Crispy Baked Orange Chicken – A Healthier Take on a Takeout Classic

There’s something undeniably comforting about orange chicken—the crispy, golden bites of tender chicken coated in a sticky, sweet, and tangy sauce. It’s one of those dishes that instantly satisfies a craving for Chinese takeout, but what if you could enjoy it in a healthier, homemade version? That’s where this Baked Orange Chicken comes in.

this RECIPE FOR LATER

Instead of deep-frying, this version uses a simple baking method that still gives you a crispy texture without all the excess oil. The sauce? It’s perfectly balanced between sweet, savory, and citrusy, making every bite burst with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or meal-prepping for the week, this dish is a fantastic go-to.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthier Alternative – Baking instead of frying reduces the oil content without sacrificing crispiness.
• Easy to Make – No deep-frying required, just a simple oven-baking method.
• Family-Friendly – Kids and adults alike love the sweet and tangy sauce.
• Meal Prep Friendly – Store leftovers and enjoy them throughout the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup cornstarch
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Cooking spray

For the Orange Sauce:

• 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• ⅓ cup honey
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon orange zest

How to Make Baked Orange Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a wire rack to ensure even crisping.

Set up a breading station with three bowls: one for cornstarch, one for beaten eggs, and one for panko breadcrumbs mixed with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.

Dip each piece of chicken first into the cornstarch, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then, dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally, coat it with the panko mixture. This triple-layer process helps create an extra crispy texture when baked.

Place the breaded chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet and lightly spray with cooking spray. This helps them crisp up beautifully in the oven.

Step 2: Bake the Chicken

Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) when tested with a meat thermometer.

Step 3: Make the Orange Sauce

While the chicken is baking, prepare the delicious orange sauce.

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine orange juice, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and orange zest. Stir well and bring to a simmer.

In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water to create a slurry. Slowly whisk it into the simmering sauce, stirring continuously until it thickens. This usually takes 2-3 minutes. Once the sauce reaches a glossy, thick consistency, remove it from the heat.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

Once the chicken is done baking, transfer it to a large bowl. Pour the warm orange sauce over the crispy chicken and toss gently to coat every piece evenly.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve your baked orange chicken over steamed rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a lighter option. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for an extra pop of flavor.

Helpful Tips for the Best Baked Orange Chicken

• Use Fresh Orange Juice – Freshly squeezed orange juice gives the best flavor, but bottled juice works in a pinch.
• Don’t Skip the Cornstarch – The cornstarch coating is what helps create that crispy texture, so don’t leave it out!
• Bake on a Wire Rack – Placing the chicken on a wire rack allows heat to circulate around each piece, making them crispier.
• Double the Sauce – If you love extra sauce for drizzling over rice, simply double the sauce ingredients.
• Make it Spicy – Add red pepper flakes or sriracha for a little heat.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
• Diet: Dairy-Free

Notes

• Crispier Chicken Tip – For extra crispiness, broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
• Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs and tamari instead of soy sauce.
• Make it Ahead – You can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat before tossing with the baked chicken.
• Lighter Version – Skip the breading and simply bake or air-fry the chicken pieces, then coat with the sauce.
• Serving Ideas – This pairs well with steamed rice, quinoa, or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
• For Extra Orange Flavor – Add more orange zest to intensify the citrusy taste.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerating:

Store leftover orange chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating:

For best results, reheat in a 400°F oven for 5-7 minutes to crisp it back up. You can also reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.

Freezing:

Freeze the baked chicken pieces separately from the sauce. Store in separate airtight containers for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, bake the chicken from frozen at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, then toss with reheated sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes! Chicken thighs will add a bit more juiciness to the dish. Just be sure to cut them into even-sized pieces for uniform cooking.

What can I use instead of panko breadcrumbs?

You can use regular breadcrumbs, but panko gives the crispiest texture. If you need a gluten-free option, crushed rice crackers or gluten-free breadcrumbs work well.

Can I make this in an air fryer?

Absolutely! Air fry at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway through, until the chicken is crispy and golden brown.

Is this dish kid-friendly?

Yes! The sweet and tangy flavor is a big hit with kids. If you’re serving it to little ones, you might want to reduce the ginger or garlic slightly for a milder taste.

Related Recipes

If you loved this Baked Orange Chicken, here are a few more dishes to try:

• Crispy Coconut Chicken

• Spicy Orange Chicken Wings

Final Thoughts

This Baked Orange Chicken is a game-changer if you love takeout flavors but want a healthier, homemade alternative. It’s crispy, juicy, and coated in the most addictive orange sauce—without all the deep-frying. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner or prepping ahead for meals, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your household.

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