No Sugar Added Paleo Orange Cashew Chicken (Gluten Free + Dairy Free)

Introduction

If you’re looking for a better-for-you spin on classic takeout flavors, this No Sugar Added Paleo Orange Cashew Chicken brings tangy citrus, crunchy cashews, and tender chicken together in a vibrant, mouthwatering dish—without any grains, dairy, or added sugars. It’s a weeknight favorite that satisfies both clean-eating and comfort food cravings, making it a standout among healthy meal options everyone will love.

Deliciously Unique Orange Cashew Chicken

What makes this recipe special is its winning combo of wholesome ingredients and bold flavor. Fresh orange juice and zest give the sauce a true citrus pop, while coconut aminos add depth and natural sweetness—no refined sugar needed! Tossed with crisp-tender vegetables and crunchy cashews, this dish checks all the boxes: gluten free, dairy free, and paleo-friendly, with a texture and taste that’s pure joy in every bite.

Building the Paleo Citrus Sauce

For a perfectly balanced sauce, start by whisking together freshly squeezed orange juice, coconut aminos, ginger, and garlic. A touch of arrowroot or tapioca starch thickens the sauce, ensuring that every piece of chicken gets coated with zesty goodness. The result? A glossy, fragrant sauce that hits ALL the right notes—sweet, tangy, and savory—naturally, and without compromise.

Crunchy Cashews, Tender Chicken

Choose boneless, skinless chicken thighs for added juiciness, or chicken breast for a leaner option. Lightly stir fry in avocado oil until golden. Add your fresh veggies (think broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers) and half your cashews towards the end for maximum crunch. The final stir—returning the chicken to the pan and pouring on the silky orange sauce—brings everything together in minutes.

Serving Suggestions for a Show Stopping Paleo Orange Cashew Chicken

Serve it over cauliflower rice or steamed veggies for a complete paleo meal. Garnish with extra toasted cashews, fresh orange zest, and sliced green onions to heighten flavor and presentation. This dish is equally at home at a dinner party or as a wholesome make-ahead lunch.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields 4 hearty servings. Each serving contains approximately 350 calories, 29g protein, 14g healthy fats, and naturally occurring sugars from fresh orange. Perfect for anyone managing their intake without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction.

No Sugar Added Orange Cashew Chicken (Recap)

This clean-eating version of a takeout favorite delivers a hit of sweet citrus, savory chicken, and nutty crunch—all with no added sugar, gluten, or dairy. Full of protein and healthy fats, it’s a crowd-friendly meal with feel-good ingredients.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and streamlined meal planning.

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, whisk together orange juice, zest, coconut aminos, vinegar, ginger, garlic, arrowroot, and water. Set aside.
2. Heat 1 tbsp oil over medium-high in a large skillet or wok. Add chicken, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and cook until lightly browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Remove chicken to a plate.
3. Add remaining oil to the pan. Stir fry broccoli (or other veggies) for 2–3 minutes until vibrant and crisp-tender. Add half of the cashews and toss to combine.
4. Return chicken to the pan. Pour orange sauce over chicken and vegetables. Stir well—sauce will quickly thicken and coat everything, about 1–2 minutes.
5. Remove from heat. Top with remaining cashews, green onions, and extra orange zest. Serve immediately over cauliflower rice or alongside your favorite paleo sides.

Weekly Meal Planning

This recipe fits perfectly into any healthy meal prep routine. Save and schedule this recipe to plan your week, generate a smart shopping list, and consolidate all needed ingredients.

Planning Benefits:

• Automatically totals ingredient amounts across all planned recipes
• Sorts your grocery list by store section for efficient shopping
• Reduces food waste by preventing duplicate or forgotten items
• Simplifies weekly meal prep and helps you stick to your dietary goals

Pro tip: If you’re making multiple healthy meals this week, schedule a batch to see all overlapping ingredients at a glance. For example, if you’re making two recipes with broccoli, your shopping list will automatically adjust the total amount needed—no guesswork required!

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes