Description
This baked orange chicken recipe delivers a sweet and tangy flavor with crispy chicken, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner that’s healthier than takeout.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite size chunks
- 2 large eggs (helps the coating stick)
- 1/2 cup cornstarch (for crisp coating texture)
- 1/2 cup flour (for crisp coating texture)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt (to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper (to taste)
- Oil spray or a little tbsp neutral oil (for browning in the oven)
Orange Sauce
- 1/2 cup orange juice (fresh is great, bottled works fine)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (for savory balance)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar (for tang)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar or honey (for sweetness and stickiness)
- 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced (for flavor boost)
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced (for flavor boost)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water) (to thicken the sauce)
- Zest of 1 orange optional but enhances flavor
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil, and lightly oil it.
- In one bowl, beat the eggs. In another bowl, mix cornstarch, flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Dip chicken pieces in egg, then toss in the coating until every piece looks covered.
Baking Chicken
- Spread the coated chicken on the baking sheet in a single layer. Give the tops a quick spray of oil.
- Bake for about 15 minutes, flip each piece, spray again if needed, and bake another 10 to 15 minutes until golden and crisp.
Making the Sauce
- In a small saucepan, combine orange juice, soy sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and orange zest (if using). Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in your cornstarch slurry and cook for 1-2 minutes until it thickens and becomes glossy.
Serving
- Once the chicken is baked, toss it with the warm sauce. You can do this in a big bowl or pour sauce over the chicken on the sheet pan and gently stir.
- Serve immediately while still crisp.
Notes
For extra crispy chicken, make sure to give the chicken pieces enough space on the baking sheet. Keep warm sauce to coat right before serving. Refrigerate leftovers and reheat in the oven for best results.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: dinner, Main Course
- Cuisine: American, asian