Baked Orange Chicken Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with bright, citrusy flavor and comforting warmth, then this Baked Orange Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a perfect family-friendly meal that balances sweet, tangy, and savory notes in every bite. Imagine tender, juicy chicken thighs baked in a luscious orange sauce, then finished with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and fresh green onions. It’s an effortless way to bring a little sunshine to your dinner table and turn an ordinary night into something special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Baked Orange Chicken Recipe comes together with a handful of straightforward ingredients that play big roles in flavor and texture. Each item is carefully chosen to create complexity without fuss, making this a weeknight favorite for sure.

• Boneless chicken thighs: Skinless and juicy, they stay tender and soak up the sauce beautifully.
• Orange juice: Brings a fresh, tangy sweetness that’s key to the signature orange flavor.
• Soy sauce: Adds a savory depth and a hint of saltiness that balances the sweetness perfectly.
• Honey: Provides a natural sweetness and helps the sauce caramelize slightly when baked.
• Rice vinegar: Gives a subtle tangy brightness, cutting through the richness of the chicken.
• Olive oil: Adds richness and helps marry the flavors effortlessly.
• Minced garlic: Adds a fragrant warmth and aromatic punch.
• Fresh ginger: Gives a zesty kick that complements the citrus beautifully.
• Orange zest: Intensifies the orange flavor with a slight bitterness that balances the sweetness.
• Black pepper: Adds mild heat and depth.
• Cornstarch and water: These combine to thicken the sauce into a luscious glaze.
• Sesame seeds: Toasty and nutty, perfect for a finishing touch.
• Sliced green onions: Fresh, crisp, and bright, these add a lovely pop of color and flavor.
• Orange slices (optional): Beautiful for garnish and an extra burst of citrus aroma.

How to Make Baked Orange Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This sets the perfect heat to cook your chicken evenly and let the sauce develop rich flavors as it bakes.

Step 2: Mix the Orange Sauce

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the orange juice, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, orange zest, and black pepper. This vibrant mixture brings the sweet, tangy, and umami notes that define the dish.

Step 3: Arrange the Chicken

Place the skinless chicken thighs in a single layer inside your baking dish. A good even layer ensures each piece cooks through and soaks up the delicious sauce properly.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

Pour the orange sauce mixture over the chicken, making sure every piece is generously coated. This is where all the magic starts to happen as the chicken marinates in this gorgeous glaze during baking.

Step 5: First Bake with Foil

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. The foil traps steam, keeping the chicken tender and juicy while infusing it with the sauce.

Step 6: Bake Uncovered to Thicken

Remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 15 minutes. This allows the sauce to reduce slightly and the chicken to get a touch of caramelized goodness.

Step 7: Thicken the Sauce

Mix the cornstarch and water together in a small bowl until smooth. Stir this mixture into the juices in your baking dish. This step thickens the sauce to a beautifully glossy glaze.

Step 8: Final Bake

Return the dish to the oven for an additional 5 minutes. This final bake helps the sauce fully thicken and cling to each chicken piece for maximum flavor.

Step 9: Rest the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Resting is key to locking in juicy tenderness before serving.

Step 10: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions, and add orange slices if you like for a gorgeous finish. Your Baked Orange Chicken Recipe is now ready to be devoured!

How to Serve Baked Orange Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

Sesame seeds and sliced green onions add beautiful texture and fresh bursts of flavor that contrast wonderfully with the sticky glaze. Orange slices not only provide a stunning look but enhance the citrus aroma, making every bite even more delightful.

Side Dishes

Steamed white or jasmine rice is a classic and comforting way to soak up all that luscious sauce. For something lighter, fluffy quinoa or sautéed green beans also pair nicely, adding balance and color to your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, serve your Baked Orange Chicken on a platter garnished with fresh herbs like cilantro or mint for an added aromatic touch. You could also pile the chicken on a bed of crispy lettuce or serve it alongside crunchy Asian slaw to introduce textures and flavors that keep every bite exciting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store leftover baked orange chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce will continue to soak into the chicken, making for even more flavorful leftovers.

Freezing

This dish freezes well if you want to save some for later. Place the chicken and sauce into a freezer-safe container, leaving a little headspace, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat to avoid drying out the chicken. Adding a splash of water or extra orange juice can freshen the sauce and keep it glossy and delicious.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts can be used but keep in mind they tend to dry out faster. Reduce baking time slightly and watch closely to retain juiciness.

Is the sauce too sweet with the honey and orange juice?

The combination creates a balanced sweetness that’s perfectly offset by the soy sauce and rice vinegar. You can adjust the honey amount if you prefer a less sweet sauce.

Can I make this recipe spicy?

Yes! Adding a teaspoon of chili flakes or a splash of sriracha when mixing the sauce will add a lovely kick without overwhelming the citrus flavors.

What type of rice vinegar is best to use?

Regular rice vinegar works well here. Avoid seasoned rice vinegar if you want to control the sweetness and salt levels precisely.

Do I need to marinate the chicken before baking?

Marinating isn’t necessary because the sauce is poured over the chicken and baked together, allowing the flavors to develop nicely as it cooks.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Orange Chicken Recipe is one of those dishes that feels special yet is incredibly easy to make. The vibrant orange sauce paired with tender chicken thighs is a delightful combo that never fails to impress. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe will quickly become your go-to for a flavorful, comforting meal. So grab your ingredients, pour that glorious orange sauce, and get ready to enjoy a burst of sunshine on your plate!

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