Baked Orange Chicken is a delicious and healthier version of the popular Chinese takeout dish. This dish combines juicy chicken pieces with a sweet and tangy orange sauce for a mouth-watering and satisfying meal.
To make Baked Orange Chicken, chicken breast or thigh meat is cut into bite-sized pieces and seasoned with salt and pepper. It’s then baked in the oven until cooked through and crispy. Meanwhile, the sauce is made by combining freshly squeezed orange juice, zest, sugar, soy sauce, vinegar, and cornstarch in a saucepan. The sauce is cooked over medium heat until it thickens and then poured over the baked chicken.
One of the best things about Baked Orange Chicken is that it’s much healthier than traditional deep-fried versions. Baking the chicken instead of frying it cuts down on the fat and calories, making it a great option for anyone who’s trying to eat healthier. The orange sauce is also a great way to add flavor and natural sweetness to the dish, without relying on unhealthy ingredients like added sugars or artificial flavors.
This dish is often served with steamed rice, but it can also be paired with noodles, vegetables, or even a side salad. It’s a great choice for a weeknight dinner, and it’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Baked Orange Chicken Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice (about 4-5 oranges)
- 2 tablespoons orange zest
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- Green onions, chopped for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and crispy.
While the chicken is baking, prepare the sauce. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the orange juice, zest, sugar, soy sauce, and vinegar.
In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth. Gradually add the cornstarch mixture to the saucepan, whisking constantly, until the sauce has thickened.
Remove the saucepan from heat and set aside.
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and pour the sauce over the top, tossing to coat.
Serve the Baked Orange Chicken hot with steamed rice, noodles, or vegetables, and garnish with chopped green onions, if desired.
This Baked Orange Chicken is a healthier and delicious alternative to the traditional deep-fried version. With its crispy chicken pieces and sweet and tangy orange sauce, it’s sure to become a new favorite in your household.
Here are some tips to help you make the perfect Baked Orange Chicken:
Fresh is best:
Freshly squeezed orange juice is key to the delicious flavor of this dish. Try to use freshly squeezed orange juice instead of store-bought juice for the best results.
Don’t overcook the chicken:
Overcooking the chicken will make it dry and tough. Make sure to bake it just until it’s cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
Adjust the sauce to your liking:
If you like your sauce sweeter, add a little more sugar. If you prefer it tangier, add a little more vinegar. Adjust the seasonings to suit your tastes.
Serve it hot:
Baked Orange Chicken is best served hot and fresh from the oven. Reheating the leftovers will affect the texture of the chicken, so it’s best to eat it all in one sitting.
Get creative with the garnish:
Chopped green onions are a traditional garnish for this dish, but you can also top it with sesame seeds, chopped cilantro, or even a drizzle of sriracha sauce for a little extra heat.
Make it gluten-free:
To make this dish gluten-free, use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to making the perfect Baked Orange Chicken every time! Enjoy!
