Baked Orange Chicken Recipe

Baked Orange Chicken Recipe

6 servings
Baked Orange Chicken made with Panda Express Orange Chicken Copycat Sauce. An easy baked recipe that's healthier than frying in 30 minutes!

Ingredients

  • panko breadcrumbs
    1 c
  • chicken thighs

    , boneless, skinless

    2 lb
  • eggs

    , beaten

    2 large
  • flour
    ½ c
  • vegetable oil

    , divided

    1 tbsp
  • fresh ginger

    , minced

    1 ½ tbsp
  • garlic

    , minced

    2 tsp
  • crushed red pepper
    ½ tsp
  • cornstarch
    1 tbsp
  • rice wine)

    (white wine works too

    2 tbsp
  • orange juice

    , fresh after zesting orange

    ¼ c
  • sesame oil
    1 tsp
  • low sodium soy sauce
    3 tbsp
  • sugar
    10 tbsp
  • white vinegar
    10 tbsp
  • orange

    , zested

    1

Directions

  1. 1

    Preheat the oven to 400 degrees and add the panko to a food processor and pulse until the crumbs are much smaller, like regular breadcrumbs.

  2. 2

    Add the panko to one bowl, the chicken (cut into small chunks) in a second bowl, the eggs in a third bowl, and the flour in a fourth bowl.

  3. 3

    Dip the chicken pieces into the flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs and place on baking sheet, then spray with cooking spray (or brush lightly with vegetable oil).

  4. 4

    Bake for 20-25 minutes. While the chicken is baking, make the sauce.

  5. 5

    Add the remaining tablespoon vegetable oil, ginger, garlic, and crushed red pepper to a saucepan on medium heat and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

  6. 6

    Add the rest of the sauce ingredients, bring to a boil until it thickens then turn off the heat and wait for the chicken to finish baking, then toss the chicken with the sauce and serve.

Baked Orange Chicken Recipe

Baked Orange Chicken Recipe

30 min6 servings424 cal

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About this Recipe

Craving that irresistible sticky, sweet, and tangy orange chicken without the deep-fried guilt? This Baked Orange Chicken recipe delivers all the classic flavors you love, inspired by your favorite takeout, but made healthier and straight from your oven.

This recipe shines by baking the chicken, achieving a delightfully crispy exterior thanks to a generous coating of panko breadcrumbs, all without the mess and added fat of traditional frying. The star is undeniably the homemade sauce—a spot-on replica of that beloved takeout flavor, balancing bright orange zest with savory low-sodium soy sauce and a hint of spice.

You'll experience tender, boneless, skinless chicken thighs enveloped in that rich, glossy orange sauce that clings perfectly. The fresh orange zest brightens the dish, complemented by the aromatic warmth of fresh ginger and garlic, with a subtle kick from crushed red pepper that awakens your palate. It’s a satisfying main course that feels wonderfully indulgent but comes with the benefit of being baked, offering a lighter take on a classic comfort food.

Customization & Serving Ideas

To adjust the heat, simply increase or decrease the crushed red pepper to your liking. If you don't have rice wine on hand for the sauce, white wine makes a suitable substitute, ensuring the sauce retains its balanced acidity. This Baked Orange Chicken is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering. Serve it alongside fluffy steamed white rice to soak up every drop of that incredible sauce, and a simple green vegetable for a complete and satisfying meal.

Frequently Asked Questions