Description
Enjoy this easy, baked orange chicken recipe that’s even better than takeout. It’s a flavorful and healthier alternative for a delicious homemade dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup orange juice, fresh squeezed preferred
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup for vegan)
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (or arrowroot powder)
- 2 tablespoons water
- Orange zest from 1 orange
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
- Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned.
- While the chicken is baking, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan, whisk together orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, grated ginger, and minced garlic.
- In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water to create a slurry.
- Bring the orange juice mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Gradually whisk in the cornstarch slurry until the sauce thickens.
- Stir in the orange zest.
- Once the chicken is baked, add it to the saucepan with the orange sauce. Toss to coat the chicken evenly.
- Serve the orange chicken immediately over rice, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions if desired.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- If you prefer crispier chicken, you can broil it for the last 2-3 minutes after coating it in sauce.
- Ensure your orange juice is fresh for the best flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking and Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Sugar: Approximately 20-25g
- Sodium: Approximately 800-1000mg
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Saturated Fat: Approximately 3-5g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approximately 10-15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 25-30g
- Fiber: Approximately 1-2g
- Protein: Approximately 25-30g
- Cholesterol: Approximately 100-120mg