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Baked Orange Chicken

Baked Orange Chicken is a delightful fusion of citrusy zest and savory goodness, perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. This healthier alternative to fried versions will bring a burst of sunshine to your plate.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 27 minutes
Total Time 42 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Asian, Fusion
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken Preparation
  • 1.75 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-size pieces Use uniform pieces for even cooking.
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch For coating the chicken.
Orange Sauce
  • ⅔ cup fresh orange juice Use fresh for best flavor.
  • 2 tbsp orange zest
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 3 tbsp honey or brown sugar Can adjust sweetness to taste.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 tsp chili flakes (optional) For heat, adjust to preference.
Garnishing
  • 2 stalks green onions, sliced
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds
  • Orange slices (optional) For garnishing.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
  2. In a mixing bowl, season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then toss them with cornstarch until they are evenly coated.
Baking Chicken
  1. Lay the coated chicken in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
Making Sauce
  1. While the chicken bakes, combine the orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey or brown sugar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and chili flakes in a saucepan.
  2. Bring it to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly.
Combining and Finishing
  1. Once the chicken is done, transfer it to a large bowl and pour the orange sauce over the top. Toss well to ensure the chicken pieces are thoroughly coated.
  2. Return the sauced chicken to the oven for another 5-7 minutes, allowing it to caramelize.
  3. Garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and orange slices if desired. Serve immediately alongside steamed rice or your favorite vegetables.

Notes

For best results, use fresh ingredients, especially the orange juice and zest. Marinating the chicken in the sauce for about an hour before baking can deepen flavors.