Irresistible Baked Chinese Orange Chicken Recipe – Sweet & Tangy

Baked Chinese orange chicken revolutionizes a classic takeout staple into a healthier home-cooked delight that sizzles with authentic Asian-inspired flavors.

Crispy, golden pieces of chicken emerge from the oven, promising a guilt-free indulgence that doesn’t compromise on taste.

Zesty citrus notes and aromatic spices dance together, creating a mouthwatering symphony of sweet and savory sensations.

The delicate balance of ingredients ensures each bite delivers maximum flavor without excess oil or heavy breading.

Tender meat beneath a glistening glaze represents a culinary triumph that elevates weeknight dining to an extraordinary experience.

Lean and packed with vibrant seasonings, this dish redefines comfort food with its smart, nutritious approach.

Prepare to fall in love with a recipe that brings restaurant-quality magic directly to your kitchen.

Why Baked Chinese Orange Chicken Stands Out

• Elevate Home Cooking: Transform ordinary chicken into a restaurant-worthy dish with minimal effort, using simple ingredients and straightforward baking techniques that anyone can master.
• Flavor Explosion: Bright orange zest and juice create a perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and savory notes that dance across your taste buds, making each bite a delightful culinary experience.
• Healthier Comfort Food: Baked instead of deep-fried, this recipe cuts down on excess oil while maintaining a crispy exterior and juicy interior, offering a nutritious alternative to traditional takeout chicken.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Prepare this entire meal in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal solution for busy families craving a delicious, home-cooked dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.

Everything That Goes Into Baked Chinese Orange Chicken

• Chicken: Lean protein that provides the base for the dish, boneless and skinless pieces work best for even cooking.

• Cornstarch: Helps create a crispy coating on chicken and thickens the sauce with a silky texture, use fresh and free of clumps.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the chickens natural flavor.

• Orange Juice: Provides bright, fresh citrus flavor and natural sweetness for the sauce.
• Orange Zest: Adds intense orange aroma and concentrated citrus essence.
• Broth: Creates a liquid base for the sauce with depth of flavor.
• Soy Sauce: Adds umami and saltiness to balance the sweet elements.
• Brown Sugar: Provides deep caramel-like sweetness and helps sauce consistency.
• Vinegar: Adds subtle tang and helps balance the sauces flavors.

• Garlic: Brings robust, pungent flavor to the sauce.
• Ginger: Offers warm, spicy undertone with a fresh kick.

• Cayenne: Provides gentle heat and subtle warmth to the dish.

• Sliced Almonds: Adds crunch and nutty texture as a final touch.

• White Rice: Neutral base that absorbs the flavorful sauce perfectly.

How to Make Baked Chinese Orange Chicken at Home

Step 1: Prepare Rice

Cook rice according to package instructions.

Step 2: Prepare Chicken for Baking

• First half of cornstarch
• Remaining cornstarch

Spread chicken pieces on baking sheet without touching. Bake for 8-10 minutes until fully cooked.

Step 3: Create Flavorful Orange Sauce

• Broth
• Orange juice
• Vinegar
• Soy sauce
• Brown sugar
• Orange zest
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Cayenne

Pour mixture into frying pan over medium-high heat. Bring to a simmer.

Step 4: Thicken Sauce

Mix cornstarch with water until dissolved. Whisk into sauce. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until sauce reaches desired thickness. Reduce heat to low.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Gently toss baked chicken in orange sauce. Plate over prepared rice. Sprinkle with sliced almonds as a garnish.

Pro Tips for Baked Chinese Orange Chicken

• Cornstarch Coating Trick: Thoroughly coat chicken pieces in cornstarch to create a crispy, golden exterior that locks in moisture during baking.
• Heat Management Technique: Maintain a consistent 400°F oven temperature to ensure even cooking and prevent chicken from becoming dry or rubbery.
• Sauce Consistency Secret: Whisk cornstarch mixture carefully to avoid lumps, creating a smooth and glossy sauce that clings perfectly to the chicken.
• Flavor Layering Method: Use fresh orange zest and juice to enhance the citrusy depth, bringing authentic brightness to the dish.
• Serving Pro Tip: Allow chicken to rest in the sauce for a minute before serving to maximize flavor absorption and ensure each piece is evenly coated.

How to Store and Reheat Baked Chinese Orange Chicken Easily

• Refrigerate: Transfer leftover orange chicken to an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Separate chicken from rice to maintain best texture.
• Reheat in Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Drizzle extra sauce if needed to keep moisture.
• Microwave Option: Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, sprinkle few drops of water to prevent dryness. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Stop when chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature.

