Baked Orange Chicken is like a party on your taste buds. Imagine tender chicken bathed in a zesty orange sauce, perfectly balancing sweet and savory notes. The aroma wafts through the kitchen, making everyone wonder what culinary magic is happening. It’s like you’ve just stepped into a gourmet restaurant, yet you’re still in your comfy home pants. For more inspiration, check out this lunch ideas recipe.
Every bite of this dish transports me back to family gatherings where laughter filled the air and the table overflowed with delicious food. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests at parties. Trust me, this will become your new go-to recipe for any occasion that calls for a flavor explosion. For more inspiration, check out this dinner recipes recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Baked Orange Chicken is effortless to whip up, making it ideal for busy nights
- Its vibrant flavors will have everyone coming back for seconds
- The visual appeal of golden chicken glazed with bright orange sauce is Instagram-worthy
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to be served over rice, noodles, or even veggies
I remember the first time I made Baked Orange Chicken; my friends were so impressed they almost forgot to chew!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 breasts work well here; adjust according to your crowd size.
Fresh Garlic: Opt for firm cloves to pack a flavorful punch.
Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed juice makes all the difference in flavor.
Brown Sugar: Use light brown sugar for that perfect caramelized sweetness.
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce helps control saltiness without sacrificing flavor.
Ginger: Freshly grated ginger adds warmth and depth to the dish.
Sesame Oil: A splash of sesame oil enhances the Asian-inspired flavors beautifully.
Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce for a nice glaze on the chicken.
Green Onions: Chopped green onions add a fresh crunch as a garnish.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Baked Orange Chicken
Getting your Baked Orange Chicken ready is as simple as pie—only much more delicious!
Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grab a baking dish and lightly coat it with nonstick cooking spray.
Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Lay them in the prepared baking dish, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
Create the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together orange juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, and sesame oil until smooth. The mixture should smell heavenly!
Add Cornstarch: Mix cornstarch with a tablespoon of water until smooth and add it to your sauce mix. This will help give it that glossy finish.
Bake It Up: Pour the sauce over the chicken and toss gently to coat each piece thoroughly. Bake uncovered for about 25-30 minutes until cooked through; let those aromas fill your home!
Add Finishing Touches: Once out of the oven, sprinkle with chopped green onions before serving. Grab a fork; it’s time to dig into this zesty goodness!
You Must Know
- This succulent Baked Orange Chicken is a game changer for busy weeknights
- It’s quick, flavorful, and fills your kitchen with an irresistible citrus aroma
- Pair it with rice or veggies for a complete meal that’s sure to impress family and friends
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes. While it marinates, preheat your oven to 400°F for optimal baking.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap orange juice with lemon or lime for a zesty twist. Adding ginger or garlic can elevate flavors even further.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for best results.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Marinating the chicken overnight enhances flavor immensely
- Always check chicken doneness with a meat thermometer—165°F is the magic number
- For extra crunch, broil the chicken briefly after baking
Sharing this recipe reminds me of that one dinner party where my friends couldn’t stop raving about it; their empty plates spoke volumes!
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken for Baked Orange Chicken?
Yes, but thaw it completely before marinating and baking for even cooking.
How can I make Baked Orange Chicken spicier?
Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the marinade for a spicy kick.
What sides pair well with Baked Orange Chicken?
Steamed broccoli or jasmine rice complements this dish beautifully, balancing flavors perfectly.
Baked Orange Chicken
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Baked Orange Chicken is a delicious fusion of tender chicken and vibrant citrus flavors, drizzled in a sweet and tangy orange sauce. This easy-to-make dish transforms any weeknight dinner into a gourmet experience, perfect for impressing guests or enjoying with family. The enticing aroma fills your kitchen, making it a meal that everyone will love. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete, satisfying meal that’s sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tbsp light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 cloves fresh garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp freshly grated ginger
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 green onions (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly coat a baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper and place them in the prepared baking dish.
- In a bowl, whisk together orange juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil.
- Add the cornstarch-water mixture to the sauce and stir until smooth.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken, coating thoroughly, then bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until cooked through.
- Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (approx. 6 oz)
- Calories: 275
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
