Description
Enjoy a healthier version of your favorite Chinese takeout dish with this baked orange chicken recipe. It’s crispy, flavorful, and made right in your oven!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- For the Sauce:
- 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed is best)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Optional Garnish:
- Sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a shallow dish, combine flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- In another shallow dish, whisk the eggs.
- In a third shallow dish, place the panko breadcrumbs.
- Dredge each piece of chicken first in the flour mixture, shaking off excess. Then dip it into the beaten eggs, letting any excess drip off. Finally, coat thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs.
- Place the breaded chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through, flipping halfway through.
- While the chicken bakes, prepare the sauce. In a saucepan, whisk together orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and cornstarch until smooth.
- Add the grated ginger and minced garlic to the saucepan.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the sesame oil.
- Once the chicken is baked, add the cooked chicken to the saucepan with the sauce. Toss gently to coat evenly.
- Serve immediately, garnished with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired.
Notes
- For crispier chicken, you can spray the panko-coated chicken with a little cooking spray before baking.
- If you prefer a spicier sauce, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey/maple syrup.
- Ensure you use fresh ginger and garlic for the best flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Entree
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 150mg