This Paleo Sticky Orange Sunflower Chicken has so much flavor and is easy to make. A healthy Whole30, gluten free and dairy free meal that you will love!
This recipe came about in a different way than usual. I saw it on another bloggers site, noticed it was from a paleo cookbook, ordered the cookbook and asked the author if I could share it. She agreed and I'm so happy because I have made this too many times to count! As soon as I read the ingredient list I knew my husband would love it- he likes big, bold flavors and that is exactly what this chicken has.
This recipe is from Well Fed Weeknights by Melissa Joulwan. It's full of meals that can be made in 45 minutes of less and these are not boring in any way! If you are looking for fun, unique recipes that will get you our of your dinner rut then you will love this book! I have also tried a couple other recipes from the book (Thai Basil Beef and Mole Meatballs) and I'm super impressed with them!
This chicken is easy to make and while the ingredient list looks a little long, it comes together quickly. The slight sweetness from the orange paired with the sunflower butter, ginger, and fish sauce create an amazing combination of flavors that you might not think work together, but totally do. And let me tell you how important that orange is! One time I had already started making it and realized I only had grapefruit- yeah, not the same!
NOTE: I have made this recipe many, many times as written, but we are currently following a low-FODMAP diet right now so I left out the tomato paste, hot sauce and garlic this time and it was just as delicious!
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Paleo Sticky Orange Sunflower Chicken
Ingredients
Sticky Sauce
- 1 medium navel orange
- 2 cloves garlic diced*
- ¼ cup coconut aminos
- ¼ cup No Sugar Added SunButter
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste*
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened rice vinegar I use coconut vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce*
- 2 tablespoons arrowroot powder
Chicken
- 1 teaspoon powdered ginger
- 1 teaspoon coarse garlic powder*
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 8 boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 1 ½ pounds)
- 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425° and get out a 2-quart baking dish.
- Make the sauce: Zest and juice the orange into a small bowl. Add in the garlic, coconut aminos, sunflower butter, tomato paste, vinegar, fish sauce, hot sauce, and arrowroot powder. Whisk until fully combined and set aside.
- Prep the chicken: combine ginger, garlic powder, salt, coriander, and black pepper in a large bowl and mix it with a fork. Add the chicken to the spices and toss to coat.
- Add the oil to a large non-stick skillet and heat over medium-high heat for 2 minutes. Add the chicken in a single layer and brown it, undisturbed for 3-4 minutes. Flip the chicken and brown the other side for 1 minute then transfer to a 2-quart baking dish.
- Thicken the sauce: Pour the sauce into the pan that was used for the chicken and heat it, scrapping any brown bits in the pan, until it is thickened a little, 1-2 minutes. Pour the sauce over the chicken and bake for 15-20 minutes until the sauce has caramelized.
Kari - Get Inspired Everyday! says
I love orange chicken so much, and I'm intrigued by the sunbutter in the sauce, so creative!
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks, Kari! It is such a nice addition!
Emily @ Recipes to Nourish says
This looks so good! Lovely ingredients and that sauce!!! I love lots of sauce and this one sounds amazing.
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks, Emily! The sauce is everything! You would love it!
Cristina Curp says
The use of sunbutter in the sauce is genius! Love this recipe.
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks, Cristina! Wish I could take credit for that 😉
Michele Spring says
Oh cool! I love Mel's recipes. I cook from one her books at least 2 times a week, if not more. This is one I haven't tried yet though so I will definitely now do so!
Jessica DeMay says
You definitely need to, Michele! You'll love it!
Golden says
Made this! My husband gobbled this up and he's not even paleo!
Jessica DeMay says
That's awesome! Thanks for trying my recipe and for the great feedback!
Erin says
Made tonight for the family. It was great! Thank you for the recipe!!!
Jessica DeMay says
You're welcome, Erin! Thank you for trying it- I'm so glad your family liked it 🙂
Renee Kohley says
Oh my! This is mouthwatering! Thank you for the great dinner change up!
Jessica DeMay says
You're welcome, Renee!
Donna says
Chicken and orange is a great combo, can't wait to try this recipe - thanks for sharing xxD
Jessica DeMay says
Yes, such a great combo! Thanks, Donna!
Real Food with Dana says
The Well Fed cookbooks are my favorite!! And this is one of my favorite recipes from them 🙂 Which others are your favorites??
Jessica DeMay says
I have only tried 2 others, but plan to try more. They all have so much flavor!! I've tried the Mole Meatballs and Thai Basil Beef 🙂
Kay says
I love the Pad Thai!
Kay says
It’s from the first Well Fed cookbook.
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks, Kay! I'll have to check it out!
Mark Whelan says
The sticky sauce looks so thick and tasty! great recipe!
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks, Mark! It is! It caramelizes and becomes so good!