Easy Baked Orange Chicken

When I think of comfort food, Easy Baked Orange Chicken instantly comes to mind. This dish has a unique ability to transport me back to my childhood, where every Sunday dinner felt like a celebration. My family would gather around the table, eager to share stories and enjoy a plate of this irresistible chicken, coated in sweet and tangy orange sauce. It’s amazing how a simple dish can hold such cherished memories. With its crispy exterior and succulent interior, Easy Baked Orange Chicken is not just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl. The aroma fills your home, welcoming everyone to gather around the table, making it perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients Required for Easy Baked Orange Chicken

When it comes to the ingredients for Easy Baked Orange Chicken, you’ll find a delightful mix of flavor and simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating that perfect balance of sweet and savory. From the tender chunks of chicken to the vibrant orange juice that forms the base of the sauce, these components harmonize beautifully to create a dish that’s destined to become a family favorite.

• 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts: The star of this dish, they’re best when fresh and cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
• ½ cup breadcrumbs: They provide a delightful crunch, helping to create that perfect texture when baked.
• ¼ teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing the flavors of the chicken and the sauce.
• ¼ teaspoon pepper: Adds a hint of spice to balance the sweetness of the sauce.
• 1 cup water: Used in the sauce to create the right consistency and help meld the flavors together.
• ¼ cup honey: A natural sweetener that gives the sauce its signature sweetness, perfectly complementing the orange.
• ½ cup fresh orange juice: The key ingredient that infuses the dish with its bright, zesty flavor.
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Adds a savory depth that balances the sweetness of the honey and orange juice.
• 1 clove garlic, pressed: A classic ingredient that brings a fragrant aroma and depth of flavor to the sauce.
• 1 tablespoon orange zest: For an extra punch of citrus flavor, the zest takes the dish to another level.
• ½ teaspoon fresh ginger, zested: Adds warmth and an aromatic quality that pairs beautifully with the orange.
• ⅛ teaspoon dried red pepper flakes: A slight kick to balance the sweetness and enhance the overall flavor.
• 2 green onions, sliced (green parts only): Fresh, vibrant additions for garnish, bringing color and a mild onion flavor.
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce, giving it that luscious, clingy texture.
• 2 tablespoons cold water: Helps dissolve the cornstarch for a smooth sauce.

Preparation Steps for Easy Baked Orange Chicken

Preparing Easy Baked Orange Chicken is as enjoyable as it is delicious. Follow these steps, and you’ll be creating a meal that will impress everyone at the table. From the moment you preheat your oven to the final bite, each step brings you closer to a fantastic dish.

1. Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. This is crucial for achieving that perfect golden-brown crunch on your chicken. While the oven heats up, you can prepare the chicken for baking.
2. Next, spray a cookie sheet with nonstick cooking spray to prevent the chicken from sticking. This will give your chicken a beautiful, even crispness.
3. Slice the boneless skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. This not only helps with cooking but makes for easy serving.
4. In a gallon-size resealable bag, combine the breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper. It’s a great way to evenly coat the chicken without creating a mess. Add the chicken pieces, seal the bag, and shake to coat the chicken thoroughly.
5. Arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer on the prepared cookie sheet. Avoid overcrowding, as this can lead to steaming instead of baking.
6. Bake the chicken for about 20 minutes, flipping the pieces after 10 minutes. You’ll want them to be golden and cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F.
7. While the chicken is baking, prepare the sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine the water, honey, orange juice, soy sauce, garlic, orange zest, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Whisk these ingredients together until well combined, and heat over medium heat.
8. As the sauce heats, keep an eye on it, bringing it to a gentle boil. This is where the magic happens, as the flavors meld together beautifully. Don’t forget to taste the sauce. If it’s too sweet, add a little more soy sauce or more pepper flakes for an added kick.
9. In a small bowl, stir together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Pour this slurry into the boiling sauce while whisking continuously. It will thicken quickly, so keep stirring until you achieve the desired consistency.
10. Once the chicken is done baking, add it to the pot of sauce, stirring to coat every piece evenly. The aroma will be irresistible! Serve the chicken hot over rice, garnished with some sliced green onions and sesame seeds for that extra flair.

Recipe Variations about Easy Baked Orange Chicken

There are countless ways to put your spin on Easy Baked Orange Chicken. Here are some variations to make this dish truly yours:

• Add Vegetables: Incorporate your favorite veggies like bell peppers or broccoli in the baking process for extra nutrition.
• Spicy Version: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add sliced jalapeños for a spicy twist.
• Orange Marmalade: Substitute honey with orange marmalade for a richer, more complex flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe friendly for gluten sensitivities.
• Serve with Noodles: Instead of rice, serve the chicken over noodles for a different texture.
• Make it a Salad: Toss the baked chicken into a green salad with a sesame dressing for a light meal.
• Freezing: Prepare a batch and freeze it for later; it reheats beautifully!

