BAKED ORANGE CHICKEN

Baked Orange Chicken is a delicious and healthier twist on the classic takeout favorite. This dish features tender pieces of chicken coated in a light, crispy breading, then baked to golden perfection. The chicken is tossed in a vibrant, tangy orange sauce that’s both sweet and slightly spicy, creating a flavorful dish that will satisfy your cravings without the guilt of deep frying. The baking process keeps the chicken juicy on the inside and crisp on the outside, while the sticky orange glaze adds a burst of citrusy goodness. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special meal, Baked Orange Chicken pairs wonderfully with steamed rice and fresh vegetables.

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken:
  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Cooking spray or oil for greasing the baking sheet
• For the Orange Sauce:
  • 1/2 cup fresh orange juice (about 2 oranges)
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
  • Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
2. Prepare the chicken: In a shallow bowl, mix together the flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. In another bowl, beat the eggs. Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture, then coat it in the flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating. Place the coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet.
3. Bake the chicken: Spray the top of the chicken with a light coating of cooking spray or drizzle with a small amount of oil to help it crisp up in the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, turning the chicken pieces halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
4. Make the orange sauce: While the chicken is baking, prepare the orange sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine the orange juice, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, orange zest, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Once simmering, stir in the cornstarch-water mixture and cook until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the sesame oil.
5. Toss the chicken in the sauce: Once the chicken is done baking, transfer the pieces to a large bowl. Pour the orange sauce over the chicken and toss until all the pieces are evenly coated.
6. Serve: Garnish the Baked Orange Chicken with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot over steamed rice, with a side of steamed vegetables like broccoli or snap peas.

Baked Orange Chicken offers all the flavors you love from the traditional dish, with a lighter touch. The zesty orange sauce clings to the crispy baked chicken, making it a perfect dish for a satisfying and healthier dinner at home.