Description
A delicious and easy recipe for Baked Orange Chicken, combining sweet and tangy flavors for a perfect homemade meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 pounds of chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup of orange juice (freshly squeezed for best flavor)
- 1/4 cup of soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1/4 cup of honey (can substitute with maple syrup)
- 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 2 teaspoons of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water (for thickening)
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of ginger, minced (optional but recommended)
- 1 teaspoon of sesame oil (or vegetable oil)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Combine the orange juice, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, ginger, sesame oil, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl. Whisk until the honey dissolves.
- Add the chicken pieces to the bowl, making sure they’re well-coated. Let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Arrange the chicken pieces on the baking sheet, spreading them out evenly.
- Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes. Then, drizzle the reserved marinade over the top.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Mix the cornstarch with water and stir it into the remaining marinade in the baking dish, simmering until thickened.
- Serve topped with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
For a healthier twist, use skinless chicken breasts and low-sodium soy sauce. Replace chicken with firm tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
