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Easy Baked Orange Chicken

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
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
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.