Indulge in the savory goodness of orange chicken, made easy with our baked recipe

Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of orange chicken without the hassle of deep-frying! This easy baked orange chicken recipe will guide you through creating a crispy, juicy, and addictive dish that will satisfy your cravings. With simple ingredients and a step-by-step guide, you’ll be able to whip up this delicious meal in no time.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

For the Orange Sauce:

• 1 cup orange juice
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon minced ginger
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil

For Baking:

• Cooking spray

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces. In a shallow dish, combine the cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper. Dredge the chicken pieces in the flour mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated.

2. Bake the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spray it with cooking spray. Place the chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and golden brown.

3. Make the Orange Sauce: While the chicken is baking, prepare the orange sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the orange juice, soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, orange zest, and sesame oil. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.

4. Combine the Chicken and Sauce: Remove the chicken from the oven and add it to the saucepan with the orange sauce. Stir to coat the chicken evenly.

5. Serve: Serve the baked orange chicken hot with your favorite sides, such as rice, noodles, or vegetables.

Tips

• For extra crispy chicken, bake it for a few minutes longer.
• If you don’t have orange zest, you can substitute it with 1 teaspoon of dried orange peel.
• You can adjust the spiciness of the sauce by adding more or less red pepper flakes.
• For a sweeter sauce, add an extra tablespoon of honey.

Variations

• Spicy Orange Chicken: Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the orange sauce for a spicy kick.
• Honey Garlic Orange Chicken: Add 2 tablespoons of honey and 1 tablespoon of minced garlic to the orange sauce for a sweet and savory flavor.
• Sesame Orange Chicken: Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds over the baked chicken before serving.

Nutritional Information

One serving (4 ounces) of baked orange chicken contains approximately:

• Calories: 250
• Fat: 10 grams
• Carbohydrates: 25 grams
• Protein: 20 grams

Summary: The Perfect Orange Chicken Recipe

This easy baked orange chicken recipe is a culinary masterpiece that combines the crispy texture of fried chicken with the sweet and tangy flavors of orange sauce. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe will guide you through creating a dish that will impress your family and friends.

Answers to Your Most Common Questions

1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but be sure to thaw them completely before dredging and baking.

2. Can I make the orange sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the orange sauce up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

3. What can I serve with baked orange chicken?

Baked orange chicken pairs well with rice, noodles, vegetables, or even a side salad.

4. Can I freeze baked orange chicken?

Yes, you can freeze baked orange chicken for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before freezing in an airtight container.

5. How can I reheat baked orange chicken?

To reheat baked orange chicken, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet and reheat for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.