Baked Orange Chicken
When I think of comfort food, Baked Orange Chicken always comes to mind. It’s that perfect blend of crispy chicken and a sweet, tangy sauce that makes my taste buds dance.
This dish is not just a meal; it’s a quick solution for those busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
Whether you’re looking to impress your loved ones or simply treat yourself, this recipe is a winner. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be adding it to your regular dinner rotation!
Why You’ll Love This Baked Orange Chicken
Baked Orange Chicken is a game-changer for dinner.
It’s incredibly easy to whip up, making it perfect for those hectic evenings.
The flavors are a delightful balance of sweet and savory, ensuring every bite is a treat.
Plus, it’s baked, not fried, so you can enjoy that crispy texture without the guilt.
This dish is sure to become a family favorite, leaving everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients for Baked Orange Chicken
Creating the perfect Baked Orange Chicken starts with gathering the right ingredients.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: These are juicy and tender, making them ideal for this dish. You can also use chicken breasts for a leaner option.
- All-purpose flour: This forms the base of your coating, giving the chicken that crispy texture.
- Eggs: Beaten eggs help the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken, ensuring a delicious crunch.
- Panko breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style breadcrumbs add an extra layer of crispiness that regular breadcrumbs can’t match.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the flavor of the chicken.
- Garlic powder and onion powder: These spices add depth and a savory kick to the coating.
- Paprika: This gives a subtle smokiness and a beautiful color to the chicken.
- Orange juice: Freshly squeezed is best, as it brings that vibrant citrus flavor to the sauce.
- Honey: This adds sweetness and helps the sauce caramelize beautifully.
- Soy sauce: A savory component that balances the sweetness of the honey and orange juice.
- Rice vinegar: This adds a touch of acidity, brightening the overall flavor of the dish.
- Cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce, giving it a nice glossy finish.
- Grated orange zest: This intensifies the orange flavor, making the dish even more aromatic.
- Green onions and sesame seeds: These are optional garnishes that add a pop of color and flavor.
For those who want to experiment, consider adding chopped nuts like cashews or peanuts to the panko for extra crunch.
You can find the exact quantities for each ingredient at the bottom of the article, ready for printing!
How to Make Baked Orange Chicken
Making Baked Orange Chicken is a straightforward process that yields delicious results.
Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a mouthwatering dish ready in no time!
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F.
While it warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
This makes cleanup a breeze and helps the chicken crisp up nicely.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating
In a shallow dish, mix together the all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
This flavorful coating is what gives the chicken its delicious crunch.
Make sure everything is well combined for an even flavor.
Step 3: Dredge the Chicken
Take your bite-sized chicken pieces and coat them in the flour mixture.
Next, dip each piece into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
Finally, roll the chicken in the panko breadcrumbs, ensuring they’re fully covered.
This three-step process creates a crispy outer layer that’s simply irresistible.
Step 4: Bake the Chicken
Place the coated chicken pieces on your prepared baking sheet.
Bake them in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes.
Flip the chicken halfway through to ensure even cooking and a golden-brown finish.
You’ll know they’re done when they’re crispy and cooked through.
Step 5: Make the Orange Sauce
While the chicken is baking, it’s time to whip up the orange sauce.
In a small saucepan, combine the orange juice, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, cornstarch, and grated orange zest.
Heat over medium, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
This sauce is the star of the show, bringing that sweet and tangy flavor to life.
Step 6: Combine and Finish
Once the chicken is done baking, remove it from the oven.
Drizzle the thickened orange sauce over the chicken, tossing gently to coat each piece evenly.
Return the chicken to the oven for an additional 5 minutes.
This allows the sauce to caramelize slightly, enhancing the flavor even more.
Your Baked Orange Chicken is now ready to be served!
Tips for Success
- For extra crunch, mix in chopped nuts with the panko breadcrumbs.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking for juicier bites.
- Use fresh orange juice for the best flavor; it makes a noticeable difference.
- Don’t skip the flipping step; it ensures even cooking and browning.
- Feel free to adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey.
Equipment Needed
- Baking sheet: A standard sheet works, but a wire rack can help with airflow for extra crispiness.
- Parchment paper: This makes cleanup easy; aluminum foil is a good alternative.
- Shallow dishes: Use these for coating; any flat dish will do.
- Small saucepan: Essential for making the orange sauce; a skillet can work too.
Variations
- Spicy Orange Chicken: Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the orange sauce for a fiery kick.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with tofu or cauliflower for a plant-based twist.
- Orange Ginger Chicken: Incorporate fresh grated ginger into the sauce for an aromatic flavor boost.
- Honey Garlic Chicken: Swap out some of the orange juice for additional honey and add minced garlic to the sauce for a sweet-savory combo.
Serving Suggestions
- Steamed Rice: Serve your Baked Orange Chicken over fluffy white or brown rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Stir-Fried Vegetables: Pair it with colorful stir-fried veggies for a nutritious crunch.
- Refreshing Salad: A light cucumber or Asian slaw complements the dish perfectly.
- Drink Pairing: Enjoy with a chilled iced tea or a light beer for a refreshing touch.
FAQs about Baked Orange Chicken
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for Baked Orange Chicken?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts are a great substitute if you prefer a leaner option. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as they may cook a bit faster than thighs.
How can I make the orange sauce spicier?
If you’re looking to add some heat, simply mix in a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the orange sauce. It’ll give your dish a nice kick!
Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?
Yes! You can coat the chicken and store it in the fridge for a few hours before baking. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
What sides pair well with Baked Orange Chicken?
Steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a refreshing salad make excellent companions for this dish. They balance the flavors and add a nutritious touch.
Is Baked Orange Chicken gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, simply swap the all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free alternatives. It’s just as delicious!
Final Thoughts
Baked Orange Chicken is more than just a meal; it’s an experience that brings joy to the dinner table.
The combination of crispy chicken and that sweet, tangy sauce creates a symphony of flavors that delights the senses.
Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish is sure to impress and spark conversation.
Plus, it’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner yet special enough for gatherings.
So, roll up your sleeves, embrace the process, and enjoy the delicious rewards.
Trust me, once you serve this, it’ll become a cherished favorite in your home!
Print
Baked Orange Chicken: A Delicious Twist on Dinner!
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Baked Orange Chicken is a delicious twist on a classic dish, featuring crispy chicken coated in a sweet and tangy orange sauce.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a shallow dish, combine flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
- In another dish, place the beaten eggs.
- In a third dish, add the panko breadcrumbs.
- Coat each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it with panko breadcrumbs.
- Place the coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through, flipping halfway through.
- While the chicken is baking, prepare the orange sauce by combining orange juice, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, cornstarch, and orange zest in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
- Once the chicken is done baking, remove it from the oven and drizzle the orange sauce over the chicken, tossing to coat evenly.
- Return the chicken to the oven for an additional 5 minutes to allow the sauce to caramelize slightly.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
- For extra crunch, consider adding chopped nuts like cashews or peanuts to the panko mixture.
- You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts for a leaner option.
- For a spicier kick, add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the orange sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
