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High Protein Gluten-Free Orange Chicken

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High Protein Gluten-Free Orange Chicken features crispy chicken thighs with edamame in a sweet and tangy orange sauce, delivering over 40g of protein per serving. Perfect for a flavorful and healthy dinner ready in 40 minutes.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch for coating
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
  • 1/4 cup tamari or gluten-free soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp orange zest
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch (for sauce thickening)
  • 2 tbsp water (for slurry)
  • 1 scoop unflavored or vanilla protein powder
  • 1 cup shelled edamame, cooked and drained
  • Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

  1. Coat chicken with 1/4 cup cornstarch until lightly powdered.
  2. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Cook chicken in batches 3–4 minutes per side until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove and set aside.
  3. Add garlic and ginger to remaining oil in skillet, stirring 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Whisk together orange juice, tamari, honey, rice vinegar, orange zest, sesame oil, and protein powder until smooth. Pour into skillet with aromatics.
  5. Mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water to make a slurry. Stir into sauce and simmer until glossy, 45–60 seconds.
  6. Return chicken and edamame to skillet. Toss to coat for 30–60 seconds. Remove from heat.
  7. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot.

Notes

  • Add 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes for extra spice.
  • Cook chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding.
  • Thighs are preferred for flavor and moisture; chicken breast can be used.
  • Whisk protein powder thoroughly to avoid clumps.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 4 days.
  • Author: lily
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American, Asian