What to Pair with Baked Chinese Orange Chicken

• Zesty Citrus Companion: Pair this vibrant orange chicken with a crisp, chilled Sauvignon Blanc that echoes the bright citrus notes and cuts through the dish's richness.
• Cool Herbal Refreshment: Brew a light green tea with hints of jasmine to complement the ginger and orange flavors, providing a refreshing counterpoint to the savory chicken.
• Crunchy Texture Enhancer: Sprinkle extra toasted sesame seeds or chopped green onions over the dish to add a nutty crunch that elevates the overall eating experience and provides textural contrast.
• Palate-Cleansing Side: Serve a simple cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and a touch of sesame oil to balance the sauce's sweetness and add a cool, light element to the meal.

Baked Chinese Orange Chicken Variations to Try Tonight

• Spicy Citrus Kick: Replace orange juice with grapefruit juice and add extra cayenne pepper for a zingier flavor profile. Boost heat with red pepper flakes for those craving more intense spiciness.
• Honey Glazed Version: Swap brown sugar with honey and include sesame oil for deeper caramelization. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top for added crunch and nutty undertones.
• Tropical Fusion Remix: Incorporate pineapple juice alongside orange juice for a sweeter, more tropical taste. Add diced mango chunks during the final coating stage for extra freshness and texture.
• Low-Carb Protein Option: Replace rice with cauliflower rice or spiralized zucchini noodles. Use tamari instead of soy sauce to reduce sodium and maintain gluten-free requirements.

Baked Chinese Orange Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Irresistible Chinese orange chicken brings zesty flavors from traditional Asian cuisine right to your kitchen. Crispy chicken pieces glazed with tangy orange sauce create a perfect balance of sweet and savory that will delight your taste buds.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1.5 pounds boneless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• Salt and pepper

Coating and Base:

• 1 cup uncooked white rice (use instant for a shortcut)
• 0.33 cup cornstarch (for chicken)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for sauce)

Sauce and Seasoning:

• 0.5 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 0.5 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• 0.25 cup white wine vinegar
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 0.33 cup packed brown sugar (preferably dark)
• 2 teaspoons finely grated orange zest
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon fresh grated or finely minced ginger
• 0.25 teaspoon ground cayenne

Garnish:

• 1 handful of sliced almonds

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Instructions

1. Prepare the rice according to the package instructions, ensuring fluffy and perfectly cooked grains that will serve as a delectable base for the chicken.
2. Heat the oven to 400°F (204°C) and lightly grease a large non-stick baking sheet to prevent sticking.
3. Season chicken pieces with salt and freshly ground black pepper in a mixing bowl.
4. Coat the chicken thoroughly with cornstarch in two stages, first sprinkling half the amount and tossing, then adding the remaining cornstarch and tossing again to create an even, crispy exterior.
5. Arrange the chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching each other to promote even cooking and crispy texture.
6. Bake the chicken for 8-10 minutes until fully cooked through and golden brown.
7. While the chicken bakes, create the vibrant orange sauce by whisking together chicken broth, fresh orange juice, rice vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, orange zest, minced garlic, grated ginger, and a pinch of cayenne pepper in a separate bowl.
8. Transfer the sauce mixture to a frying pan and heat over medium-high heat, bringing it to a gentle simmer.
9. In a small bowl, dissolve additional cornstarch with of water, creating a smooth slurry.
10. Whisk the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce, continuing to stir until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, approximately 2-3 minutes.
11. Reduce the heat to low and gently fold the baked chicken pieces into the sauce, ensuring each piece is evenly coated with the tangy, sweet orange glaze.
12. Serve the chicken immediately over the prepared rice, garnishing with toasted sliced almonds for a delightful crunch and visual appeal.

Notes

• Prep ahead saves time and makes cooking smoother when ingredients are measured and chopped before starting.
• Cornstarch coating creates a crispy exterior that locks in chicken’s moisture during baking.
• Using fresh orange juice and zest dramatically enhances the sauce’s authentic citrus flavor compared to bottled alternatives.
• High-quality chicken breasts or thighs work best, ensuring tender and juicy results after baking.
• Adjust cayenne pepper量 for desired heat level, allowing personalization of spice intensity without compromising overall recipe balance.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking, Roasting
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 420 kcal
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 740mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 54g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 80mg