Description
Baked Orange Chicken is a healthier twist on the classic fried version. Tender chicken coated in a crispy breadcrumb crust is smothered in a tangy and sweet homemade orange sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this dish is easy to prepare and packed with flavor.
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)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it with cooking spray.
- In a shallow bowl, combine flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Dip each chicken breast (or thigh) into the flour mixture, coating both sides, then dip into the beaten egg, and coat with panko breadcrumbs.
- Arrange the breaded chicken on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly brush with olive oil. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).
- Meanwhile, prepare the orange sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine orange juice, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, ginger, and garlic. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Stir in the cornstarch-water mixture and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens. Add the orange zest for extra flavor, if desired.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and pour the orange sauce over it, ensuring the chicken is well-coated. Serve with extra sauce on the side for dipping, if desired.
- Serve the baked orange chicken with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a simple salad. Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds for added flair.
Notes
- Add red pepper flakes or chili sauce to the sauce for a spicy version.
- If using chicken tenders, the cooking time will be shorter. Adjust accordingly.
- This recipe can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour.
- To make it vegetarian or vegan, swap the chicken for tofu and bake in the same way.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Chinese-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast or thigh
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
