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Baked Orange Chicken Recipe
Ash Tyrrell

Baked Orange Chicken Recipe

I have to tell you, this baked orange chicken recipe is a game changer. It’s tender, packed with flavor, and has just the right balance of sweet and tangy. I love that it’s baked, not fried, which makes it a healthier option without sacrificing that crave-worthy crispiness.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course: Main Course
Calories: 388

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs: Tip: Pulse these in a food processor until fine for even coating.
  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs: Why thighs: They stay juicier and more tender than breasts.
  • 2 large eggs beaten: Pro Tip: Be sure to whisk these thoroughly for uniform dipping.
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour: Tip: Lightly season this with salt for extra flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil divided: Best practice: Use neutral oils like vegetable for sautéing.
  • tablespoons fresh ginger minced
  • 2 teaspoons garlic minced
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Why: Helps give the sauce that perfect velvety texture.
  • 2 tablespoons rice wine or white wine
  • ¼ cup orange juice: Pro Tip: Fresh juice makes a world of difference in flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
  • 10 tablespoons sugar
  • 10 tablespoons white vinegar
  • Zest of one orange

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Take the panko breadcrumbs and pulse them in a food processor until they resemble regular breadcrumbs. This makes the coating smooth and evenly crisp.
  2. Set up three separate bowls: one with the flour, one with the beaten eggs, and one with the breadcrumbs. Working one piece at a time, dip the chicken chunks first in the flour, then in the eggs, and finally in the breadcrumbs to coat them completely.
  3. Place the breaded chicken pieces on a baking sheet and lightly spray or brush them with vegetable oil. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and crisp.
  4. While the chicken bakes, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat in a saucepan. Add the garlic, ginger, and crushed red pepper, and sauté them for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Add the cornstarch, soy sauce, sugar, orange zest, vinegar, orange juice, and rice wine into the saucepan. Whisk everything together and bring the mixture to a boil. Simmer the sauce until it thickens slightly, then remove it from the heat.
  6. Once the chicken is baked to crispy perfection, toss it in the orange sauce, ensuring every piece is coated. Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions if desired. Serve fresh!

Notes

  • Use fresh garlic and ginger for a more vibrant flavor.
  • If your breadcrumbs feel sticky while breading, refrigerate the chicken pieces for 10 minutes before baking.
  • For extra-crispy chicken, bake on a wire rack instead of a flat sheet.
  • Double the sauce if you like your chicken extra saucy or want some for drizzling over rice.