Print
clockclock iconcutlerycutlery iconflagflag iconfolderfolder iconinstagraminstagram iconpinterestpinterest iconfacebookfacebook iconprintprint iconsquaressquares iconheartheart iconheart solidheart solid icon

Baked Orange Chicken: A Healthier Take on a Chinese-American Favorite

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

“Baked Orange Chicken is a healthier twist on the classic takeout favorite, featuring tender, bite-sized chicken pieces coated in a tangy, sweet orange sauce. Instead of frying, this recipe bakes the chicken to golden perfection, cutting down on calories and oil while keeping all the flavors you love. The homemade orange sauce combines fresh orange juice, honey, and a hint of ginger and garlic for a bright, aromatic kick. Perfect for meal prep or a family dinner, this baked orange chicken brings together crispy, savory bites with a citrusy glaze that’s both satisfying and nutritious. Serve over rice or with steamed veggies for a complete, easy meal!”

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

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

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is high enough to crisp the chicken without drying it out.
  2. Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or a light coat of cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

  1. Cube the Chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized cubes for easy coating and even cooking.
  2. 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.
  3. Add Seasoning: Lightly season with salt and pepper, if desired.

Step 3: Bake the Chicken

  1. Spread the coated chicken cubes on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
  2. 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

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a saucepan, whisk together orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), minced garlic, minced ginger, and vinegar.
  2. Heat the Sauce: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently.
  3. 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.
  4. Finish with Sesame Oil (optional): Stir in a small dash of sesame oil for added depth.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

  1. Once the chicken is done baking, add it directly to the saucepan with the orange sauce. Toss until each piece is coated with sauce.
  2. Serve over rice or steamed vegetables, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired.
  • Author: Clara
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
ADVERTISEMENT