Name: Baked Orange Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Chinese-American
Ingredients: 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup cornstarch; 2 eggs, beaten; 3 tablespoons oil; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup orange juice; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 teaspoon garlic, finely chopped; 1 teaspoon red chili flakes; 1 teaspoon orange zest; 1 teaspoon cornstarch; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons green onion, sliced

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 60 reviews

If you’re craving a dish that bursts with vibrant citrus flavor and tender, juicy chicken, you’ve got to try this Baked Orange Chicken Recipe. It’s a perfect blend of sweet and tangy orange sauce hugging crispy, golden chicken pieces baked to perfection. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a comforting meal that’s ideal for weeknights but impressive enough for guests. Once you taste the bright, zesty sauce married with the satisfying crunch and softness of the chicken, this will quickly become a favorite in your dinner rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a gray bowl in the center filled with raw, pink chicken chunks. Around the bowl are small white bowls holding light brown sugar and white powdery flour. There are also tiny clear bowls with white salt and black pepper. A small glass bottle of golden olive oil and a small glass of bright orange juice sit on the top right and bottom right. Near the center right are small wooden bowls with green chopped green onions, pale white sesame seeds, and red crushed chili flakes. Half an orange with bright orange flesh lies near the top right. At the bottom left, two brown eggs rest in a white ceramic egg holder, next to a small glass of clear liquid and a small glass of dark soy sauce. The whole layout is set on a white marbled surface with a striped cloth on the bottom left edge. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Don’t be fooled by the short list—each ingredient plays a crucial role in layering flavors and creating that irresistible texture and color in this dish. Simple pantry staples and fresh touches combine to make this recipe straightforward and foolproof.

Chicken breast (1 pound): Bite-sized for quick cooking and maximum sauce coverage.
Ground pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds subtle heat and balances the sweetness.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon plus 1 teaspoon for sauce): Enhances all the flavors beautifully.
Cornstarch (1 cup + 1 teaspoon for sauce): Key to getting that perfect crispy coating and thickening the sauce.
Eggs (2, beaten): Helps the cornstarch stick to the chicken for a crispy crust.
Oil (3 tablespoons): For a quick sear that locks in juicy chicken before baking.
Brown sugar (1/2 cup): Brings warm sweetness, balancing the tang of the orange.
Orange juice (1/2 cup): The star ingredient that infuses the chicken with fresh citrus notes.
Rice vinegar (2 tablespoons): Adds mild acidity and a little zing to the sauce.
Soy sauce (1 tablespoon): Gives depth and a hint of savory umami.
Garlic (1 teaspoon, finely chopped): Adds aromatic savoriness to every bite.
Red chili flakes (1 teaspoon): For a gentle kick that wakes up the palate.
Orange zest (1 teaspoon): Intensifies the orange flavor with bright fragrant oils.
Green onion (2 tablespoons, chopped): For a fresh, colorful garnish that adds texture.

How to Make Baked Orange Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Then, cut your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces for even cooking. Season them simply with salt and pepper, making sure each piece is well coated. This simple seasoning helps the natural flavor of the chicken shine through and primes it for the delicious coating and sauce to come.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

Now it’s time for the fun part—dredging. Dip each piece first into cornstarch, creating a light, crisp base layer, then into the beaten eggs to help the coating stick perfectly. This double coating is what gives your baked chicken that delightfully crispy texture without deep-frying. Work through all the pieces until they’re evenly coated and ready for the stovetop.

Step 3: Brown the Chicken

Heat your oil in a pan and add the chicken pieces in batches, frying briefly until they’re golden and just browned—about 4 to 5 minutes. This step isn’t about cooking them through but building a delicious crust and locking in juices. Browning also adds beautiful color and flavor, which makes the finished dish even more irresistible.

Step 4: Make the Orange Sauce

While the chicken is browning, whisk together all the sauce ingredients in a medium bowl: brown sugar, orange juice, rice vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, red chili flakes, orange zest, cornstarch, and salt. This mixture is where your dish gets its signature sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy kick. The cornstarch in the sauce will help thicken it up as it bakes, coating every morsel of chicken in sticky goodness.

Step 5: Bake and Baste

Place the browned chicken pieces into your prepared baking dish, then pour the orange sauce over the top. Pop it in the oven for 40 to 50 minutes. Every 15 minutes, open the oven and gently stir the chicken and sauce to ensure everything gets evenly coated and the sauce thickens beautifully. This slow bake allows the flavors to meld and intensify while the chicken finishes cooking to tender perfection.

How to Serve Baked Orange Chicken Recipe

The image shows a white rectangular dish filled with many crispy, golden-brown pieces of fried chicken evenly coated in a shiny, sticky orange sauce. The chicken pieces have a slightly rough texture with the sauce making them glisten. On top, there is a bright orange wedge placed near the upper left side of the dish. Small pieces of green onion and white sesame seeds are sprinkled over the chicken, adding color contrast. The sauce pools slightly at the edges of the dish, with hints of red chili flakes visible under the glaze. The white marbled surface below the dish is clean and bright. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Finishing touches like freshly chopped green onions add a pop of vibrant color and a mild onion flavor that complements the sweet sauce. A sprinkle of orange zest on top right before serving amps up the citrus aroma and makes your dish look as stunning as it tastes.

Side Dishes

Serve your Baked Orange Chicken Recipe with steamed white rice or fragrant jasmine rice to soak up all the luscious sauce. Steamed or roasted broccoli offers a fresh, slightly crunchy contrast, and a side of sautéed snap peas or a crisp green salad balances the richness with some lightness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the chicken in lettuce wraps for a light, finger-food style meal perfect for gatherings. You can also spoon the saucy chicken over a bed of cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option. For a fun twist, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds atop the finished dish or add slivered almonds for extra texture and presentation flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Baked Orange Chicken Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the sauce well-coated on the chicken will help preserve its moist texture and flavor. Before refrigerating, let it cool slightly but avoid letting it sit out too long to maintain food safety.

Freezing

You can freeze leftover baked orange chicken for up to 2 months. Place portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, ensuring the sauce covers the chicken pieces to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in the oven or on the stovetop to keep the chicken from drying out. If you use a microwave, reheat in short increments and stir to evenly warm the sauce. Adding a splash of water or orange juice while reheating can revive the sauce’s consistency and keep every bite juicy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add extra juiciness and flavor. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces and follow the same steps as with chicken breasts. You might need to adjust cooking time slightly, as thighs can take a bit longer to cook through.

Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has a gentle kick thanks to the red chili flakes, but it’s not overly spicy. You can easily adjust the amount of chili flakes up or down depending on your heat preference.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the orange sauce can be mixed in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready, just pour it over the chicken and bake as directed for a quick assembly.

What if I don’t have rice vinegar?

If rice vinegar isn’t available, you can substitute apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar, but use a little less since they can be more acidic. This way, you keep the perfect balance of tang in your sauce.

Can I bake the chicken without searing it first?

You can bake the chicken directly, but searing first gives you a much better texture and flavor. The quick browning locks in juices and creates a delicious crust that enhances this Baked Orange Chicken Recipe remarkably.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Orange Chicken Recipe is an absolute joy to make and even more delightful to eat. It’s approachable, packed with flavor, and perfect for turning a simple weeknight into a special occasion. Once you master this recipe, you might find yourself craving that bright, tangy goodness over and over. Give it a try, and watch how quickly it becomes a beloved staple in your kitchen!

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Baked Orange Chicken Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need