Name: Easy Baked Orange Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts; 1 cup breadcrumbs; 2 teaspoons salt; 1 teaspoon pepper; 1 cup water; ½ cup honey; ½ cup fresh orange juice (from 3-5 oranges); 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 clove garlic (pressed); 1 tablespoon orange zest ((about 1 small orange)); 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (zested); ½ teaspoon dried red pepper flakes; 2 green onions sliced ((green parts only)); 3 tablespoons cornstarch; 2 tablespoons cold water

If you’re looking for a dish that’s bursting with flavor yet simple to make, look no further than this Easy Baked Orange Chicken. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. With juicy chicken breasts coated in a tangy orange sauce, this dish is a delightful twist on a classic favorite. Plus, it’s baked, not fried, making it a healthier option that doesn’t skimp on taste. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to savor every bite!

Why This Easy Baked Orange Chicken Stands Out

What sets this Easy Baked Orange Chicken apart is its vibrant flavor profile and the ease of preparation. By using fresh orange juice and zest, we create a sauce that’s not just sweet, but also has a delightful citrusy brightness. The combination of honey, soy sauce, and garlic adds depth, while the baking process ensures that the chicken remains tender and moist. This dish is not only delicious but also versatile; serve it over rice, toss it in a salad, or enjoy it on its own.

What Goes In

To make this scrumptious meal, you’ll need the following ingredients:

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 cup breadcrumbs
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1 cup water
½ cup honey
½ cup fresh orange juice from 3-5 oranges
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 clove garlic, pressed
1 tablespoon orange zest (about 1 small orange)
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, zested
½ teaspoon dried red pepper flakes
2 green onions, sliced (green parts only)
3 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons cold water

Equipment at a Glance

To whip up this Easy Baked Orange Chicken, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools:

Large baking dish for marinating and cooking the chicken
Mixing bowls for preparing the sauce
Whisk for combining ingredients
Measuring cups and spoons for accuracy
Knife and cutting board for chopping

How to Prepare Easy Baked Orange Chicken

Follow these simple steps to create your delicious Easy Baked Orange Chicken:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your chicken will bake evenly and develop a lovely golden color.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Cut the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. This helps them cook faster and allows more surface area for the sauce to cling to.

Step 3: Season the Chicken

In a bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper. Coat each piece of chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring they are fully covered.

Step 4: Make the Orange Sauce

In a separate mixing bowl, combine the water, honey, fresh orange juice, soy sauce, pressed garlic, orange zest, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes. Whisk until well combined. This sauce is the heart of your Easy Baked Orange Chicken.

Step 5: Assemble the Dish

In your large baking dish, arrange the breaded chicken pieces in a single layer. Pour the orange sauce over the chicken, making sure each piece is generously coated.

Step 6: Bake the Chicken

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Step 7: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)

If you prefer a thicker sauce, combine the cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl to create a slurry. After removing the chicken from the oven, slowly stir the slurry into the sauce in the baking dish. Return to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes until thickened.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and sprinkle with sliced green onions. Serve your Easy Baked Orange Chicken over rice, in a wrap, or alongside your favorite veggies.

Better Choices & Swaps

Making this dish a little healthier or accommodating dietary preferences is easy. Here are some suggestions:

Use whole wheat breadcrumbs for added fiber.
Substitute agave nectar or maple syrup for honey if you need a vegan alternative.
For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and tamari instead of soy sauce.
Add more veggies like bell peppers or broccoli to the baking dish for a complete meal.

Pitfalls & How to Prevent Them

While preparing your Easy Baked Orange Chicken, be mindful of the following common pitfalls:

Overcooking the Chicken: Always check the internal temperature. Use a meat thermometer to avoid dry chicken.
Burnt Sauce: Keep an eye on the sauce as it bakes. If it starts to caramelize too much, cover the dish with aluminum foil.
Too Much Bread Crumb Coating: Ensure an even coating, but don’t overdo it. Too much can lead to a dry texture.

Store, Freeze & Reheat

If you have leftovers (which is rare with this tasty dish!), here are some tips for storing, freezing, and reheating your Easy Baked Orange Chicken:

You can store the chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also microwave it, but be cautious to avoid drying it out.

The Last Word

Creating a mouthwatering dinner doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With this Easy Baked Orange Chicken, you can bring the bright, zesty flavors of the tropics to your dinner table without breaking a sweat. This dish is perfect for family meals or impressing guests, and the leftovers (if there are any!) make a fantastic lunch the next day. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the burst of citrusy goodness that this recipe offers!

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