There’s something so comforting about a plate of crispy, flavorful orange chicken. The sweet and tangy orange sauce coating perfectly baked, golden-brown chicken pieces makes every bite an irresistible delight. This dish brings all the delicious flavors of your favorite takeout meal but with a homemade touch—baked instead of fried for a lighter, healthier twist.

This recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner at home, meal prep for the week, or even impressing guests with a restaurant-quality meal. The vibrant citrus flavors paired with the crispiness of the chicken make it a dish you’ll come back to again and again. Plus, since it’s baked, you get all the crunch without the extra oil from frying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthier Alternative – No deep frying here! This baked version still gives you that irresistible crispy coating without all the extra oil.
• Easy to Make – Simple ingredients, easy steps, and no complicated techniques. Perfect for busy weeknights.
• Better Than Takeout – Fresh, homemade, and packed with flavor—you’ll never want to order out again.
• Family-Friendly – The balance of sweet and savory flavors makes this a dish the whole family will love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup cornstarch
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Cooking spray or oil for baking

For the Orange Sauce:

• 1 cup fresh orange juice
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• ⅓ cup honey
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

How to Make Baked Orange Chicken

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a wire rack to help the chicken crisp up evenly.

In a shallow bowl, whisk the eggs. In another bowl, combine the cornstarch with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. In a third bowl, add the panko breadcrumbs.

Dip each piece of chicken into the cornstarch mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally, coat it with panko breadcrumbs. Place the coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them for even cooking.

Lightly spray the chicken with cooking spray to help it crisp up in the oven.

Step 2: Bake the Chicken

Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway through to ensure even browning. The chicken should be golden brown and cooked through, with an internal temperature of at least 165°F (75°C).

Step 3: Make the Orange Sauce

While the chicken bakes, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, add the fresh orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, red pepper flakes, and minced garlic. Stir to combine.

Once the mixture starts to simmer, stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) and continue stirring until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

Once the chicken is done baking, transfer it to a large bowl. Pour the warm orange sauce over the crispy chicken pieces and gently toss to coat evenly.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve immediately over steamed rice, quinoa, or even stir-fried vegetables. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for an extra pop of flavor and crunch.

Helpful Tips

• For Extra Crispiness – Use a wire rack on the baking sheet so hot air circulates around the chicken, making it crispier.
• Don’t Skip the Cornstarch – The cornstarch helps create a light, crispy coating, similar to what you’d get from frying.
• Make It Spicier – Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce for extra heat.
• Use Fresh Orange Juice – Freshly squeezed orange juice gives the sauce a brighter, more authentic citrus flavor.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
• Diet: High-Protein

Notes

• For a Crunchier Coating: If you want even more crispiness, broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
• Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the honey slightly or add a bit more rice vinegar to balance the flavors.
• Sauce Consistency: If your sauce becomes too thick, add a tablespoon of water or extra orange juice to thin it out. If it’s too thin, simmer for an extra minute or add a bit more cornstarch slurry.
• Make It a Complete Meal: Serve over jasmine rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Steamed broccoli or snap peas make excellent sides.
• For Meal Prep: Store the chicken and sauce separately to maintain crispiness. When ready to eat, reheat the chicken in the oven and toss it with freshly warmed sauce.
• Kid-Friendly Version: Omit the red pepper flakes if making this for kids or those who prefer a milder flavor.
• Leftover Ideas: Use leftover orange chicken in lettuce wraps, stir-fries, or as a topping for an Asian-inspired salad.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or in the microwave for a quick meal.
• Freeze: You can freeze the baked chicken pieces separately (without sauce) for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven and toss with fresh sauce before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make This Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can bake the chicken in advance and store it in the fridge. When ready to eat, reheat it in the oven and toss it in freshly made orange sauce.

Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work just as well and stay extra juicy.

Can I Make This Gluten-Free?

Yes! Simply swap the panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs and use tamari instead of soy sauce.

What Can I Serve With This?

This baked orange chicken pairs well with steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a simple Asian-style slaw for a refreshing contrast.

Related Recipes

If you loved this Baked Orange Chicken, here are a few more recipes to try:

• Spicy Orange Chicken Wings
• Better-Than-Takeout Panda Express Orange Chicken
• Spicy Orange Chicken: A Sweet and Zesty Comfort Dish

Conclusion

This Crispy Baked Orange Chicken is the perfect way to enjoy a takeout favorite at home, without all the extra oil from frying. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and sure to be a hit with family and friends. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish is guaranteed to satisfy your cravings.

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