Oven Baked Orange Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Oven Baked Orange Chicken is a flavorful and healthier twist on the classic takeout favorite. Tender chicken pieces are coated in a zesty orange sauce with hints of ginger and garlic, baked to perfection for an easy weeknight meal.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds chicken breast
• 3 tablespoons corn starch
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• ¾ cup orange juice
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 orange (zest of)
• 1 tablespoon minced ginger
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350˚F.
2. Step 2: Cut the chicken into even bite-sized pieces, about 1 inch each. Stir the sesame oil into the chicken pieces, then toss them with cornstarch, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
3. Step 3: Transfer the chicken pieces to a large casserole dish, spreading them out in a single layer. Bake for 10 minutes.
4. Step 4: While the chicken bakes, whisk together soy sauce, orange juice, brown sugar, orange zest, ginger, garlic, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and cornstarch in a saucepan.
5. Step 5: Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat and cook until it thickens, then remove from heat.
6. Step 6: When the chicken timer goes off, pour the orange sauce over the chicken and toss to coat. Return to the oven for 4–6 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165˚F.
7. Step 7: Remove from the oven and garnish with green onions if desired. Serve warm with rice.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispiness, broil the chicken for 1-2 minutes after baking with sauce.
• Substitute chicken thighs for a juicier result.
• Add steamed broccoli or snap peas for a balanced meal.
• Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes to control the heat level.

Storage

Store leftover orange chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat to maintain the sauce’s texture and flavors.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken breast to ensure even cooking and proper texture.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

You can make it gluten-free by using tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.

Oven Baked Orange Chicken Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 70 reviews

A flavorful and easy-to-make Oven Baked Orange Chicken recipe that combines tender chicken breast bites with a tangy, sweet orange sauce. This dish offers a healthier twist on a takeout favorite by baking the chicken instead of frying, resulting in a delicious meal perfect for weeknight dinners.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Chinese-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 2 pounds chicken breast
• 3 tablespoons corn starch
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

Orange Sauce

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• ¾ cup orange juice
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon minced ginger
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• Zest of 1 orange

Instructions

1. Preheat oven. Set your oven to 350˚F (175˚C) to prepare for baking the chicken.
2. Prepare chicken. Cut the chicken breast into even, bite-sized pieces about 1 inch in size. Toss the pieces with sesame oil to coat them evenly, then dredge in cornstarch, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well-coated.
3. Initial bake. Place the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in a large casserole dish. Bake uncovered for 10 minutes to start cooking the chicken.
4. Make orange sauce. While the chicken bakes, combine soy sauce, orange juice, brown sugar, orange zest, minced ginger, minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, and 2 tablespoons cornstarch in a saucepan. Whisk thoroughly to combine.
5. Simmer sauce. Bring the sauce mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat once thickened.
6. Coat chicken with sauce and finish baking. After the initial bake, remove the chicken from the oven and pour the thickened orange sauce over it. Toss gently to evenly coat all pieces. Return the chicken to the oven and bake for an additional 4-6 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165˚F (74˚C) and is fully cooked.
7. Serve. Remove from oven and garnish with chopped green onions if desired. Serve warm, ideally with steamed rice or your favorite side.

Notes

• Ensure chicken pieces are cut evenly for uniform cooking.
• For a spicier kick, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes.
• Use fresh orange juice and zest for the best flavor.
• Check internal temperature of chicken with a thermometer to ensure safe doneness.
• For a crispier texture, broil the chicken for 1-2 minutes after the final bake, watching closely to avoid burning.
• This recipe pairs well with steamed rice or sautéed vegetables.

Keywords: orange chicken, baked orange chicken, healthy orange chicken, oven baked chicken, Chinese-American recipe, easy dinner, chicken breast recipe