Zesty Baked Orange Chicken

Welcome to your new favorite weeknight savior: this incredibly simple yet explosively flavorful **Easy Baked Orange Chicken**. Imagine succulent, tender chicken pieces, lovingly marinated to perfection, then baked – not fried! – in a glossy, sweet, and savory orange sauce. It’s the kind of dish that brings smiles to every face at the dinner table, perfectly complementing fluffy rice or a vibrant medley of your favorite steamed or roasted vegetables.

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Homemade Take on Your Favorite Chinese Food: A Healthier, Tastier Choice

Craving the irresistible flavors of Chinese orange chicken but want to skip the restaurant wait, the hefty bill, and the mystery ingredients? This homemade version is your answer. Forget greasy takeout containers; prepare to indulge in a dish that’s not only saucy and profoundly delicious but also remarkably simple to whip up right in your own kitchen. Our recipe focuses on tender chunks of white meat chicken, baked to golden perfection rather than deep-fried, making it a significantly lighter and healthier option without compromising on that beloved sweet-and-savory profile.

By choosing to bake, you eliminate excess oil, making this a guilt-free indulgence that your whole family will adore. The Asian-inspired sauce, crafted from readily available ingredients, coats every piece of chicken with a vibrant, tangy sweetness that’s perfectly balanced. This isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience that rivals your favorite Chinese restaurant, proving that sometimes, the best dishes come straight from your oven. Get ready for a dinner that’s guaranteed to be a hit, impressing both palates and health-conscious minds alike!

Simplify Dinner with This Easy Marinate and Bake Method

As a passionate home cook, I’m always on the lookout for recipes that master the art of combining ease with exceptional flavor. Whether it’s a comforting Chicken Parmesan Casserole, a hearty Beef Stroganoff Casserole, or one of our many family-favorite soup recipes, if it simplifies dinner without sacrificing taste, count me in! This Easy Baked Orange Chicken recipe fits that philosophy perfectly, offering a minimal-effort, maximum-flavor solution for busy evenings.

The beauty of this dish lies in its two-step process: marinate, then bake. While a short marinating time is essential for infusing the chicken with deep flavor and ensuring tenderness, the active prep and cook time are surprisingly quick. The result is a dish that’s not just simple and fast (don’t forget that marinating window!), but truly scrumptious. The sauce achieves that coveted sticky-sweet consistency, clinging perfectly to each piece of incredibly tender chicken. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, beloved by adults and children alike. For an effortless meal, I simply let my rice cooker handle the rice, and dinner is practically on the table, leaving me more time to enjoy with my family.

Key Ingredients and Essential Supplies for Perfect Orange Chicken

Crafting the perfect Easy Baked Orange Chicken starts with a careful selection of ingredients and the right tools. While the full list with precise measurements can be found in the recipe card below, let’s dive into what makes each component crucial to this delightful dish.

The Stars of the Show: Ingredients

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts, cubed: For this recipe, chicken breasts are preferred for their lean protein and ability to absorb flavors beautifully. Cubing them ensures even cooking and maximizes surface area for that delicious sauce. You can also experiment with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier, richer flavor if you prefer.
• Cornstarch: This humble ingredient plays a dual role in our orange chicken. In the marinade, it tenderizes the chicken and helps the sauce cling better. In the main sauce, it acts as the essential thickening agent, creating that desired luscious, sticky, and glossy texture as it cooks. Without it, your sauce would be thin and watery!
• Soy Sauce: The cornerstone of Asian-inspired cooking, soy sauce brings a deep umami flavor and saltiness that grounds the sweet and tangy notes of the orange. For a healthier option, consider using low-sodium soy sauce to control the overall salt content, or tamari for a gluten-free alternative.
• Orange Juice: The star of the show! Freshly squeezed orange juice will always yield the best, brightest, and most authentic citrus flavor. However, high-quality store-bought orange juice (without added sugar or pulp) works perfectly well for convenience. It provides the signature tangy, fruity base for our sauce.
• Brown Sugar: This adds a crucial depth of sweetness and a hint of molasses that pairs beautifully with the orange and soy. It also helps achieve that desirable caramelized, sticky glaze as the chicken bakes. You can adjust the amount slightly to suit your preference for sweetness.
• Rice Vinegar: A staple in Asian cuisine, rice vinegar provides a mild acidity that perfectly balances the sweetness of the orange and brown sugar. It brightens the sauce and adds a subtle tang. If you don’t have rice vinegar on hand, you can substitute with white wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or even white vinegar – just be mindful that their flavors can be slightly stronger, so start with a little less and adjust to taste.

