Easy Baked Orange Chicken – Sweet, Tangy & Better Than Restaurant

Skip the restaurant menu—this Easy Baked Orange Chicken is about to become your new weeknight favorite! Imagine tender, juicy bites of chicken, baked until perfectly crisp, and coated in a sweet, tangy, sticky orange glaze that clings to every bite.

It’s lighter than the fried version you might get elsewhere, but just as flavorful (if not more!). Plus, it’s easy enough to pull off on a busy evening, and you don’t have to worry about a greasy mess in the kitchen. Serve it with fluffy rice and crisp broccoli, and you’ve got a dinner that will make everyone at the table happy.

Why You’ll Love This Baked Orange Chicken Recipe

Baked, Not Fried:

One of the best parts of this recipe is that the chicken is baked, not fried. This means you get that crunchy, crispy texture without the extra oil. Baked chicken is also a bit lighter, so you get the flavor and crispiness you love, but without feeling heavy afterward. Plus, it’s a lot easier to clean up!

Sweet & Tangy Perfection:

The orange glaze on this chicken is what makes it so special. It’s sweet, tangy, and sticky, giving the chicken a beautiful glossy finish. The orange flavor is refreshing and lively, making each bite exciting. The glaze coats the chicken perfectly and gives it just the right balance of sweetness and citrusy zing.

Weeknight-Friendly:

This recipe is perfect for a busy evening because it’s ready in just 40 minutes. That’s not a lot of time to get a flavorful, crispy dish on the table! You can easily fit this into a weeknight dinner, even if you’ve had a hectic day. It’s quick and easy but still feels like a special meal.

Kid & Adult Approved:

This dish is a hit with the whole family. The sweet and tangy flavor of the orange glaze is something kids will love, but it’s also flavorful enough to impress adults. It’s one of those dishes that pleases a crowd, from the little ones to the grown-ups.

Customizable:

One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s customizable. If you want it sweeter, you can add more honey or sugar to the glaze. If you prefer more heat, a little extra chili or red pepper flakes will give it a spicy kick. You can even swap out the orange for lemon or lime if you want a different citrus twist. It’s super flexible to fit your tastes!

This Baked Orange Chicken is delicious, quick, and super easy to make—perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you’re craving something tasty!

Ingredients & Benefits

• 2 tbsp olive oil – Helps crisp the chicken without deep frying.
• 1 large egg – Binds the breading so it stays on during baking.
• ½ cup cornstarch – Gives the chicken its light, crispy coating.
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs – Adds crunch and texture.
• 1 lb chicken breasts or thighs – Lean protein that stays tender inside.
• ¼ cup honey – Natural sweetness and shine for the glaze.
• ¼ cup fresh orange juice – Bright, tangy citrus flavor.
• ¼ cup granulated sugar – Balances the tang of the sauce.
• 2 tbsp soy sauce – Adds savory depth.
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar – Cuts through sweetness with a gentle tang.
• 2 tsp sesame oil – Nutty aroma for a richer flavor profile.
• 2 garlic cloves – Brings warmth and depth to the glaze.
• 2 tbsp orange zest – Intensifies the citrus notes.
• ½ tsp red chili flakes – Just enough kick to keep things interesting.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat & Prep

Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a casserole dish with 1 tbsp olive oil.

2. Set Up Breading Station

Place egg in one shallow dish, cornstarch in another, and panko in a third. Season each with salt and pepper.

3. Coat the Chicken

Season chicken pieces. Dredge each in cornstarch, dip in egg, and coat in panko. Arrange in casserole dish. Brush tops with the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil.

4. Bake (First Round)

Bake for 15 minutes to start crisping the coating.

5. Make the Orange Glaze

While chicken bakes, whisk together honey, orange juice, sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, orange zest, and red chili flakes in a bowl.

6. Glaze & Finish Baking

Pour glaze over chicken, toss to coat, and return to oven for 20 minutes, stirring once halfway. The sauce should be sticky and glossy.

7. Serve & Enjoy

Serve hot over steamed rice with a side of broccoli or your favorite veggies.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

For Extra Crispiness – Bake on a wire rack placed over a baking sheet so heat circulates all around.

Balance the Flavor – Taste the glaze before adding to chicken and adjust with more orange juice or chili flakes.

No Panko? – Use crushed cornflakes for a fun crunch.

Recommended Equipment

• Casserole Baking Dish – Perfect size for even baking.
• Set of 3 Shallow Dishes – Ideal for breading stations.
• Fine Grater/Zester – For fresh, fragrant orange zest.
• Whisk Set – Helps emulsify your glaze perfectly.
  

How to Serve Your Baked Orange Chicken

Here’s how you can serve your Baked Orange Chicken to make it even more delicious and satisfying:

With Steamed Rice:

The sticky orange glaze pairs perfectly with steamed white rice. The rice soaks up all the delicious sauce, making each bite even tastier. It’s a classic combo that balances out the bold flavors of the chicken and adds a nice, soft texture to the meal.

On a Bed of Veggies:

Serve your orange chicken on a bed of sautéed or steamed vegetables, like broccoli, snap peas, or carrots. The veggies add crunch and freshness, making it a more balanced and colorful meal. Plus, they’re a great way to add more nutrients to the dish!

We have Steamed Green Beans with Garlic & Oyster Sauce – a simple, savory veggie side to balance the sweetness.

With a Side of Fried Rice:

For an extra flavorful meal, pair the orange chicken with fried rice. The savory, garlicky flavors of the fried rice complement the sweet and tangy chicken perfectly. You can even add some peas, carrots, or scrambled eggs to the fried rice for extra texture and flavor.

As Part of a Family-Style Dinner:

If you’re serving this for a group or family meal, you can plate the chicken family-style with a big bowl of rice and vegetables on the side. This way, everyone can help themselves to as much of the chicken, rice, and veggies as they want, making it feel like a fun, shared meal.

With a Simple Side Salad:

If you want something light, you can serve your chicken with a simple salad. A cucumber salad, Asian slaw, or mixed greens with a light dressing would be a great contrast to the rich and tangy orange chicken. The freshness of the salad balances out the sweetness of the chicken, giving you a refreshing meal.

For types for salad we also have Delicious Quick Easy Broccoli Salad with Feta & Toasted Almonds – Crunchy broccoli and nutty almonds balance the sweetness of the chicken.

Your New Go-To Salad – Orange And Tahini Piyaz Delight – The citrus in the dressing ties beautifully with the orange glaze on the chicken.

For more paring option we also have selections from snack and munchies

Diet-Friendly Options

Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free panko and tamari instead of soy sauce.

Low-Sodium: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce and reduce added salt.

Low-Sugar: Replace sugar with monk fruit sweetener and reduce honey slightly.

Best Ways to Store

Fridge: Store cooled chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer: Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a bag for up to 2 months.

Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F until hot, or microwave in short bursts.

Recipe Variations

Mandarin Twist: Swap orange juice for mandarin juice.

Spicy Kick: Add 1 tsp sriracha or gochujang to the glaze.

Sticky Garlic Soy: Replace orange juice/zest with more soy sauce and honey for a teriyaki-style glaze.

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With its golden-crisp coating and irresistible orange glaze, this Easy Baked Orange Chicken proves that a lighter, baked version of this classic dish can still be every bit as satisfying. It’s quick, family-friendly, and tastes amazing with rice and veggies.

Once you try it, you might never go back to the fried version!

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Common Questions Answered