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Crispy Baked Orange Chicken

A delightful twist on a classic favorite, this dish features crispy chicken pieces coated in a zesty orange sauce, offering a healthier alternative to the traditional fried version.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Asian
Keyword: Baked Chicken, Crispy Baked Orange Chicken, Easy Dinner, Healthy Chicken Recipe, Orange Sauce Chicken
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 400kcal

Ingredients

For the Chicken

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

For the Orange Sauce

  • 1 cup orange juice freshly squeezed is best
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon grated orange zest

For Garnish

  • Green onions, for garnish (optional)
  • Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Preparation

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season them with salt and pepper.
  • Create a breading station with three bowls - one for flour, one for beaten eggs, and one for a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt.

Coating and Baking

  • Dip each piece of chicken into the flour, shake off excess, dip into the egg, and then coat with the panko mixture. Place onto the baking sheet.
  • Bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
  • While the chicken is baking, prepare the orange sauce by combining orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, cornstarch, and orange zest in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat and stir until thickened.
  • Once the chicken is done, drizzle the orange sauce over and toss gently to coat.
  • Return the chicken to the oven for an additional 5 minutes to set the sauce.

Serving

  • Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Notes

For the best flavor, use freshly squeezed orange juice. Feel free to add spices to the panko for extra kick. You can prepare the chicken one day in advance and store in the refrigerator.