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- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs - 1/2 cup cornstarch - 2 large eggs, beaten - 1/2 cup fresh orange juice - Zest of 1 orange - 1/4 cup honey - 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free) - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 teaspoon ginger, grated - 1 garlic clove, minced - 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening) When you make crispy baked orange chicken, you need quality ingredients. Start with fresh chicken breast. This meat offers a nice, tender texture. Cut it into bite-sized pieces for easy cooking and eating. Next, gather panko breadcrumbs. These breadcrumbs give the chicken its amazing crunch. They are lighter and crispier than regular breadcrumbs. Cornstarch is another key player. It helps make the chicken extra crispy when baked. The beaten eggs will help the breadcrumbs stick well. Now, let’s move on to the orange sauce. Fresh orange juice is a must. It gives the dish its bright flavor. Don’t forget the orange zest! It adds a nice citrus aroma. Honey acts as a sweetener in the sauce. Soy sauce adds a savory depth. Rice vinegar gives it a tangy kick. Ginger and garlic bring warmth and spice to the mix. Finally, mix cornstarch with water. This thickens the sauce and gives it a nice glossy finish. Each ingredient plays a role in creating a tasty dish. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheat Oven: First, set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This helps the chicken cook evenly. 2. Season Chicken: Take the chicken breast pieces and sprinkle salt and pepper on them. Make sure to cover all sides. 3. Set Up Breading Station: Get three bowls ready. Put cornstarch in one bowl, beaten eggs in the second, and mix panko breadcrumbs with olive oil in the third. This is your breading station. 1. Step-by-Step Dipping Process: Take a piece of chicken and dip it in cornstarch. Shake off any extra. Then, dip it in the egg. Finally, coat it in the panko mixture. Make sure it is fully covered. 2. Ensuring Even Coating: Repeat this for all chicken pieces. Check that each piece has an even layer of panko. This helps create a crispy texture. 1. Baking Instructions: Place the coated chicken pieces on the lined baking sheet. Bake them for 20-25 minutes. Flip them halfway through for even cooking. They should be golden brown and crispy. 2. Preparing the Orange Sauce: While the chicken bakes, start the orange sauce. In a saucepan, mix fresh orange juice, orange zest, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Heat this on medium until it simmers. 3. Thickening the Sauce: Slowly stir in the cornstarch mixed with water. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens, which takes about 2-3 minutes. Turn off the heat. 4. Combine and Serve: Once the chicken is ready, toss it in the orange sauce until covered. 5. Serve Hot: Plate your chicken and drizzle any extra sauce on top. Enjoy it warm! To keep your chicken crispy, coat it well. The panko breadcrumbs create a crunchy layer. Make sure to flip the chicken halfway through baking. This helps both sides get golden brown. If you want a thicker crust, dip the chicken in the egg twice. Adjusting baking times is key. If your chicken pieces are larger, bake longer. If smaller, check them sooner. Keep an eye out for golden color. This shows they are ready. Try adding zest with different ingredients. You can use lime juice or lemon juice instead of orange juice. This gives the dish a fun twist. Mixing in chili flakes can add heat. For serving suggestions, plate the chicken over rice. This adds a nice base. You can also add a side of steamed veggies. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions for a pop of color. For low-sugar options, swap honey with agave syrup. This can cut down on sugar without losing sweetness. If you need gluten-free options, use tamari instead of soy sauce. You can also use gluten-free breadcrumbs. This way, everyone can enjoy the dish without worry. Pro Tips Choose Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh chicken and freshly squeezed orange juice will enhance the flavor and overall quality of your dish. Perfect Panko Coating: For extra crunch, lightly toast the panko breadcrumbs in a dry skillet before using them to coat the chicken. Adjust Sauce Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add more honey gradually until it reaches your desired taste. Let it Rest: After baking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before tossing it in the sauce to maintain its crispiness. {{image_2}} You can change the meat in this dish. I often use turkey instead of chicken. Tofu works great too! It gives a nice texture and absorbs flavors well. Add some veggies for more color and taste. Broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas are excellent choices. They add crunch and nutrients. Mix them in the baking sheet with chicken for a one-pan meal. You can make the sauce sweeter or spicier. Try adding chili flakes for heat. Or, mix in some sriracha for a nice kick! If you want to change the citrus flavor, use lemon or lime juice. Each fruit gives a unique taste. You can also mix citrus juices for a fun twist. If you have an air fryer, use it! Preheat it to 375°F (190°C). Cook the chicken pieces for about 12-15 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through for even crispiness. Grilling adds a smoky flavor. Marinate the chicken pieces in the orange sauce first. Then, grill them over medium heat until cooked through. This gives a nice char and great taste! After you finish your meal, cool the chicken quickly. Place it in a shallow dish. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or a lid. This method helps keep the chicken fresh. Cooked chicken lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Always check for any off smells before eating. To freeze your crispy baked orange chicken, let it cool completely first. Use airtight containers or freezer bags. Remove as much air as possible. This will keep the chicken from getting freezer burn. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, place it in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes. This will help keep it crispy. You can also microwave it, but it may become soft. If you know your week will be busy, try meal prepping. Cook a big batch of orange chicken on the weekend. Divide it into portion-sized containers. This makes it easy to grab for lunch or dinner. Pair it with rice or veggies for a full meal. You can store these containers in the fridge for quick meals during the week. To spice up your orange chicken, you can add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. Just a pinch can add heat without losing flavor. You might also try hot sauce in the orange sauce. Sriracha or chili garlic sauce works well too. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference. Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but you need to thaw it first. The best way is to leave it in the fridge overnight. If you're in a hurry, you can run it under cold water for about an hour. Ensure the chicken is fully thawed for even cooking. This dish takes about 40 minutes from start to finish. The prep time is around 15 minutes. Baking the chicken takes about 20 to 25 minutes. It’s a quick meal that’s perfect for busy nights. Crispy baked orange chicken pairs well with several sides. Steamed rice is a great choice. You can also serve it with mixed vegetables for a colorful plate. Other options include fried rice or a simple salad. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions for extra flair. This blog post covered everything you need to make crispy baked orange chicken. We listed the key ingredients and offered step-by-step instructions for preparation and baking. I shared tips to keep the chicken crispy and suggestions for healthier swaps. Variations let you explore different flavors or cooking methods. Finally, we discussed proper storage to enjoy leftovers later. With these insights, you can make this dish your own. Enjoy the delicious taste of homemade orange chicken!

Crispy Baked Orange Chicken

A delicious and crispy chicken dish coated in a sweet and tangy orange sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
  • 1 zest orange
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a bowl, season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
  • Breading Station: Set up a three-part breading station. Place the cornstarch in one dish, the beaten eggs in another, and a mixture of panko breadcrumbs and a drizzle of olive oil in the third.
  • Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken piece first into the cornstarch, shaking off any excess, then into the egg, and finally into the panko breadcrumbs. Ensure each piece is well-coated.
  • Bake the Chicken: Arrange the breaded chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
  • Make the Orange Sauce: While the chicken is baking, prepare the orange sauce. In a saucepan on medium heat, combine the fresh orange juice, orange zest, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, ginger, and minced garlic. Stir until it begins to simmer.
  • Thicken the Sauce: Slowly add the cornstarch-water mixture to the sauce, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens (about 2-3 minutes). Remove from heat.
  • Combine and Serve: Once the chicken is done, toss it in the orange sauce until well coated.
  • Serve Hot: Plate the chicken and drizzle any remaining sauce over the top.

Notes

Serve over a bed of steamed rice or with a side of mixed vegetables. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for an added flair.
Keyword baked, chicken, crispy, orange sauce