Zesty Baked Chinese Orange Chicken Recipe: Sweet Citrus Magic

Sizzling aromas waft through the kitchen as this baked Chinese orange chicken recipe promises a tantalizing twist on a classic takeout favorite.

Tender chicken pieces glisten with a vibrant, glossy sauce that balances sweet and zesty notes perfectly.

The golden-brown exterior promises a satisfying crunch that will make your taste buds dance with excitement.

Home cooks can easily recreate this restaurant-style dish without the deep-frying mess.

Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of citrusy brightness and savory depth that simply cannot be resisted.

This crowd-pleasing meal comes together effortlessly, transforming ordinary weeknight dinners into something extraordinary.

Diners will find themselves reaching for seconds before the first plate is even empty.

How to Make Baked Chinese Orange Chicken

• Culinary Preparation

Gather all necessary cooking tools and ingredients for a delightful Chinese-inspired meal. Ensure kitchen workspace is clean and organized for smooth cooking experience.

• Rice Foundation

Create fluffy base for chicken by preparing rice according to standard cooking methods. Select long-grain white rice for traditional texture and authentic flavor profile.

• Chicken Transformation

Season chicken pieces with carefully selected spices. Coat protein with light cornstarch layer to achieve crispy exterior when baked. Arrange chicken on non-stick baking surface, allowing space between pieces for even heating.

• Zesty Orange Essence

Craft vibrant sauce combining tangy orange elements with savory undertones. Blend fresh citrus juice, aromatic spices, and natural sweeteners to create complex flavor combination.

• Sauce Harmony

Simmer sauce ingredients until perfectly balanced and slightly thickened. Gently fold baked chicken into sauce, ensuring each piece becomes beautifully glazed with rich orange coating.

• Elegant Presentation

Transfer golden-brown chicken over prepared rice. Sprinkle delicate almond slivers for added crunch and visual appeal. Serve immediately while flavors remain intense and textures remain perfect.

Cooking Tips for Baked Chinese Orange Chicken

• Use potato starch instead of cornstarch for an even crispier chicken texture that stays crunchy when coated in sauce.
• Adjust cayenne pepper amount to make the dish mild or fiery hot, perfect for different family preferences and heat tolerances.
• Replace baking method with air fryer cooking for faster preparation, achieving similar crispy results in about 12 minutes.
• Swap chicken with tofu, shrimp, or lean pork for a delightful twist on the classic orange chicken recipe while maintaining the zesty flavor profile.
• Toss in steamed broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas during the final sauce coating to add extra nutrition and color to the dish.

Ways to Serve Baked Chinese Orange Chicken

• Zesty Plate Presentation: Create a vibrant plate by arranging the orange chicken over fluffy white rice, allowing the rich sauce to cascade down the sides for a mouthwatering visual appeal.
• Family-Style Feast: Serve in a large shared platter with extra sliced almonds, chopped green onions, and a small bowl of additional orange sauce on the side for everyone to customize their meal.
• Fresh Flavor Boosters: Sprinkle fresh cilantro or parsley on top for a bright pop of color and herbal freshness that complements the tangy orange chicken perfectly.
• Quick Meal Companion: Pair with steamed broccoli or a crisp Asian-inspired cucumber salad to add extra nutrition and a refreshing crunch to balance the rich chicken dish.

Storing and Reheating Baked Chinese Orange Chicken

• Smart Batch Cooking: Prepare double the chicken batch and store extra portions in airtight containers for quick weeknight meals. Refrigerated chicken stays fresh for 3-4 days, making meal prep a breeze.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Separate chicken and sauce before freezing to maintain optimal texture. Freeze individual portions in sealed containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
• Lunch Box Champion: Pack cold or gently reheated chicken with rice in meal prep containers. The flavors often intensify after a day, creating an even more delicious lunch option for work or school.
• Sauce Separation Tip: Store orange sauce separately from chicken to prevent soggy texture. Reheat sauce gently in a small saucepan, adding a splash of broth to restore original consistency before reuniting with chicken.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 500 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Baked Chinese Orange Chicken

• White Rice: Instant rice saves time and provides a quick, fluffy foundation for the dish.
• Boneless Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Select fresh, high-quality cuts with minimal fat for tender, juicy protein that absorbs flavors perfectly.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the chicken's natural taste and create a flavor base.
• Cornstarch: Creates a crispy exterior when coating chicken, ensuring a delightful crunch and helping sauce adhere beautifully.

