Oven Baked Orange Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Oven Baked Orange Chicken is a delightful twist on a classic favorite, offering crispy chicken bites coated in a tangy, sweet orange sauce. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels both comforting and fresh.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds chicken breast
• 3 tablespoons corn starch
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• ¾ cup orange juice
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 orange (zest of)
• 1 tablespoon minced ginger
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350˚F.
2. Step 2: Cut the chicken into even bite-sized pieces, about 1 inch each. Stir the sesame oil into the chicken pieces, then toss them with cornstarch, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
3. Step 3: Transfer the chicken pieces to a large casserole dish and spread them out in a single layer. Bake for 10 minutes.
4. Step 4: While the chicken bakes, prepare the orange sauce by whisking together soy sauce, orange juice, brown sugar, orange zest, ginger, garlic, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and cornstarch in a saucepan.
5. Step 5: Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently until it thickens. Remove from heat once thickened.
6. Step 6: When the chicken has baked for 10 minutes, pour the orange sauce over it and toss to coat well. Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 4-6 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165˚F.
7. Step 7: Remove from the oven and garnish with green onions if desired. Serve warm with rice for a complete meal.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispiness, broil the chicken for 1-2 minutes after baking with the sauce.
• Use fresh orange juice and zest for the brightest flavor, or substitute with tangerine or mandarin juice if preferred.
• Add steamed vegetables like broccoli or snap peas to the casserole dish before baking for added nutrition.
• Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level or omit entirely for a milder sauce.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat to keep the chicken tender and prevent the sauce from burning.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well and can add extra juiciness. Adjust baking time accordingly, as thighs may take a few minutes longer to cook through.

Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely. Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce substitute instead of regular soy sauce, and ensure the cornstarch is certified gluten-free.

Oven Baked Orange Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 61 reviews

• Author: Ethan
• Total Time: 31 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Oven Baked Orange Chicken recipe offers a flavorful and healthier alternative to the traditional fried version. Tender chicken breast pieces are coated in cornstarch and seasonings, baked to perfection, and then tossed in a tangy and sweet homemade orange sauce. It’s an easy-to-make dish that delivers vibrant citrus flavors and pairs wonderfully with rice for a complete meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 2 pounds chicken breast, cut into 1-inch bite-sized pieces
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

Orange Sauce

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• ¾ cup orange juice
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 orange, zest only
• 1 tablespoon minced ginger
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

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Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350˚F (175˚C) to prepare for baking the chicken evenly.
2. Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into even, bite-sized pieces about 1 inch each. Toss the chicken pieces with sesame oil to coat them lightly. In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, then toss the chicken in this mixture until all pieces are evenly coated.
3. Bake the Chicken: Place the coated chicken pieces in a single layer inside a large casserole dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, allowing the coating to set and the chicken to start cooking.
4. Make the Orange Sauce: While the chicken is baking, whisk together soy sauce, orange juice, brown sugar, orange zest, minced ginger, minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and 2 tablespoons cornstarch in a saucepan. Place the pan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring frequently until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat once thickened.
5. Combine Chicken and Sauce: After 10 minutes of baking, remove the casserole dish from the oven. Pour the thickened orange sauce over the chicken pieces and toss gently to coat all the chicken evenly with the sauce.
6. Finish Baking: Return the casserole dish to the oven and bake for an additional 4 to 6 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165˚F (74˚C) and is fully cooked through.
7. Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped green onions if desired. Serve warm, ideally alongside steamed rice, for a delicious meal.

Notes

• Ensure chicken pieces are cut evenly to guarantee uniform cooking.
• Adjust brown sugar amount to taste if you prefer sweeter or less sweet sauce.
• Use fresh orange juice for the best citrus flavor; bottled orange juice can work but may alter taste slightly.
• Crushed red pepper flakes are optional and can be omitted for a milder sauce.
• This recipe pairs well with white rice, brown rice, or steamed vegetables.
• Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 16 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American-Chinese

Keywords: oven baked orange chicken, orange chicken recipe, healthy orange chicken, baked chicken, citrus chicken, easy dinner recipes, chicken with orange sauce