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Baked Orange Chicken

Baked Orange Chicken

The ultimate comfort food, Baked Orange Chicken is a sweet and tangy dish that melts in your mouth. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite. Enjoy the crispy chicken coated in a delicious orange sauce that will leave you craving more!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Asian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup cornstarch
  • 2 eggs beaten eggs
  • 3 tablespoons oil
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup orange juice
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon red chili flakes
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons green onion

Equipment

  • 9-inch casserole dish

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure the oven is fully heated before placing your dish inside, as this ensures even cooking.
  2. Grease a 9 X 13 baking dish with oil. This will prevent the chicken from sticking and make for easier cleanup.
  3. In a bowl, season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper to enhance their flavor. Toss well to ensure even seasoning.
  4. Coat the seasoned chicken pieces thoroughly with cornstarch. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect crispy coating. Make sure each piece is well coated.
  5. Dip the cornstarch-coated chicken pieces into the beaten eggs. This will help the cornstarch adhere better during cooking.
  6. Repeat the coating process with the remaining chicken pieces to ensure that they all have a crispy texture.
  7. Heat a pan over medium heat and add the oil. Once hot, add the coated chicken pieces. Cook until they are browned on all sides, taking about 4 to 5 minutes. Look for a golden color to indicate they’re ready.
  8. While the chicken is cooking, take a medium bowl and combine the ingredients for the orange sauce: brown sugar, orange juice, rice vinegar, and soy sauce. Stir well until the sugar is dissolved.
  9. Once the chicken is browned, transfer it to the prepared baking dish. Pour the orange sauce mixture over the top, ensuring all pieces are well covered.
  10. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 50 minutes. Every 15 minutes, stir in the chicken and sauce to ensure even cooking. Look for the sauce to thicken and become sticky as it cooks.
  11. Once done, the chicken should be well-coated in the thickened sauce. Serve warm, garnished with chopped green onions on top.

Notes

  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven for the best results.
  • Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
  • Pairing: Serve alongside steamed rice or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal.
  • Garnish: Add sesame seeds on top for an added crunch and flavor.
  • Spice it up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add more red chili flakes in the sauce for a spicier version.
  • Meal Prep: Consider preparing the sauce ahead of time for quicker assembly during busy weeknights.
  • Variations: Feel free to add vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers to the baking dish for a one-pan meal.