Tools for Success: Supplies

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for comfortably marinating the chicken and tossing it with the sauce without spills.
• Rimmed sheet pan: Crucial for baking the chicken evenly and containing the sauce as it glazes. The rim prevents any delicious juices from spilling into your oven.
• Foil: For easy cleanup! Lining the sheet pan with foil means less scrubbing later.
• Nonstick cooking spray: Ensures the chicken doesn’t stick to the foil, making it easier to stir and serve.

Master the Art of Easy Baked Orange Chicken: Step-by-Step Guide

Creating this irresistible Baked Orange Chicken is a straightforward process, designed for maximum flavor with minimal fuss. Follow these detailed steps to achieve perfect results every time.

• Prepare the Chicken: Begin by slicing your boneless, skinless chicken breasts into uniform cubes. Aim for pieces roughly 1-inch in size. Uniformity is key here, as it ensures all the chicken cooks evenly and at the same rate.
• Whip Up the Marinade: In a generously sized mixing bowl, combine all your marinade ingredients: cornstarch, soy sauce, and orange juice. Whisk them together thoroughly until the cornstarch is completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth. This creates a flavorful, slightly viscous coating.
• Marinate for Flavor and Tenderness: Add your cubed chicken to the prepared marinade. Stir well, ensuring every piece of chicken is thoroughly coated. Let the chicken marinate at room temperature for a minimum of 30 minutes. If you have more time, you can marinate it in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours for deeper flavor, but 30 minutes is usually sufficient. Remember to give it another good stir halfway through the marinating time (around 15 minutes) to ensure even absorption.
• Oven and Pan Prep: While the chicken is marinating, preheat your oven to a robust 400°F (200°C). This high heat is crucial for achieving a beautiful golden crust without drying out the chicken. Line a rimmed sheet pan with aluminum foil for effortless cleanup. Then, spray the foil generously with non-stick cooking spray; this prevents the chicken from sticking and helps it brown nicely.

• First Bake: Once marinated, pour the chicken and any remaining marinade onto the prepared sheet pan. Spread the chicken into a single, even layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan; if necessary, use two sheet pans to ensure proper browning and prevent steaming. Place the pan on an upper rack in your preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes, making sure to stir the chicken every 10 minutes. This regular stirring helps the chicken cook evenly, encourages browning on all sides, and prevents it from sticking.
• Meanwhile, Craft the Sauce: While the chicken is in its first bake, prepare your luscious orange sauce. In a small saucepan, combine all the sauce ingredients: orange juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and cornstarch. Whisk them together thoroughly until smooth.
• Thicken the Sauce: Place the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. It’s vital to stir continuously during this stage. The cornstarch will begin to activate and thicken the sauce, which should take about 5 minutes. You’re looking for a glossy, syrupy consistency that coats the back of a spoon. Once thickened, remove the pot from the heat.

• Combine and Glaze: After the chicken has baked for its initial 30 minutes, carefully remove the sheet pan from the oven. Pour the freshly made, thickened orange sauce evenly over all the baked chicken pieces. Using tongs or a spatula, toss the chicken gently to ensure every piece is beautifully coated in the sticky sauce. This is where the magic really begins! Return the sauced chicken on the sheet pan to the oven.

• Final Bake for a Perfect Glaze: Continue to bake the chicken for another 15 minutes. During this final stage, stir the chicken every 5 minutes. This constant attention is crucial for developing that gorgeous, caramelized glaze. You’ll notice the sauce thickening further and really adhering to the chicken, creating those delightful sticky edges. The goal is for the glaze to start browning and becoming truly irresistible.
• Serve Hot: Once the chicken is beautifully glazed and browned, remove it from the oven. Transfer the succulent orange chicken to a serving dish, making sure to scrape all that glorious sticky sauce from the pan along with it. Serve immediately for the best experience.
• Complement Your Meal: This Easy Baked Orange Chicken is absolutely divine served over a bed of steaming white rice, which perfectly soaks up the extra sauce. We also love pairing ours with roasted or steamed broccoli, asparagus, or even some crisp snap peas for a complete and balanced meal. For an extra touch of freshness and flavor, garnish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Delicious Leftovers

One of the many joys of this Easy Baked Orange Chicken is that it tastes just as fantastic the next day! Proper storage and reheating ensure you can savor those delicious flavors for multiple meals.

