Baked Orange Chicken Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with Baked Orange Chicken—the ultimate crowd-pleaser that’s crispy, saucy, and bursting with citrusy flavor! This homemade take on a popular takeout classic is the kind of recipe you’ll want to add to your weekly rotation. Forget deep-frying: baking brings out all the golden crunch you crave, with a gloriously sticky orange glaze to finish. The result is irresistibly tangy and sweet, with tender chicken pieces that even picky eaters will devour. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or making a quick weeknight meal, this Baked Orange Chicken is a guaranteed hit you’ll be proud to serve.

Ingredients You’ll Need

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Baked Orange Chicken comes from its simple yet thoughtful ingredients. Each element has an important role, from the juicy chicken to the bright citrus and signature Asian-inspired seasonings that bring everything together. Gather these pantry staples, and you’ll be amazed by how easy it is to create a dish with such rich flavor and tempting color!

• Chicken thighs or breasts: Use boneless, skinless pieces for the perfect balance of tenderness and flavor.
• Cornstarch: Helps create that irresistible light, crispy coating without any frying.
• Eggs: Essential for binding the coating to the chicken and giving structure to each bite.
• Fresh orange juice: The heart and soul of the sauce, delivering natural sweetness and zingy citrus notes.
• Orange zest: Packs a punch of concentrated orange flavor, elevating the sauce to new heights.
• Soy sauce: Adds savory depth and saltiness, balancing the orange’s sweetness beautifully.
• Rice vinegar: Lends a hint of sharpness to keep the sauce bright and lively.
• Brown sugar: Brings a rich caramel sweetness that perfectly rounds out the tangy sauce.
• Garlic and ginger: These aromatic staples infuse every bite with warmth and complexity.
• Sesame oil: Just a dash is all you need for that authentic, nutty character.
• Green onions and sesame seeds (for garnish): A pop of color and crunch to finish your platter.

How to Make Baked Orange Chicken

Step 1: Prep and Coat the Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy clean-up. Cut your boneless chicken into bite-sized chunks. Dip each piece first in beaten egg, then dredge it in cornstarch to form an even, light coating; this is what gives your Baked Orange Chicken its signature crispy texture—in the oven, not the fryer!

Step 2: Bake the Chicken

Arrange your coated chicken pieces in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet, leaving a touch of space between each piece for that perfect crisp. Give them a quick spritz with cooking oil spray for extra crunch, then bake for 22–25 minutes, flipping halfway through. They should be golden and cooked through—no soggy spots!

Step 3: Whisk Up the Orange Sauce

While the chicken bakes, combine orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated fresh ginger, and a splash of sesame oil in a saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer, whisking to dissolve the sugar and blend the flavors. In a separate bowl, make a quick slurry with a teaspoon of cornstarch and a tablespoon of water. Stir this into the simmering sauce to thicken it to that glorious, sticky consistency you know and love.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Once your chicken is gloriously crisp, transfer it to a large bowl. Pour the hot, glossy orange sauce over the top and toss gently until every morsel is luxuriously coated. Let the flavors mingle for a minute before plating, so each bite gets the full burst of sweet, tangy, and savory goodness. Congratulations—you just made homemade Baked Orange Chicken!

How to Serve Baked Orange Chicken

Garnishes

Garnishes matter! Sprinkle your Baked Orange Chicken with freshly sliced green onions and a generous dusting of toasted sesame seeds. This not only brings a fresh, vibrant crunch, but also makes the dish pop with color for an irresistible presentation.

Side Dishes

Serve your Baked Orange Chicken over a fluffy bed of steamed jasmine rice or nutty brown rice to soak up every drop of that delicious sauce. For a balanced plate, add steamed broccoli, sugar snap peas, or a quick Asian cucumber salad on the side. It’s a complete meal that tastes like you ordered in—only better!

Creative Ways to Present

Feeling adventurous? Pile the Baked Orange Chicken into lettuce wraps for a fun, hand-held option, or serve it as a crowd-pleasing appetizer skewered on toothpicks for parties. It’s also smashing tossed over stir-fried noodles or spooned onto bao buns for a playful twist that never fails to delight.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Baked Orange Chicken? Lucky you! Store any cooled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors deepen beautifully overnight, making your next meal just as crave-worthy as the first.

Freezing

Want to save some for a rainy day? Freeze individual portions of the chicken (without garnishes) in freezer-safe bags or containers. Let them cool completely before freezing, and they’ll keep well for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

To recapture that crispiness, reheat Baked Orange Chicken in a 350-degree oven for 10-12 minutes, or until warmed through. Microwaving works in a pinch, but an oven or air fryer will bring back the best texture and flavor every time.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for Baked Orange Chicken?

Absolutely! Both chicken breasts and thighs work beautifully. Breasts are leaner and a bit firmer, while thighs bring extra juiciness and flavor. Just cut the pieces to a uniform size for even cooking.

Is Baked Orange Chicken gluten-free?

With just a couple tweaks, it can be! Replace the soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce, and double-check your cornstarch is certified gluten-free. That’s all you need for a delicious gluten-free meal.

Can I make the sauce spicier?

Definitely! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, a squeeze of sriracha, or diced fresh chilies to the sauce. The beauty of Baked Orange Chicken is how customizable it is—spice it up to your heart’s content.

How do I keep the chicken crispy after adding the sauce?

For maximum crunch, don’t add the sauce until just before serving. You can also serve the sauce on the side for dipping, especially if you’re prepping ahead for a party crowd.

Can I make Baked Orange Chicken ahead of time?

Yes! Bake the chicken and prepare the sauce separately. When you’re ready to eat, quickly reheat both, then toss together right before serving for the best taste and texture.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about sharing a big platter of sizzling Baked Orange Chicken with friends and family. It brings smiles, sparks conversation, and proves homemade classics can truly outshine any takeout. Give yourself the treat of making this recipe—you’ll be hooked from the very first bite!

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