Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Baked Orange Chicken is a delicious and healthier alternative to the classic fried version, with all the sweet and tangy flavors you love. The crispy, tender chicken is coated in a rich, homemade orange sauce that has the perfect balance of sweetness and citrusy zing. It’s easy to prepare, baked in the oven for a lighter twist, and served with a caramelized orange glaze that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Baked Orange Chicken Recipe

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1 large egg, beaten
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons olive oil (for brushing)

For the Orange Sauce:

1 cup fresh orange juice (about 2-3 oranges)
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
Zest of 1 orange (optional for extra flavor)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
Prepare the Chicken: In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Dip each chicken breast (or thigh) into the flour mixture, coating both sides evenly. Then dip it into the beaten egg, followed by the panko breadcrumbs, ensuring the chicken is well-coated.
Bake the Chicken: Arrange the coated chicken breasts or thighs on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly brush the tops with olive oil to help them crisp up while baking. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).
Make the Orange Sauce: While the chicken is baking, make the orange sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine the fresh orange juice, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Once it’s simmering, stir in the cornstarch-water mixture and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until the sauce thickens. If you want a more intense orange flavor, add the orange zest.
Coat the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked and crispy, remove it from the oven. Pour the orange sauce over the baked chicken, ensuring it’s evenly coated. You can also drizzle some extra sauce on the side for dipping.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve the baked orange chicken with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a simple salad. Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for an added touch.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 40-45 minutes

Variations

Add Heat: If you prefer a spicy kick, add a dash of red pepper flakes, chili paste, or a sliced jalapeño to the orange sauce.
Use Chicken Tenders: For quicker preparation, you can use chicken tenders instead of whole breasts or thighs.
Add Vegetables: You can toss some veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, or carrots in the oven alongside the chicken for a complete meal.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free breadcrumb option and gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover orange chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
Reheating: Reheat leftovers in the microwave or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes, or until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work perfectly in this recipe. They will stay juicier and tender but still get crispy when baked.

2. Can I make the orange sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it before serving.

3. How can I make the sauce spicier?

Add red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or chopped chili peppers to the sauce to give it an extra kick.

4. Can I use bottled orange juice instead of fresh?

While fresh orange juice gives the best flavor, you can use bottled juice if you don’t have fresh oranges on hand. Just make sure it’s 100% pure juice for the best result.

5. Can I fry the chicken instead of baking it?

Yes, if you prefer a fried version, you can heat oil in a skillet and fry the breaded chicken until golden brown and crispy. Be sure to cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

6. Can I make this recipe with tofu instead of chicken?

Yes, tofu can be a great substitute. Press the tofu to remove excess moisture, then bread and bake it just like the chicken for a vegetarian or vegan option.

7. How do I keep the chicken crispy?

To keep the chicken crispy, bake it on a rack instead of directly on a baking sheet to allow air circulation underneath. You can also brush it with a little olive oil to enhance crispiness.

8. Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?

You can, but it’s best to bake the chicken first for a crispy texture. You can then add the cooked chicken to the slow cooker and pour the orange sauce over it to heat through if you prefer a slow-cooked version.

9. How do I make this dish spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few tablespoons of chili sauce to the sauce to give it some heat.

10. Can I serve this with something other than rice?

Yes, this dish pairs well with a variety of sides, such as quinoa, steamed vegetables, or a simple green salad for a lighter option.

Conclusion

Baked Orange Chicken is a flavorful, lighter twist on the classic fried version, delivering all the sweet, tangy goodness you crave without the extra calories. The crispy chicken paired with the zesty orange sauce makes for a perfectly balanced dish that’s easy to make and sure to impress. Serve it with rice or your favorite sides, and you’ve got a delicious meal everyone will love!