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Keto orange chicken bites coated in glossy citrus glaze in a serving bowl

Keto Orange Chicken

Jason Brooks
Crispy skillet-fried chicken bites coated in whey protein are tossed in a sticky, savory citrus glaze made from sugar-free marmalade and low-carb sauces for an easy takeout-style meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine Chinese
Servings 6 servings
Calories 293 kcal

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Food thermometer
  • Shallow bowls
  • Tongs

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch cubes
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1 ⅔ cup whey protein powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup sugar-free orange marmalade
  • 1 cup low carb BBQ sauce
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • Avocado oil, for frying

Instructions

  • Heat a large skillet over medium heat with avocado oil at a depth of 1 cm, using a thermometer to bring it to 325–350°F. The oil should be hot enough to bubble actively around the chicken when frying begins.
  • Prepare an egg wash by beating the eggs with the water in a shallow bowl, and combine the whey protein powder, baking powder, garlic powder, and salt in another shallow bowl. A uniform dry mixture helps distribute the seasoning throughout the crust.
  • Divide the chicken into 3–4 frying batches and dip the first batch into the egg wash, using one hand for the wet mixture and the other for the dry dredge. Each piece should have an even protein-powder covering before going directly into the skillet.
  • Place the coated pieces carefully into the oil and cook for about 2 ½ minutes per side. Look for a golden exterior, then check the thickest piece with a food thermometer for 165°F and continue cooking if it has not reached that temperature.
  • Transfer the cooked chicken to a paper towel-lined plate, then coat and fry the remaining batches in the same sequence. The finished crust should feel firm under gentle pressure from the tongs rather than soft and wet.
  • Remove the frying oil from the skillet carefully after completing the chicken. The pan should no longer contain a pool of oil when the sauce goes in.
  • Combine the orange marmalade, BBQ sauce, and soy sauce in a small bowl or glass measuring cup. Stir until the ingredients form an evenly blended glaze.
  • Add the glaze and fried chicken to the drained skillet, fold gently over medium heat for about 4–5 minutes, and serve immediately. The sauce should bubble, thicken, and cling to the chicken rather than collect as a watery puddle.

Notes

Batch coating: Bread only one batch of chicken at a time right before placing it into hot oil, as leaving coated pieces on the counter allows the protein powder to absorb surface moisture and turn gummy.
Serving tip: Fold the chicken into the warm citrus glaze immediately before serving to keep the crust as crisp as possible before the sauce softens it.
Storage and reheating: Store leftover chicken and glaze in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator whenever possible. Reheat unsauced chicken in a dry skillet or air fryer to restore surface crispness before tossing with warm glaze.
Nutrition information is an estimate based on common ingredients and serving sizes. Values may vary depending on brands, portions, and substitutions.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Keto Orange Chicken
Amount per Serving
Calories
293
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
3
g
5
%
Saturated Fat
 
1
g
6
%
Cholesterol
 
115
mg
38
%
Sodium
 
650
mg
28
%
Potassium
 
450
mg
13
%
Carbohydrates
 
18.6
g
6
%
Fiber
 
1
g
4
%
Sugar
 
1
g
1
%
Protein
 
52.8
g
106
%
Vitamin A
 
150
IU
3
%
Vitamin C
 
4
mg
5
%
Calcium
 
180
mg
18
%
Iron
 
1.5
mg
8
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Keyword keto orange chicken, low carb Chinese takeout, sugar-free orange chicken
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