Baked Orange Chicken

Bring the magic of takeout home with this Baked Orange Chicken recipe! Crispy oven-baked chicken is tossed in a sweet and tangy orange sauce that’s bursting with flavor. This healthier alternative to the deep-fried favorite is quick, easy, and perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings.
The first time I made this Baked Orange Chicken, my husband declared it better than our favorite Chinese takeout spot! The tangy orange sauce with a hint of spice reminded him of cozy Friday nights spent indulging in our favorite takeout meals. Now, this dish has become a staple in our household—my little ones love dipping the crispy chicken bites in extra sauce, and I love how it’s baked, not fried!
Why You’ll Love Baked Orange Chicken
•Healthier Alternative: Skip the fryer without sacrificing flavor or crispiness.
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•Zesty Orange Sauce: Perfectly sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy for a burst of flavor.
•Kid-Friendly: A meal the whole family will enjoy!
•Quick and Easy: Simple steps and common pantry ingredients make this a go-to recipe.
Ingredients Notes For Baked Orange Chicken
•Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs for tender bites.
•Cornstarch & Flour: Helps create a crispy coating without frying.
•Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed for the best flavor, but bottled works too.
•Soy Sauce: Adds a savory depth to the orange sauce.
•Honey: Sweetens the sauce naturally.
•Ginger & Garlic: Enhance the savory and aromatic profile.
•Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, for a touch of heat.
Recipe Steps
1.Prepare the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Toss with a mixture of cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper. Arrange the chicken on the baking sheet and spray lightly with cooking spray. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
2.Make the Orange Sauce: In a saucepan, combine orange juice, soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a simmer and cook until slightly thickened. If needed, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry and stir it into the sauce for extra thickness.
3.Combine: Toss the baked chicken pieces in the orange sauce until fully coated.
4.Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish. Serve over steamed rice or alongside roasted vegetables.
Storage Options
•Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
•Reheat: Heat in the oven or on the stovetop to maintain crispiness.
•Freeze: Freeze cooked chicken pieces (without sauce) for up to 2 months. Thaw and toss in sauce before serving.
Variations & Substitutions
•Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with tofu or cauliflower.
•Extra Crispy: Use panko breadcrumbs in the coating for added crunch.
•Gluten-Free: Substitute flour with gluten-free flour or almond flour, and use tamari instead of soy sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe? Yes! Toss store-bought rotisserie chicken or cooked chicken tenders in the orange sauce for a quick meal.
Q: What can I serve with Baked Orange Chicken? Steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or even a light Asian-style salad pair beautifully with this dish.
Q: How can I make the sauce less sweet? Reduce the honey slightly and add a splash of rice vinegar or lime juice for more tang. Transform your weeknight dinners with this irresistible Baked Orange Chicken recipe—delicious, simple, and a guaranteed family favorite!

Baked Orange Chicken
Rate This Yum Pin This Recipe For Later! Share The Yum On Facebook PrintIngredients
- For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil for drizzling or spraying
- For the Orange Sauce:
- 1/2 cup orange juice freshly squeezed or store-bought
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water for thickening
- Garnishes:
- Sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a wire rack.
- Coat the Chicken: In a bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs. Dip each chicken piece into the flour mixture, then into the beaten eggs, and back into the flour mixture to coat well.
- Bake the Chicken: Place the coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly drizzle or spray with vegetable oil. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is crispy and cooked through.
- Make the Orange Sauce:
- Mix Sauce Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the orange juice, orange zest, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Thicken the Sauce: Once the sauce is hot, stir in the cornstarch slurry. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Combine and Serve:
- Coat the Chicken: Toss the baked chicken pieces in the orange sauce until evenly coated.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the orange chicken to a serving dish and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve over steamed rice or with stir-fried vegetables.
Featured Comments
“New favorite here — so flavorful. festive was spot on.”
“Super easy and turned out amazing! My family asked for seconds. Saving this one.”
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“New favorite here — absolutely loved. zesty was spot on.”
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“Impressed! Clear steps and will make again results. Perfect for busy nights.”
“Made this last night and it was absolutely loved. Loved how the weeknight saver came together.”
“Made this last night and it was so flavorful. Loved how the crowd-pleaser came together.”
“This juicy recipe was so flavorful — the family favorite really stands out. Thanks!”
“Made this last night and it was turned out amazing. Loved how the quick came together.”