Description
Enjoy a healthier, homemade version of your favorite Chinese takeout dish with this easy baked orange chicken recipe. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 cup orange juice
- 0.5 cup soy sauce
- 0.25 cup rice vinegar
- 0.25 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- Orange slices and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, salt, and pepper.
- In another shallow dish, place the beaten eggs.
- In a third shallow dish, place the panko breadcrumbs.
- Dip each chicken piece first into the flour mixture, then into the egg, and finally coat it with panko breadcrumbs. Place the coated chicken on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- While the chicken is baking, prepare the sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, honey, ginger, and garlic. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry.
- Gradually whisk the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce. Continue to cook, stirring, until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
- Once the chicken is baked, add it to the saucepan with the orange sauce. Toss to coat the chicken evenly.
- Serve immediately, garnished with orange slices and sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
- For an extra crispy coating, you can double-dip the chicken in egg and panko.
- Adjust the sweetness and tanginess of the sauce to your preference by adding more brown sugar or rice vinegar.
- Serve with steamed rice and your favorite vegetables for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approximately 450
- Sugar: Approximately 30g
- Sodium: Approximately 1200mg
- Fat: Approximately 18g
- Saturated Fat: Approximately 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approximately 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 40g
- Fiber: Approximately 2g
- Protein: Approximately 30g
- Cholesterol: Approximately 100mg