orange chicken recipe
Baked Orange Chicken is a healthier spin on the beloved takeout classic. This recipe pairs crispy baked chicken with a tangy, sweet, and citrusy orange sauce for a flavor-packed dinner ready in just 30 minutes.
Perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings, this dish captures all the magic of traditional orange chicken without the added calories from frying. With bold flavors and simple preparation, it’s a must-try meal for any fan of Asian-inspired cuisine.
Key Ingredients for Baked Orange Chicken
- Chicken thighs – Juicy and flavorful, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are the star of this recipe.
- Panko breadcrumbs – These provide the chicken with a light, crisp coating when baked.
- Fresh orange juice and zest – The heart of the sauce, delivering the dish’s signature citrusy tang.
- Fresh ginger and garlic – These aromatics add depth and warmth to the sauce.
- Soy sauce – Enhances the umami in the sauce while balancing the sweetness.
- Sugar and white vinegar – The perfect sweet-and-sour combination for a classic orange chicken sauce.
- Cornstarch – Thickens the sauce to coat the chicken evenly.
Easy Steps to Make Baked Orange Chicken
- Prep and bread the chicken: Coat bite-sized chicken pieces in flour, beaten egg, and panko breadcrumbs. Arrange on a baking sheet.
- Bake to perfection: Bake the chicken at 400°F until crispy and golden, about 20–25 minutes.
- Cook the sauce: Sauté aromatics, then stir in orange juice, zest, soy sauce, sugar, and vinegar. Simmer and thicken with a cornstarch slurry.
- Combine and serve: Toss the baked chicken in the sauce until coated. Serve hot with your favorite side dishes.
Tips for Crispy, Flavorful Orange Chicken
For an extra crispy coating, process the panko breadcrumbs to a finer texture before using. Ensure even coating on the chicken pieces for a consistent crunch. Brushing the chicken with a little oil before baking will help achieve a golden finish.
Want more heat? Add extra crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicier kick. You can also garnish with toasted sesame seeds or chopped green onions for added texture and flavor.
How to Store Leftovers
Store leftover Baked Orange Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F to preserve crispiness, or microwave for a quicker option, though the coating may soften. Freezing is not recommended, as the sauce can separate upon thawing.
Enjoy this healthier twist on a takeout favorite, and savor every tangy bite!
orange chicken recipe
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil divided
- 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh ginger minced
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons garlic minced
- 1 orange zested
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 10 tablespoons sugar
- 10 tablespoons white vinegar
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons rice wine or white wine
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Process the panko breadcrumbs in a food processor until finely ground, then transfer them to a shallow dish. Prepare three additional bowls for the chicken: one for the flour, one for the beaten eggs, and one for the chicken, cut into bite-sized chunks.
- Coat each chicken piece in flour, followed by the egg, and then the breadcrumbs. Arrange them on a baking sheet and lightly spray with cooking spray or brush with a small amount of vegetable oil. Bake for 20–25 minutes.
- While the chicken cooks, heat the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Sauté the ginger, garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes for about 30 seconds, or until aromatic.
- Combine the orange juice, zest, sugar, white vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice wine in the saucepan. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil. In a small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in a little water, then whisk it into the sauce. Allow it to simmer until thickened, then remove from heat.
- When the chicken is fully cooked, toss the crispy pieces in the prepared sauce until evenly coated. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- For added flavor, garnish with sesame seeds or green onions before serving.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.