Baked Orange Chicken Recipe

This Baked Orange Chicken bursts with bright, citrusy flavor, wrapped around tender bites of juicy chicken and kissed with a slightly sweet, savory glaze. The best part? It skips the fryer in favor of a simple oven-baked method, so you get all the brilliance of your favorite takeout with none of the mess. Whether you’re new to making homemade Asian-inspired dishes or have been perfecting your stir-fry technique for years, this recipe is destined to win a spot in your regular dinner rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering ingredients for Baked Orange Chicken is refreshingly straightforward—each simple component offers a special contribution, from color and aroma to that craveable sticky-smooth sauce. Here’s exactly what you’ll need to make this dish shine:

• Chicken breasts: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for tender results and easy slicing once baked.
• Fresh garlic: Minced garlic packs a punch and deepens the overall savoriness.
• Fresh ginger: A bit of grated ginger brightens the sauce with zippy warmth.
• Freshly squeezed orange juice: Opt for fresh oranges—their natural sweetness and lively tang truly make the sauce irresistible.
• Orange zest: Don’t skip the zest; it infuses the dish with intense citrus fragrance and color.
• Low-sodium soy sauce: Adds a balancing note of umami and keeps sodium in check.
• Honey (or maple syrup): Natural sweetness helps the glaze caramelize and adds gloss without becoming cloying.
• Cornstarch: Whisked into the marinade, this thickens everything into that luscious, clingy sauce.
• Green onions: Sliced for garnish, they bring a pop of color and a burst of freshness to each bite.
• Sesame seeds (optional): Sprinkle on for gentle crunch and a toasty finish.

How to Make Baked Orange Chicken

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly greasing a baking dish. This helps the chicken cook evenly and keeps sticking at bay. A glass or ceramic dish works wonderfully, offering even heat and easy clean-up. Give yourself a head start while things heat up so the rest of your Baked Orange Chicken comes together smoothly.

Step 2: Make the Orange Marinade

In a medium bowl, whisk together the freshly squeezed orange juice, orange zest, low-sodium soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), minced garlic, and grated ginger. This marinade is where all that dazzling sweet-tangy flavor begins. Use a hand whisk to ensure the honey dissolves fully, melding all the flavors together into a golden aromatic bath that smells like sunshine.

Step 3: Add Cornstarch for That Silky Sauce

Sprinkle the cornstarch into the marinade and whisk until it’s completely dissolved. This little trick guarantees you get that thick, glossy sauce clinging to every piece of chicken—no runny sauces here! If you want your sauce extra-thick, you can add an extra half-tablespoon, but the base ratio is spot-on for perfect coating.

Step 4: Marinate the Chicken

Arrange your chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish, then pour half the marinade overtop. Turn the chicken a couple of times, making sure it’s fully coated in that citrusy magic. The remaining marinade stays behind for now—don’t worry, it gets used later!

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear—ideally, you want an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Baking keeps the meat juicy and healthy while letting the flavors infuse.

Step 6: Glaze and Finish

During the final 5 minutes of baking, remove the chicken from the oven, and drizzle the reserved marinade over the top. Pop it back in, letting the sauce thicken and bubble, creating that sticky, orange-glossed finish that makes Baked Orange Chicken completely irresistible.

Step 7: Rest and Slice

Let your chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing; this keeps the juices sealed inside, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful. Serve over steamed rice, tender noodles, or even a crisp salad. Generously sprinkle with green onions and a cascade of sesame seeds for the final touch!

How to Serve Baked Orange Chicken

Garnishes

Garnishing Baked Orange Chicken is all about adding fresh pops of color and flavor. Bright green onions and toasted sesame seeds complement the sauce’s citrus notes and provide a satisfying contrast in texture. Don’t be shy—pile on the green onions at the end and even add a little extra orange zest if you’re in the mood for extra zing.

Side Dishes

Plain steamed rice is a classic sidekick, soaking up every last drop of that gorgeous orange sauce. For something heartier, serve it over your favorite noodles or alongside stir-fried vegetables—think snap peas, bell peppers, or bok choy—for extra freshness and crunch. The bold flavors of Baked Orange Chicken pair beautifully with simple sides, letting the main dish shine.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to switch things up, slice the chicken and tuck it into warm lettuce wraps, or use it as a wow-factor protein in a colorful rice bowl. For parties or gatherings, chop the Baked Orange Chicken into bite-sized pieces and skewer onto mini sticks for a shareable appetizer that will disappear in minutes!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Baked Orange Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce tastes even better the next day, and the chicken stays tender—just make sure it’s cooled to room temperature before sealing it up.

Freezing

To freeze, slice the chicken and pack it in a freezer-safe bag or container along with extra sauce. The flavors hold up beautifully for up to 2 months. When you’re ready for a speedy weeknight dinner, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat as desired.

Reheating

Gently reheat Baked Orange Chicken in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or fresh orange juice if the sauce has thickened too much. The microwave works in a pinch—just do it in short bursts to prevent the chicken from drying out. For that just-baked effect, finish under the broiler for a minute to refresh the glossy glaze.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs stay wonderfully juicy when baked and offer even more flavor. Just keep an eye on cooking time, as thighs may need an extra 5 minutes in the oven.

How can I make Baked Orange Chicken gluten-free?

To go gluten-free, simply swap out soy sauce for tamari or a certified gluten-free alternative. Double-check other packaged ingredients to ensure everything is safe for your needs.

Is there a substitute for honey?

If you prefer, you can use pure maple syrup or even agave syrup in place of honey. Each option offers a subtly different flavor profile, but all will provide the same delicious sticky-sweet finish.

Can I prep Baked Orange Chicken ahead for meal prep?

Definitely! You can assemble the marinade and chicken in the morning (or the night before), allowing the flavors to infuse even more deeply. When ready to eat, simply pop your dish in the oven and continue with the recipe as directed.

What’s the best way to zest an orange?

Use a microplane or fine grater to zest only the bright orange layer, avoiding the white pith underneath. The zest holds intense oils and flavor, making it a key ingredient for elevating the citrus kick in this Baked Orange Chicken.

Final Thoughts

Baked Orange Chicken is comfort food with a lively, sunny twist—easy enough for busy weeknights, but impressive enough to wow friends or family at the table. If you’re looking to brighten up your dinner routine with something fresh, flavorful, and a little bit special, this is the recipe to try. Give it a go, and watch it become one of your new favorites!

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