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Easy Baked Orange Chicken Recipe

Featured in The Stars of the Table.

This Baked Orange Chicken transforms the popular takeout dish into a healthier homemade version that doesn't sacrifice flavor or texture. The chicken pieces are coated in a simple breading and baked to crispy perfection, eliminating the need for deep frying. The star of the dish is the multidimensional orange sauce, which combines sweet orange marmalade, fresh citrus juices, and Asian condiments for the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. Ready in just 35 minutes, this recipe proves that healthier alternatives can be just as delicious as their traditional counterparts.
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Updated on Fri, 24 Jan 2025 08:33:09 GMT
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Crispy baked orange chicken coated in a sweet and tangy orange glaze. Pin it
Crispy baked orange chicken coated in a sweet and tangy orange glaze. | tasteofcook.com

Recreate your favorite takeout dish with this Easy Orange Chicken recipe. A healthier, oven-baked alternative, it delivers crispy chicken pieces coated in a glossy, sweet, and tangy orange sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is ready in 30 minutes, faster than delivery, and packed with wholesome, real ingredients.

This recipe was born out of takeout cravings and a determination to make a healthier version of the classic Chinese-American dish. The key to its success? A preheated baking sheet for crispy chicken and a perfectly balanced orange sauce that's both tangy and sweet.

Essential Ingredients and Tips

  • Chicken: Thighs for juiciness, breasts for a leaner option.
  • Orange Marmalade: Provides natural sweetness and citrus flavor.
  • Hoisin Sauce: Adds depth and savory notes.
  • Orange Juice: Fresh-squeezed is best for brightness.
  • Cornstarch: Ensures a glossy, thickened sauce.
  • Soy Sauce: Low-sodium for better salt control.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepping the Chicken
Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels and coat evenly in egg and seasoned breadcrumbs. Work in batches to avoid clumping.
Step 2: Baking the Chicken
Preheat a baking sheet in the oven at 425°F (220°C). Arrange chicken pieces on the hot sheet, ensuring they don't touch. Bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway. Broil for 2-3 minutes for added crispiness.
Step 3: Making the Sauce
Combine orange juice, marmalade, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and garlic in a saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil and simmer for 3-5 minutes. Stir in cornstarch slurry to thicken.
Step 4: Tossing and Serving
Fold baked chicken gently into the sauce, coating evenly. Serve immediately with steamed rice and garnishes.
Tender chicken baked to crispy perfection with a flavorful orange sauce. Pin it
Tender chicken baked to crispy perfection with a flavorful orange sauce. | tasteofcook.com
Baked orange chicken with a crunchy coating and a bold, citrusy glaze. Pin it
Baked orange chicken with a crunchy coating and a bold, citrusy glaze. | tasteofcook.com

Serve this Easy Orange Chicken with a side of sesame broccoli, quick-pickled cucumbers, or stir-fried vegetables for a complete, wholesome meal. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds for a pop of color and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why bake instead of fry the chicken?
Baking is healthier, less messy, and still achieves a crispy exterior when combined with a brief broil at the end.
→ Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, but store the chicken and sauce separately to maintain crispiness. Combine only when ready to serve.
→ What's the difference between sweet and regular orange marmalade?
Sweet orange marmalade uses Valencia or navel oranges for a milder taste, while regular marmalade can be more bitter.
→ Why do you heat the baking sheet first?
A preheated baking sheet helps create a crispier bottom crust on the chicken pieces.
→ How do I keep the chicken from getting soggy?
Serve immediately after coating with sauce, and make sure chicken pieces don't touch while baking.

Crispy Baked Orange Chicken

A healthier take on classic orange chicken that's baked instead of fried, coated in an irresistible sweet and tangy orange sauce.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
35 Minutes


Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Asian fusion

Yield: 6 Servings

Dietary: Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Chicken Breading

01 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
02 1¼ cups flour
03 ½ teaspoon salt
04 ¼ teaspoon pepper
05 2 eggs

→ Orange Sauce

06 ¾ cup orange juice
07 ¼ cup sweet orange marmalade
08 ¼ cup granulated sugar, adjust to taste
09 2 tablespoons lemon juice
10 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
11 2 tablespoons quality hoisin sauce
12 1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce
13 ½ teaspoon Asian hot red chili sauce (optional)
14 ½ teaspoon each: salt, garlic powder, ginger powder, onion powder
15 1½ tablespoons cornstarch

Instructions

Step 01

Heat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with nonstick mat or foil, spray with cooking spray, and place in oven to heat up.

Step 02

Mix flour, salt and pepper in a freezer bag. Whisk eggs in another bag. Coat chicken in eggs, then transfer to flour mixture in batches, shaking to coat evenly.

Step 03

Place breaded chicken on hot baking sheet, spray with cooking spray. Bake 10 minutes, then broil until crispy (2-4 minutes per side), watching carefully to prevent burning.

Step 04

While chicken bakes, whisk all sauce ingredients in a saucepan. Bring to boil, stirring constantly, then simmer until thickened.

Step 05

Toss crispy chicken in orange sauce and serve immediately over rice, garnished with green onions if desired.

Notes

  1. Use sweet orange marmalade for best flavor, or increase sugar if using regular marmalade
  2. Cut chicken into 1-inch pieces to prevent overcooking
  3. Space chicken pieces apart on baking sheet for maximum crispiness
  4. Serve immediately to prevent chicken from getting soggy

Tools You'll Need

  • Baking sheet
  • Nonstick mat or foil
  • Freezer bags for breading
  • Medium saucepan
  • Whisk

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains eggs
  • Contains gluten (flour)
  • Contains soy (soy sauce, hoisin sauce)