Tasty Homemade Baked Orange Chicken Recipe (2024) (2024)

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Your family will go wild for this Baked Orange Chicken Recipe. We’re fans of Chinese orange chicken, so I was happy to create a homemade version!

The flavors are bright and delicious and it’s a tad bit healthier than takeout since there’s no deep frying involved.

This dish perfectly balances the tanginess of the orange with the sweetness of the sauce, enveloping each piece of chicken in a succulent, citrusy glaze that’s both zesty and mouthwatering.

Plus, baking the chicken rather than frying not only cuts down on the calories but also makes this meal an easier, less messier option for those busy weeknights.

Whether you’re looking for a new family favorite or just a way to spice up your dinner routine, this Baked Orange Chicken is sure to impress.

Key Takeaways

• Cook Time:30 minutes @ 400 degrees Fahrenheit
• Main Ingredients: Chicken breasts (or chicken thighs), panko crumbs, orange juice, honey, tamari (or soy sauce)
• Servings:6
• Extras:Add broccoli, snap peas, peppers, and other veggies to make a more filling orange chicken meal
• Tips: Try adding this orange chicken to a burrito- great idea for leftovers!

Tasty Homemade Baked Orange Chicken Recipe

The ingredients for this recipe are pretty basic. It’s perfect for your meal plan; many of the ingredients you already have on hand make it inexpensive for the family.

You might need to pick up a few things at the market, but I promise that all of these elements are necessary to make this dish perfect.

(Okay, maybe you could skip the sesame seeds if you really want to, but you’re missing out!)

If you prefer, you can use soy sauce (low-sodium soy sauce, too) or Bragg’s Aminos instead of tamarin. The flavors will be about the same.

I couldn’t get to my favorite produce market this week, so I bought pre-processed ginger and store-brand orange juice because it was on sale.

Feel free to use freshly squeezed orange juice or grate your own ginger, but the premade stuff is an easy way to cut corners without skipping on flavor.

If you’re making fresh juice for the orange sauce, feel free to add some orange zest for an extra punch of tangy flavor!

Finally, you might consider substituting boneless skinless chicken thighs for chicken breasts. The breasts work great, but if you have thighs on hand, just use those instead.

They’ll turn out slightly more tender than the chicken pieces.

I set up an assembly line to make orange chicken smoothly from cutting board to baking sheet.

You’ll dip the chicken in the egg before coating with panko bread crumbs. To make gluten free, use gluten free bread crumbs.

You could make fried chicken if you have a deep fryer or a wok, but I like baking chicken pieces to avoid eating too much oil.

Pop the chicken into the oven at 400 degrees for 15-20 minutes. Check the meat temperature; it should be over 165 degrees for food safety!

To start the orange sauce, combine the orange juice, honey, vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes in a small saucepan.

Turn the burner on to medium-high heat until it just comes to a low boil.

While that’s going, create the cornstarch slurry that you’ll add once the orange sauce is bubbling lightly.

This slurry is how we’ll get that nice thick orange sauce you think of from PF Chang’s, so I don’t recommend skipping some type of thickener!

Don’t let your orange sauce get to a rolling boil, just a low one for less than 5 minutes.

Set it aside. Once the chicken is done, toss the pieces into the orange sauce to coat them.

Then, serve the orange chicken over rice and topped with sesame seeds, with extra orange sauce to soak in!

Recipe Substitutions

Looking to tailor Orange Chicken to meet specific dietary needs or taste preferences.

Here are some easy substitutions you can consider that won’t compromise the dish’s delightful flavors:

The Meat

For meat, tofu or cauliflower can be excellent substitutes for chicken if you’re vegetarian or looking for a plant-based alternative.

Press the tofu to remove excess moisture before baking to achieve a firmer texture, or roast cauliflower florets until tender and golden for a delicious vegetable-based option.

If you just want to try a different meat, I suggest trying turkey and prepping it the same as the chicken breasts- it’s the most similar and still fairly lean.

I can’t imagine making this sauce with beef, but if you want to give it a shot, let me know how it goes in the comments!

The Sauce

You can make swaps to the sauce to customize its taste to suit what you like.

If you’re avoiding sugar, you can substitute honey with maple syrup or a sugar-free honey alternative to maintain that balance of sweetness with the orange’s acidity.

