Description
Easy Crispy Baked Orange Chicken is a healthier alternative to takeout, featuring oven-baked crispy chicken tossed in a tangy, sweet, and savory homemade orange sauce. Ready in 40 minutes, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray or a light drizzle of oil
For the Orange Sauce:
- 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed or store-bought)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1/4 cup honey or brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoons water to create a slurry)
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 teaspoon sriracha or red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
For Garnish:
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
- Additional orange zest (optional)
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a wire rack for even crisping.
-
Coat the Chicken
- Place cornstarch in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, and panko mixed with salt and black pepper in a third bowl.
- Dip each chicken piece into the cornstarch, then the beaten eggs, and finally the panko mixture, pressing lightly to coat evenly.
- Arrange coated chicken on the prepared baking sheet and lightly spray with cooking spray or drizzle with oil.
-
Bake the Chicken
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
-
Prepare the Orange Sauce
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine orange juice, soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, and sriracha (if using).
- Bring to a simmer, then stir in the cornstarch slurry. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Remove from heat and stir in sesame oil and orange zest.
-
Coat the Chicken in Sauce
- Transfer baked chicken to a large bowl.
- Pour orange sauce over chicken and toss gently to coat evenly.
-
Serve and Garnish
- Serve over steamed rice or noodles.
- Garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and additional orange zest if desired.
Notes
- Spicy Option: Add more sriracha or red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Gluten-Free Alternative: Use gluten-free soy sauce and breadcrumbs.
- Air Fryer Method: Cook breaded chicken at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway.
- Extra Crispy Tip: Double-coat chicken by repeating the cornstarch and egg step before adding panko.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: main dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian, Chinese-inspired
Keywords: baked orange chicken, crispy orange chicken, healthy orange chicken, oven-baked orange chicken, Chinese takeout alternative