Baked Orange Chicken

Baked Orange Chicken Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 pounds chicken thighs, boneless skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, divided
• 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh ginger, minced
• 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons rice wine
• 1/4 cup orange juice, freshly squeezed
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
• 10 tablespoons sugar
• 10 tablespoons white vinegar
• 1 orange, zested for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

• Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Add the panko breadcrumbs to a food processor and pulse until finely ground.
• Set up a breading station with four bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, one with panko, and one for the chicken pieces.
• Coat each piece of chicken in the flour, dip in the egg, and then roll in the panko. Place the breaded chicken pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly sprayed with cooking oil. Lightly spray or brush the top of the chicken with vegetable oil.
• Bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes, or until the pieces are golden and crispy.

2. Make the Orange Sauce:

• While the chicken is baking, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
• Add the minced ginger, garlic, and crushed red pepper. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Stir in the rice wine, orange juice, sesame oil, soy sauce, sugar, and vinegar.
• Bring the sauce to a boil and let it cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.

3. Combine and Serve:

• Once the chicken is done baking, remove it from the oven.
• Toss the crispy baked chicken pieces in the prepared orange sauce until they are well coated.
• Garnish with fresh orange zest for extra flavor and a beautiful presentation.

Recipe Details:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Calories: 365 kcal per serving
• Servings: 4 servings

Tips for the Best Baked Orange Chicken:

• Get Extra Crispy Chicken: For even crispier chicken, spray the panko-coated pieces with cooking oil before baking. This will help them brown beautifully.
• Adjust the Spice Level: If you like your orange chicken spicier, feel free to add more crushed red pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
• Make It a Complete Meal: Serve this orange chicken over steamed rice or with stir-fried vegetables for a balanced and satisfying meal.

Conclusion:

This Baked Orange Chicken is the perfect combination of crispy, sweet, and tangy. It’s a healthier alternative to traditional fried orange chicken without sacrificing any of the flavor. With its quick prep and cooking time, this dish is ideal for a weeknight dinner that feels special but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. The homemade orange sauce, made from fresh ingredients, really elevates this recipe to something truly delicious!

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