What to Serve With Easy Baked Orange Chicken

When it comes to serving Easy Baked Orange Chicken, the options are endless. Here are some ideas to complement your delicious dish:

• Steamed Rice: A classic pairing, the fluffy rice absorbs the sweet and tangy sauce beautifully.
• Vegetable Stir-Fry: Enhance your meal with a colorful stir-fry of seasonal vegetables for a balanced plate.
• Fresh Salad: A light, crisp salad can balance the richness of the chicken and add freshness.
• Spring Rolls: Serve with fresh spring rolls for a delightful appetizer that echoes the Asian flavors.
• Grilled Asparagus: The smoky flavor of grilled asparagus pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the chicken.
• Perfect for Gatherings: This dish is versatile enough for casual family dinners or larger gatherings.
• Seasonal Sides: Don’t hesitate to use seasonal produce to create a side that reflects the time of year.

FAQ

Conclusion

In summary, Easy Baked Orange Chicken is a delightful and satisfying dish that marries sweet and savory flavors in every bite. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or a casual family dinner. I encourage you to give this recipe a try; I’m sure it will become a favorite in your home as it has in mine!

Easy Baked Orange Chicken

The ultimate comfort food, Easy Baked Orange Chicken is a crispy, sweet, and tangy dish that will satisfy your cravings. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it combines tender chicken with a zesty orange sauce, making it irresistible. Whip it up tonight for a meal that's sure to become a family favorite!

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 pounds Boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 0.5 cup Breadcrumbs
• 0.25 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Pepper
• 1 cup Water
• 0.25 cup Honey
• 0.5 cup Fresh orange juice from 3-5 oranges
• 1 tablespoon Soy sauce
• 1 clove Garlic pressed
• 1 tablespoon Orange zest about 1 small orange
• 0.5 teaspoon Fresh ginger zested
• 0.125 teaspoon Dried red pepper flakes
• 2 Green onions sliced (green parts only)
• 3 tablespoons Cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons Cold water

Equipment

• Wooden Spoon
• Chef's Knife
• Whisk
• Large Pot
• Baking Sheet
• Oven
• Frying Pan

Method

 

1. Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. This is crucial for achieving that perfect golden-brown crunch on your chicken. While the oven heats up, you can prepare the chicken for baking.
2. Next, spray a cookie sheet with nonstick cooking spray to prevent the chicken from sticking. This will give your chicken a beautiful, even crispness.
3. Slice the boneless skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. This not only helps with cooking but makes for easy serving.
4. In a gallon-size resealable bag, combine the breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper. It’s a great way to evenly coat the chicken without creating a mess. Add the chicken pieces, seal the bag, and shake to coat the chicken thoroughly.
5. Arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer on the prepared cookie sheet. Avoid overcrowding, as this can lead to steaming instead of baking.
6. Bake the chicken for about 20 minutes, flipping the pieces after 10 minutes. You’ll want them to be golden and cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F.
7. While the chicken is baking, prepare the sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine the water, honey, orange juice, soy sauce, garlic, orange zest, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Whisk these ingredients together until well combined, and heat over medium heat.
8. As the sauce heats, keep an eye on it, bringing it to a gentle boil. This is where the magic happens, as the flavors meld together beautifully. Don't forget to taste the sauce. If it’s too sweet, add a little more soy sauce or more pepper flakes for an added kick.
9. In a small bowl, stir together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Pour this slurry into the boiling sauce while whisking continuously. It will thicken quickly, so keep stirring until you achieve the desired consistency.
10. Once the chicken is done baking, add it to the pot of sauce, stirring to coat every piece evenly. The aroma will be irresistible! Serve the chicken hot over rice, garnished with some sliced green onions and sesame seeds for that extra flair.

Notes

Storage: Store leftover Easy Baked Orange Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing: Prepare a batch and freeze it for later; it reheats beautifully!

Variations: Feel free to add vegetables or adjust the spices to suit your taste.

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Meet Simone Patel

Food is the ultimate connector, and I approach every recipe with the host in mind. I focus on creating meals that scale well for crowds and make entertaining effortless. I cooked and tested this meal to ensure it holds up beautifully from the stove to the serving platter, ready for your guests.