For an extra spicy kick, consider adding a bit of chili flakes or hot sauce into the orange glaze.

Additionally, for a lower-sodium option, consider using low-sodium soy sauce, tamari, or coconut amino sauce.

The Breading/Coating

For the breading, those who are gluten-free can use almond flour or a gluten-free panko breadcrumb alternative to achieve that desired crispy texture without the gluten.

These options not only cater to gluten sensitivities but also add a nutty flavor that complements the chicken beautifully.

If you need to swap the egg before the bread crumbs, you can try using olive oil spray, which still allows the breading to adhere well to the chicken or its substitutes.

You could also use yogurt or milk, if you can have dairy, instead of eggs to coat the chicken.

Extra Add-Ons

Vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, or carrots not only infuse the dish with a variety of textures but also enhance its visual appeal.

You can stir-fry vegetables separately with garlic and then mix them into the dish towards the end of the baking process, ensuring they retain their crunch and color.

For a slight twist, roasted Brussels sprouts or sweet potato cubes can add a unique flavor profile that complements the tangy sweetness of the orange sauce.

Serving Suggestions

A classic and straightforward option is to serve it over a bed of steamed jasmine or brown rice, which not only absorbs the sauce beautifully but also complements the chicken’s texture and flavor.

For those who enjoy fusion cuisine or are looking for a more portable option, transforming the Baked Orange Chicken into a burrito is an innovative twist.

Simply load a soft tortilla with rice, the orange chicken, a sprinkle of shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a drizzle of the orange glaze.

For added richness, a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheese can make it even more delectable.

And for us salad lovers? Yep, orange chicken salad, yum! Top a fresh green salad with the chicken for a light, nutritious meal.

I also saw a reel with general Tso’s on rolls- I can’t wait to try these orange chicken sliders, which use Hawaiian rolls and offer a sweet and savory combination that’s hard to resist.

FAQs

What are the ingredients in orange chicken sauce?

The sauce for this delectable Baked Orange Chicken includes a mix of flavorful and tangy ingredients to bring its signature taste to life.

You’ll need orange juice for a vibrant citrus punch, honey and brown sugar for sweetness, and a hint of garlic for depth.

A dash of red pepper flakes introduces a subtle heat, and cornstarch is used as a thickener to achieve the perfect consistency that deliciously coats each piece of chicken.

Combining these ingredients creates a sauce that’s both irresistibly tangy and sweet, with just the right amount of kick.

Is there a substitute for panko breadcrumbs to keep it gluten-free?

Absolutely! You can use crushed gluten-free crackers or gluten-free breadcrumbs as a substitute. They give a similar crunchy texture without the gluten.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add a bit of chili flakes to the sauce or a few slices of fresh chili pepper when baking the chicken. This will infuse some heat into the dish without overpowering the orange flavor.

How do I keep my orange chicken crispy?

To ensure your Baked Orange Chicken remains crispy, it’s vital not to soak the chicken in the sauce before baking.

Instead, bake the chicken pieces until they’re just done and crispy on the outside.

Once out of the oven, toss the chicken in the sauce quickly before serving. This method keeps the chicken’s exterior crunchy while still coating it in the flavorful sauce.

For an added crisp, consider broiling the chicken for a couple of minutes after baking and before adding the sauce, watching closely to prevent burning.

What’s the best way to store leftover orange chicken?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven or microwave until heated through.

Can I freeze this Baked Orange Chicken?

Yes, this dish freezes well. Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven or microwave.

Is orange chicken suitable for meal prep?

Definitely. You can prepare a larger batch by doubling the recipe and baking it like normal.

Then, portion the orange chicken with rice into meal prep containers for a week’s worth of lunches or dinners.

Final Thoughts

My Baked Orange Chicken demonstrates that creating restaurant-worthy meals in the comfort of your own home doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming.

This recipe encourages even the busiest individuals to ditch the takeout menus and explore the rewarding process of making vibrant, flavorful meals that appeal to the whole family.

Everyone can enjoy the rich, tangy, and sweet flavors that make orange chicken so beloved!

Whether you’re a seasoned home chef or new to the kitchen, this dish promises a satisfying culinary adventure right in the comfort of your own home.

So give this easy orange chicken a try, and let me know how it turns out!

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