Enjoy this delicious baked orange chicken recipe that’s better than takeout. It’s a healthier, homemade version of a classic favorite.
Author:Jen Rwanda
Prep Time:20 minutes
Cook Time:25 minutes
Total Time:45 minutes
Yield:4 servings
Category:Main Course
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 large egg, beaten
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/2 cup orange juice
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons cold water
Orange slices and chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with flour, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
Dip each chicken piece into the beaten egg, then roll in panko breadcrumbs until well coated.
Place the breaded chicken on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Drizzle with vegetable oil.
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
While the chicken is baking, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan, whisk together orange juice, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using).
In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry.
Heat the sauce over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Gradually whisk in the cornstarch slurry until the sauce thickens.
Once the chicken is baked, add it to the thickened orange sauce and toss to coat.
Serve immediately, garnished with orange slices and chopped green onions.
Notes
For extra crispy chicken, you can broil it for the last 1-2 minutes of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Adjust the sweetness and tanginess of the sauce to your preference by adding more honey or rice vinegar.
Serve with steamed rice or your favorite side dish.