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Baked Orange Chicken

A plate piled high with crispy, glazed pieces of Baked Orange Chicken, glistening under bright light and sprinkled with sesame seeds.
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A recipe for baked chicken pieces coated in a sweet and tangy orange glaze, offering a lighter alternative to fried versions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 large egg white
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup fresh orange juice
  • 1/4 cup orange zest (from about 2 oranges)
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar (packed)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (slurry)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk the egg white until slightly frothy. Add the cut chicken pieces, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat.
  3. In a separate shallow dish, place the 1/4 cup of cornstarch. Dredge the coated chicken pieces in the cornstarch, shaking off any excess.
  4. Arrange the coated chicken on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Drizzle with olive oil.
  5. Bake for 15 minutes.
  6. While the chicken bakes, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, minced ginger, and minced garlic.
  7. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Let it simmer for 3 minutes.
  8. Whisk the cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) and slowly pour it into the simmering sauce, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat.
  9. After the chicken has baked for 15 minutes, remove the sheet from the oven. Pour half of the prepared orange sauce over the chicken pieces and toss gently to coat.
  10. Return the chicken to the oven and bake for another 8 to 10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce begins to caramelize slightly.
  11. Remove the chicken from the oven. Toss the baked chicken with the remaining half of the sauce just before serving to ensure it is sticky and glossy.

Notes

  • For extra crispiness, you can broil the chicken for the last 1-2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
  • Serve immediately over steamed white or brown rice.
  • Add steamed broccoli or snap peas on the side for a complete meal.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://savorsensations.com/baked-orange-chicken-recipe/