Baked Orange Chicken – Experience the taste of our Baked Orange Chicken, a combination of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors. This recipe is a gem, from cuisine featuring the freshness of ginger, garlic, and the vibrant zest of orange. It’s a must-try for those seeking a twist on a beloved classic by opting for baking instead of frying. With ingredients like chicken thighs, breadcrumbs, and a homemade orange sauce this dish promises to excite your taste buds.
When I first prepared this Baked Orange Chicken recipe for my family it was a success. Even my husband, who doesn’t usually enjoy experimenting with dinner options couldn’t stop praising it. My little one absolutely adored the tangy flavor of the orange sauce. It has now become a family favorite that brings the flavors of Chinese cuisine right into our kitchen at home.
What makes this Baked Orange Chicken truly special?
What sets this Baked Orange Chicken apart is its approach that replaces frying with baking methods. This not only reduces calories. Also ensures that the chicken remains juicy and tender throughout. The heart of this dish lies in its homemade orange sauce that combines orange zest and juice with traditional Chinese ingredients such, as ginger, garlic, and soy sauce. It’s a convenient recipe that works well for weekdays and special occasions alike. Children enjoy its combination of sweetness and tanginess which makes it a favorite, among the little ones. Moreover, it can be easily paired with a range of accompaniments such as rice, stir-fried noodles, or a mix of vegetables.
What You Need To Make This Baked Orange Chicken Recipe?
Chicken Thighs: We’re using boneless skinless thighs, in this recipe. They are the secret to achieving a tender juicy bite that holds onto the sauce perfectly. Moreover, they bring comfort. Homely feel that breast meat simply can’t match.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko adds a lightness and crunch to each piece of chicken giving it a crispy little embrace!
Eggs & Flour: Here comes the dynamic duo that works their magic behind the scenes. Although they may seem ordinary, eggs and flour are essential in creating that coating that makes your chicken irresistibly crunchy.
Fresh Ginger and garlic: These ingredients are like flavor wizards. A touch of ginger adds a zesty kick while garlic brings its depth and aromatic qualities that awaken all your senses.
Orange: Freshly squeezed orange juice and zest make all the difference in this dish. It’s like infusing every bite with a burst of sunshine. The zest in particular is truly transformative—it encapsulates the essence of an orchard, with every taste.
Sesame oil, soy sauce, and rice wine: These ingredients transport you straight to the streets of China—adding a touch to your experience.
Each ingredient plays a role; sesame oil adds a nutty touch soy sauce brings depth with its umami flavor and rice wine contributes a subtle and complex sweetness.
Sugar and white vinegar: When it comes to achieving that sour taste, sugar and white vinegar work together, in perfect harmony. It’s like a dance of flavors, on your palate where each taste perfectly complements the other.
Steps To Make Baked Orange Chicken:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Start by grinding the panko breadcrumbs, in a food processor until they become finely textured.
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Step 2: Get four bowls, one with panko another with bite-sized chicken pieces, one with beaten eggs, and the last one with flour.
Step 3: Coat each piece of chicken in flour, dip it in the beaten eggs, and then roll it in the breadcrumbs. Place them on a baking sheet. Lightly spray them with cooking spray or brush them with oil.
Step 4: Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. In the meantime let’s prepare the sauce.
Step 5: In a pan heat a tablespoon of oil. Sauté ginger, garlic, and red pepper until they release their aroma (30 seconds).
Step 6: Add the sauce ingredients, to the pan. Bring it to a boil until it thickens. Once the chicken is baked toss it in the sauce. It will be ready to serve!
Tip:
To add some flavor you can try marinating the chicken thighs in a mixture of orange juice, soy sauce, ginger and garlic for 30 minutes before beginning the breading process. This will not infuse the chicken with depth and character but also make it tenderer resulting in succulent bites filled with delightful citrus and umami flavors. While marinating might require preparation time the enhanced taste and tenderness of your Baked Orange Chicken will definitely make it worthwhile!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Certainly! Chicken breasts can be used instead. Keep in mind that the cooking time may need to be adjusted as they tend to dry out quickly.
Is it possible to make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make it gluten-free simply use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs and soy sauce, as substitutes.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, you have the option to pre-bake the chicken. Then reheat it in the oven before tossing it in the sauce when you’re ready.
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Baked Orange Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 c Panko Breadcrumbs
- 2 lb Chicken Thighs boneless skinless
- 2 Large Eggs beaten
- 1/2 c Flour
- 1 tbsp Vegetable Oil divided
- 1 1/2 tbsp Fresh Ginger minced
- 2 tsp Garlic minced
- 1/2 tsp Crushed Red Pepper
- 1 tbsp Cornstarch
- 2 tbsp Rice Wine white wine works too
- 1/4 c Orange Juice from the orange
- 1 tsp Sesame Oil
- 3 tbsp Low Sodium Soy Sauce
- 10 tbsp Sugar
- 10 tbsp White Vinegar
- Zest of 1 Orange
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Use a food processor to finely process the panko breadcrumbs.
- Prepare Coating Stations: Get four bowls, for the panko breadcrumbs, chicken chunks, beaten eggs and flour.
- Take each piece of chicken. Coat it first in flour then in beaten egg. Finally roll it in the panko breadcrumbs. Place the chicken on a baking sheet.
- Spray or brush some oil onto the chicken pieces. Put them in the oven. Bake for around 20 to 25 minutes.
- Prepare the Sauce: While the chicken is baking, heat a tablespoon of oil in a saucepan. Add ginger, garlic and red pepper to cook until they become fragrant. Then add all remaining sauce ingredients. Let it boil until it thickens.
- Once the chicken is baked to perfection toss it gently in the sauce. Serve your Baked Orange Chicken while it's still hot.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