• Chicken Broth: Adds depth and richness to the sauce, balancing the citrusy brightness.
• Orange Juice: Delivers vibrant, fresh citrus flavor and natural sweetness to the sauce.
• White Wine Vinegar: Provides tangy balance and helps tenderize the chicken.
• Soy Sauce: Introduces umami depth and a savory undertone to the sauce.
• Brown Sugar: Contributes caramel-like sweetness and helps create a glossy sauce texture.
• Orange Zest: Intensifies citrus aroma and adds concentrated orange essence.
• Garlic: Brings robust, aromatic warmth and complexity to the sauce.
• Ginger: Offers a zesty, slightly spicy kick that complements the orange flavors.
• Cayenne: Introduces a subtle heat that elevates the overall flavor profile.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce, creating a luxurious, silky consistency.

• Sliced Almonds: Adds delightful crunch, nutty flavor, and elegant visual appeal to the dish.

Equipment Needed for Baked Chinese Orange Chicken

• Large Baking Sheet: Non-stick surface for evenly baking chicken pieces.
• Mixing Bowls: For seasoning chicken and preparing sauce ingredients.
• Whisk: Essential for blending sauce ingredients smoothly and preventing lumps.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements for ingredients.
• Frying Pan: For simmering and thickening orange sauce.
• Sharp Knife: To slice almonds for garnish.
• Cutting Board: For preparing garnish and zesting orange.
• Grater: For creating fresh orange zest.

Crispy Chinese Orange Chicken Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Rich, tangy Chinese orange chicken brings together crispy battered chicken with a zesty citrus glaze. Homemade sauce and perfectly fried pieces create restaurant-quality comfort without leaving home.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 lbs (680 g) boneless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup white rice (instant recommended)
• 0.33 cup cornstarch (for chicken)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch (for sauce)
• 0.5 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 0.5 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• 0.25 cup white wine vinegar
• 3 tbsps soy sauce
• 0.33 cup packed brown sugar (dark preferred)
• 2 tsps finely grated orange zest
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh grated or finely minced ginger
• 0.25 tsp ground cayenne
• Salt and pepper
• 1 handful sliced almonds

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Rice Preparation: Cook rice according to package instructions, aiming for fluffy, perfectly tender grains that will complement the zesty chicken.
2. Oven Preheating and Baking Surface: Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C) and lightly grease a large non-stick baking sheet to prevent adherence.
3. Chicken Seasoning and Coating: Toss chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, and cornstarch in two phases, ensuring a uniform, crispy exterior that will develop a golden crust during baking.
4. Baking Process: Arrange chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet with slight separation, allowing hot air circulation for even cooking and achieving a crisp texture, bake for 8-10 minutes until golden brown and thoroughly cooked.
5. Orange Sauce Creation: Combine chicken broth, orange juice, rice vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, orange zest, garlic, ginger, and cayenne pepper in a pan, heating over medium-high temperature to develop a robust, tangy flavor profile.
6. Sauce Thickening: Dissolve additional cornstarch with water to create a smooth slurry, whisk into simmering sauce until it transforms into a glossy, velvety consistency that will elegantly coat the chicken.
7. Final Assembly: Gently fold baked chicken into the thickened orange sauce, ensuring complete and even coverage, then plate over prepared rice and garnish with toasted sliced almonds for textural contrast and visual intrigue.

Notes

• Cornstarch Coating Technique: Thoroughly coat chicken in two stages for an extra crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in moisture and creates a restaurant-quality crunch.
• Sauce Thickening Tip: Dissolve cornstarch completely in cold water before adding to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth, glossy sauce that clings perfectly to the chicken.
• Baking Sheet Spacing: Keep chicken pieces separated during baking to allow hot air circulation, guaranteeing even cooking and maximum crispiness on all sides.
• Orange Sauce Balance: Whisk sauce ingredients thoroughly to blend sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors, creating a harmonious and vibrant coating that elevates the entire dish.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking, Roasting
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 70 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg