Ingredients
- Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a leaner option, or thighs for a juicier bite.
- Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice adds natural sweetness and brightness to the sauce.
- Orange Zest: Adds depth to the orange flavor, balancing sweetness with a hint of bitterness.
- Soy Sauce: For a savory, umami taste. Low-sodium soy sauce is a good option to keep the saltiness in check.
- Honey or Brown Sugar: Adds the signature sweetness of orange chicken.
- Ginger and Garlic: Fresh ginger and garlic provide a warm, aromatic base.
- Cornstarch: To thicken the sauce and give the chicken a crispy coating.
- Vinegar: Rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar for a tangy twist.
- Sesame Oil (Optional): For a toasted, nutty finish to the sauce.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is high enough to crisp the chicken without drying it out.
- Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or a light coat of cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
- Cube the Chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized cubes for easy coating and even cooking.
- Coat with Cornstarch: In a bowl, toss the chicken cubes with cornstarch until they are evenly coated. This will help create a crisp texture when baked.
- Add Seasoning: Lightly season with salt and pepper, if desired.
Step 3: Bake the Chicken
- Spread the coated chicken cubes on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy. Cooking times may vary depending on your oven and the size of the chicken pieces.
Step 4: Make the Orange Sauce
- Combine Ingredients: In a saucepan, whisk together orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), minced garlic, minced ginger, and vinegar.
- Heat the Sauce: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently.
- Thicken with Cornstarch Slurry: In a separate small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water to make a slurry. Gradually add it to the sauce while stirring until it reaches the desired consistency.
- Finish with Sesame Oil (optional): Stir in a small dash of sesame oil for added depth.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
- Once the chicken is done baking, add it directly to the saucepan with the orange sauce. Toss until each piece is coated with sauce.
- Serve over rice or steamed vegetables, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes