Description

A flavorful and easy-to-make Oven Baked Orange Chicken recipe featuring tender chicken breast pieces coated in a crispy cornstarch layer and smothered in a tangy-sweet orange sauce infused with garlic, ginger, and a touch of spice. Perfect as a healthy homemade alternative to takeout, baked to perfection in the oven for a juicy, satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

2 pounds chicken breast
3 tablespoons corn starch
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon sesame oil

Orange Sauce

3 tablespoons soy sauce
¾ cup orange juice
½ cup brown sugar
1 orange (zest of)
1 tablespoon minced ginger
3 cloves garlic (minced)
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tablespoons cornstarch

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350˚F to prepare for baking the chicken.
Prepare Chicken: Cut the chicken into even, bite-sized pieces about 1 inch each. Stir the sesame oil into the chicken pieces to coat them evenly. Then toss the chicken bites thoroughly with cornstarch, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well coated.
Start Baking Chicken: Transfer the coated chicken pieces to a large casserole dish, spreading them out in a single layer to ensure even cooking. Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 10 minutes.
Make Orange Sauce: While the chicken bakes, whisk together the soy sauce, orange juice, brown sugar, orange zest, minced ginger, minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and cornstarch in a saucepan.
Simmer Sauce: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, then remove from heat.
Combine Chicken and Sauce: After 10 minutes, remove the chicken from the oven and pour the orange sauce over the chicken pieces. Toss gently to coat all pieces evenly.
Finish Baking: Return the casserole dish to the oven and bake for an additional 4 to 6 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165˚F.
Serve: Remove from oven and optionally garnish with chopped green onions. Serve warm alongside rice for a complete meal.

Notes

Use fresh orange juice rather than concentrate for the best flavor.
For a spicier kick, increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of chili sauce.
Ensure chicken pieces are evenly sized for consistent cooking.
Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to confirm chicken is cooked safely.
Can substitute chicken thighs if preferred; adjust cooking time accordingly.
Serve with steamed rice or vegetables for a balanced meal.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 16 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American Chinese

Keywords: orange chicken, oven baked chicken, baked orange chicken, homemade Chinese chicken, orange sauce chicken, healthy orange chicken