Okay, picture this: How do I It’s a busy weeknight, the kind where everyone is running in different directions, and the last thing you want to do is to watch TV. What do you want to do in the kitchen? What do you crave? Where is this blog from?Baked Orange Chicken: How do youWhat is a recipe? Forget take-out – this is way better, healthier, and you can customize it to your exact liking. I always think of it as the weeknight cousin of the classic General Tso’s, but with a brighter, more modern flavor. Fresher twist thanks to the orange. Is it so simple that even my husband can make it? Is saying something?

What is baked orange chicken?

What exactly is the meaning of “whatisWhat is baked orange chicken? Think of it as tender, juicy pieces of chicken coated in a delicious, homemade orange sauce, baked. To golden perfection in the oven. Is this a healthier version of the classic fried orange chicken you’d find at your local grocery store? What is your favorite Chinese restaurant? What is the difference between using the oven to get that caramelized texture without using any kind of preservatives? All the extra oil and fuss of frying. What makes orange sauce so good? Is licking your plate clean good?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

What are some of the reasons why this baked orange chicken recipe has become a staple in our house? First off, the flavor is just amazing. What is the perfect balance of sweet and savory, with the bright citrus notes of the orange playing a role in the flavor. What is the best combination of savory chicken and ginger? Is there a flavor explosion in your mouth? Is it necessary to cook everything in the oven for a few minutes? I always do this when I know I’m going to be short on time. It’s also budget-friendly. What are some of the ingredients you already have in your pantry?

What I love about this is how versatile it is. Can you serve it over rice, noodles, quinoa – whatever your heart desires. Is it good as a topping for salads? If you’re looking for a similar recipe that’s equally delicious and easy, you should definitely definitely try it. What is your favorite lemon chicken recipe? Isn’t baked orange chicken a bad idea?

How do you bake orange chicken?

Quick Overview

What is the best way to make baked orange chicken? We start by prepping the chicken, tossing it with a little cornstarch to get nice and crispy in the middle. What is the star of the show? We combine everything, bake until golden and delicious, and serve it up. What is the best part? The oven does most of the work, leaving you free to tackle homework, catch up on homework. What is your favorite TV show? Is it a win-win?

Ingredients

For the chicken: What is the best
• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes. I prefer using chicken breasts, but you can also use chicken thighs if you like a richer flavor.
How do I get that crispy exterior without deep frying?
• 1 tablespoon olive oil. Any neutral oil will work, but I like the flavor of olive.
• Salt and pepper to taste. Always season generously!

How do I make orange sauce?
• 12 cup orange juice, fresh squeezed is best. Trust me, it makes a HUGE difference.
• ¼ cup soy sauce. I usually use low-sodium.
What is the perfect amount of honey?
• 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar. This adds a lovely tang that balances out the sweetness.
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger. Fresh ginger is a must! The flavor is so much more vibrant than dried.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced. Garlic makes everything better, right?
• 1 teaspoon orange zest. Adds extra orange flavor and aroma. Don’t skip it!
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch. To thicken the sauce.
• 1 tablespoon water. To mix with the cornstarch.

What are the steps to

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is heating, grease a baking sheet. I usually line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup, but it’s not absolutely necessary.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

In a large bowl, toss the chicken cubes with the cornstarch, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated. How does cornstarch help to create a crispy crust when baking?

Step 3: Bake the Chicken

Spread the chicken in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and lightly golden brown. I always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to make sure it’s at 165°F (74°C).

Step 4: Make the Orange Sauce

While the chicken is baking, whisk together the orange juice, soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar. Set aside. In a saucepan, combine ginger, garlic, and orange zest. Set aside. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Add beaten eggs and stir to combine. Serve hot

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create slurry. Stir the slurry into the simmering sauce and whisk constantly until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.

Step 6: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Once the chicken is cooked, add it to the saucepan with the orange sauce. Toss to coat chicken evenly with sauce.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the baked orange chicken immediately over rice, noodles, or your favorite side dish. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. My family loves steamed broccoli!

What should I serve it with?

This baked orange chicken is incredibly versatile, so you have tons of options when it comes to cooking. I’ve tried it all sorts of ways!

Over Rice:What is the best pairing of white rice, brown rice and quinoa? How does rice soak up the orange sauce?

With Noodles:What is the best way to serve lo mein noodles? A sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped green onions add a nice touch.

With Veggies:Serve it alongside steamed broccoli, green beans, or stir-fried vegetables for a healthy and delicious snack. My kids actually ask for broccoli when I make this dish!

In Lettuce Wraps:For a lighter option, spoon the chicken and sauce into crisp lettuce cups. What are some good ways to top carrots with sriracha?

My family tradition is to serve this every year on Chinese New Year. It’s become something we all look forward to. We serve it with rice, spring rolls, and fortune cookies, of course!

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Baked Orange Chicken

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that really take this baked orange chicken to the next level.

Fresh Orange Juice: Seriously, use fresh orange juice if you can. It makes a world of difference in the flavor of the sauce. I always squeeze my own. It’s worth it!

Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Overcooked chicken is dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s cooked to 165°F (74°C).

Crispy Chicken: For extra crispy chicken, you can broil it for a minute or two at the end of baking. Just keep a close eye on it so it doesn’t burn!

Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the orange sauce. A little goes a long way!

Ginger and Garlic: Fresh ginger and garlic are essential for the best flavor. Don’t skimp on these!

Ingredient Swaps: If you don’t have rice vinegar, you can use apple cider vinegar or white vinegar instead. If you don’t have honey, maple syrup can be a good substitute. I’ve tested this with agave syrup, and it’s okay too, but I really prefer honey. It just adds something special.

One time I accidentally used lime zest instead of orange zest. It was still good, but it definitely wasn’t the same! So pay attention when you’re zesting!

Storing and Reheating Tips

If you have any leftover baked orange chicken (which is rare in my house!), here’s how to store and reheat it:

Refrigerator Storage: Store the chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It tastes great the next day!

Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken. Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating: To reheat, you can microwave it for a few minutes, or reheat it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. I actually prefer reheating it in the oven. Spread it on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. It helps to crisp it up again!

I find that the glaze (the sauce) maintains its flavor and consistency best if the chicken is stored separately from the rice/noodles and the glaze itself. This prevents sogginess, ensuring that the chicken remains flavorful when you reheat it!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) and make sure your cornstarch is certified gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will give the dish a richer flavor. Just be sure to trim off any excess fat before cooking.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Definitely! Add your favorite stir-fry vegetables, such as broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas. Add them to the baking sheet with the chicken during the last 10 minutes of baking.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and the sauce separately ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator and combine them just before baking.

How can I make the sauce less sweet?

Reduce the amount of honey in the sauce, or add a splash of rice vinegar or soy sauce to balance out the sweetness.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it – my family’s favorite baked orange chicken recipe. It’s easy, delicious, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I really can’t recommend it enough. The flavor is just incredible, and it’s so much healthier than take-out. If you’re looking for other easy weeknight meals, be sure to check out my baked honey garlic chicken recipe as well! I’ve made them both countless times, and they never fail to bring smiles to the table. Now, I’m not exaggerating, you gotta make this dish for your family! It’s time to ditch those greasy takeout menus and embrace this easy, home-cooked goodness. Let me know how yours turns out in the comments below! I’d love to hear your variations and serving ideas! Happy baking…or, rather, happy cooking!