coconut aminos and fresh orange juice creates a rich, flavorful sauce that’s naturally sweet and savory.
4. Real Ingredients, No Additives:
   Fresh garlic, ginger, and orange zest provide all the bold, vibrant flavors you need—no artificial flavors or additives required. Plus, the addition of chicken bone broth adds depth and nutrition to the dish.
5. Broccoli for Balance:
   Tossing in 2 ½ cups of crisp-tender broccoli not only balances the richness of the sticky glaze but also adds fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants to this meal, turning it into a nutrient-packed dinner.

Star Ingredients with Health Benefits

• Oranges: Fresh orange zest and juice provide a natural sweetness and a healthy dose of vitamin C to boost your immune system.
• Coconut Aminos: A soy-free, gluten-free alternative to soy sauce, coconut aminos are lower in sodium and packed with natural umami flavor.
• Bone Broth: Deglazing the pan with chicken bone broth enhances the sauce with collagen and nutrients that support joint and skin health.
• Ginger and Garlic: These two powerhouse ingredients not only pack flavor but also come with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making this dish as healthy as it is delicious.

Why You’ll Love It

This Sticky Orange Glazed Chicken isn’t just a better-for-you version of a takeout classic—it’s also easy to make and endlessly customizable. Feel free to toss in additional veggies like snap peas, carrots, or bell peppers, or adjust the level of sweetness and spice to suit your palate. With every bite, you’ll know exactly what went into your dish—and you’ll love how fresh and flavorful it tastes.

Say goodbye to takeout menus and hello to a meal that’s just as crave-worthy, but so much better for you. It’s time to take control of your Orange Chicken cravings, one sticky, delicious bite at a time.

Sticky Orange Glazed Chicken

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup + 1 tbsp avocado oil
• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts – cubed
• Kosher salt
• ¼ cup arrowroot starch
• 1 medium yellow onion – diced
• 5 cloves garlic – minced
• 1 (2-inch) piece fresh ginger – minced
• 2/3 cup coconut aminos
• 1 medium orange – zested and juiced
• 2 tbsp honey
• 3 tbsp sesame oil
• ¼ cup chicken bone broth
• 2½ cups broccoli florets – chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tsp sesame seeds – for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook the Chicken:
   Heat ¼ cup avocado oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Pat chicken dry, sprinkle with salt, and toss with arrowroot starch until evenly coated. Fry in batches, 3 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
2. Steam Broccoli:
   Add 1 tbsp avocado oil to the same pan. Toss in broccoli and a pinch of salt. Sauté for 3 minutes, then add a splash of water. Cover and steam for 2 minutes until crisp-tender. Remove and set aside.
3. Deglaze the Pan:
   Pour in ¼ cup chicken bone broth, scraping up the browned bits. Let it simmer for 1 minute to reduce slightly.
4. Make the Sauce:
   Stir in the onion, garlic, and ginger, cooking for 2–3 minutes until fragrant. Add the coconut aminos, orange juice, zest, and honey. Let the sauce simmer until thickened, about 3–4 minutes. Add the sesame oil and stir.
5. Combine and Serve:
   Return chicken and broccoli to the pan, tossing everything in the sauce until coated and warmed through. Serve immediately with a sprinkle of sesame seeds.