To store leftovers, allow the chicken to cool completely to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator for up to three days. For best results when reheating, gently warm the chicken in the microwave. Place it loosely covered (a microwave-safe lid or paper towel works well) and heat in 30-second increments, stirring in between, until it’s heated through. This gentle approach prevents the chicken from drying out and helps the sauce maintain its luscious texture. You can also reheat it in a lightly oiled pan on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until warmed through. This method can help restore some crispiness to the chicken pieces. If you have a small amount, a toaster oven can also be a great option for reheating, offering a balance of warmth and texture preservation.

Elevate Your Meal: Serving Suggestions and Variations

While this Easy Baked Orange Chicken is a standalone star, there are many ways to customize and enhance your meal. Get creative and make it your own!

Serving Suggestions:

• Rice Variations: Beyond classic white rice, consider serving it with brown rice for added fiber, jasmine rice for its fragrant aroma, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
• Noodles: Toss the chicken and sauce with stir-fried noodles, lo mein, or even simple spaghetti for a different texture and experience.
• Vegetable Medley: Instead of just broccoli, try roasted carrots, sautéed bell peppers, steamed green beans, or a stir-fry mix. You can even add some vegetables to the sheet pan during the last 10-15 minutes of baking for an all-in-one meal.
• Garnishes: A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds a lovely nutty crunch and visual appeal. Thinly sliced green onions or chives provide a fresh, pungent contrast. A touch of fresh orange zest can brighten the dish even further.

Creative Variations:

• Make it Spicy: For those who love a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce while it simmers. Adjust to your preferred level of heat. A dash of sriracha or chili garlic sauce can also be mixed into the sauce or served on the side.
• Add Fresh Ginger and Garlic: For a more complex, aromatic sauce, mince a teaspoon of fresh ginger and a clove or two of garlic and add them to the sauce pot along with the other ingredients. Sauté them briefly before adding liquids for a deeper flavor.
• Different Proteins: This sauce isn’t just for chicken! Experiment with cubed pork, firm tofu, or even shrimp. Adjust cooking times accordingly. For tofu, press it well to remove excess water before cubing and baking.
• Citrus Zest Boost: For an even more vibrant orange flavor, grate a teaspoon of orange zest into the sauce along with the juice.
• Nutty Notes: A splash of sesame oil added at the very end of the sauce-making process (off the heat) can impart a wonderful, aromatic nuttiness.

These simple additions and adjustments can transform your Easy Baked Orange Chicken into a new culinary adventure every time, ensuring it remains a staple in your meal rotation.

If you embark on the delightful journey of making this Easy Baked Orange Chicken, I would absolutely love to see your culinary creations! Be sure to snap a picture and share it with me on Instagram @thebakermama. Your photos truly inspire me! For more delicious conversations, recipe tips, and a vibrant community of fellow food lovers, make sure to join my Friends of The BakerMama group on Facebook. I cherish seeing how creative and inspired y’all get with the ideas I share. Enjoy every flavorful bite!

xoxo,

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Easy Baked Orange Chicken

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  Author: The BakerMama
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  Prep Time: 10 minutes
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  Marinate Time: 30 minutes
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  Cook Time: 45 minutes
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  Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
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  Yield: 6 servings

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Description

This simple and straightforward Easy Baked Orange Chicken is a midweek meal life saver! Marinated chicken baked in a sweet and savory sauce, just perfect for serving over rice or with your favorite veggies.

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Ingredients

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed

Marinade:

• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup orange juice

Sauce:

• 1 cup orange juice
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

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Instructions

1. Slice chicken breasts into cubes.
2. In a large bowl mixing bowl, whisk together the marinade ingredients. Add the cubed chicken and stir to coat.
3. Let marinate for 30 minutes, stirring after 15 minutes.
4. Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a rimmed sheet pan with foil and spray generously with non-stick cooking spray.
5. Pour the chicken onto the prepared sheet pan and spread to an even layer.
6. Bake on an upper rack of the oven for 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to insure even browning.
7. Meanwhile, make the sauce. Add the sauce ingredients to a small pot and bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring continuously, until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
8. After the chicken has baked for 30 minutes, remove it from the oven and pour the sauce all over it. Toss to coat evenly and return the sheet pan to the oven.
9. Bake for another 15 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes, or until the glaze starts to brown and really stick to the chicken.
10. Remove from the oven and transfer to a serving dish along with any sauce on the pan.
11. Serve over rice, if desired. We like to serve ours with roasted or steamed broccoli as well.

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