Print
clockclock iconcutlerycutlery iconflagflag iconfolderfolder iconinstagraminstagram iconpinterestpinterest iconfacebookfacebook iconprintprint iconsquaressquares iconheartheart iconheart solidheart solid icon

Baked Orange Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.2 from 60 reviews

This baked orange chicken recipe delivers tender chicken pieces coated in a sweet, tangy orange sauce. Perfectly browned on the stovetop and then baked until the sauce thickens, it’s an easy and flavorful meal ideal for weeknight dinners.

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 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

For the Orange Sauce:

  • 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

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and set aside for later use.
  2. Season Chicken: In a mixing bowl, season the bite-sized chicken pieces with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper, ensuring all pieces are evenly coated.
  3. Coat Chicken: Dredge each seasoned chicken piece first in the cornstarch, then dip into the beaten eggs. Repeat for all pieces to create a crispy coating.
  4. Brown Chicken: Heat 3 tablespoons of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the coated chicken pieces and cook until they turn golden brown on all sides, about 4-5 minutes.
  5. Prepare Orange Sauce: While the chicken browns, in a medium bowl combine 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup orange juice, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon finely chopped garlic, 1 teaspoon red chili flakes, 1 teaspoon orange zest, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, and 1 teaspoon salt. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
  6. Bake Chicken with Sauce: Transfer the browned chicken pieces to the greased baking dish. Pour the prepared orange sauce evenly over the chicken.
  7. Baking and Stirring: Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 50 minutes. Every 15 minutes, remove the dish briefly to stir the chicken and sauce to ensure even cooking and to allow the sauce to thicken and coat the chicken well.
  8. Serve: Once the sauce has thickened and the chicken is fully cooked, serve warm. Garnish with sliced green onions and accompany with steamed rice and broccoli for a complete meal.

Notes

  • For extra crispiness, you can double coat the chicken pieces (cornstarch then egg, then cornstarch again) before browning.
  • Adjust the red chili flakes to your preferred spice level.
  • Ensure to stir the chicken every 15 minutes during baking to prevent sticking and to evenly coat with the sauce.
  • Serving with rice and steamed vegetables balances the sweetness of the sauce nicely.
  • Use fresh orange juice for the best flavor in your sauce.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Chinese-American

Find it online: https://ellarecipe.com/baked-orange-chicken-recipe/