Baked Orange Chicken

Why Make This Recipe

Baked Orange Chicken is a delightful dish that combines the sweet and tangy flavors of orange sauce with tender, juicy chicken. It is an easy-to-make recipe that can satisfy your cravings for takeout right at home! Not only is it delicious, but it’s also a healthier alternative to traditional fried orange chicken. Baking the chicken reduces the amount of oil used, making this dish lighter while still being full of flavor. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress!

How to Make Baked Orange Chicken

Ingredients

• Chicken breast
• Panda Express Orange Chicken Sauce
• Cornstarch
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Green onions
• Sesame seeds

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is an important step as it ensures that the chicken cooks evenly.
2. Prepare the Chicken: Take the chicken breasts and cut them into bite-sized pieces. This will help them cook faster and allow for more even baking. Once cut, season the chicken with a pinch of salt and pepper. This step adds essential flavor to the chicken.
3. Coat the Chicken: In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces in cornstarch. Make sure that each piece is well coated. The cornstarch will help create a nice crunch on the chicken as it bakes in the oven.
4. Mix with Sauce and Oil: Next, pour the Panda Express Orange Chicken sauce and olive oil over the coated chicken. Mix everything together until the chicken is thoroughly coated in sauce. This is where the magic happens as the flavors meld together to create a delicious meal.
5. Spread on Baking Sheet: Get a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Spread the chicken pieces on the baking sheet in a single layer. Make sure not to overcrowd them; this will help them bake evenly and get crispy.
6. Bake the Chicken: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and let the chicken bake for 20-25 minutes. You should flip the chicken halfway through the cooking time. This ensures that both sides get equally golden brown and crispy, and the inside stays juicy.
7. Garnish and Serve: Once the chicken is cooked through and has turned a lovely golden brown, take the baking sheet out of the oven. Garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an added touch of flavor and color.

How to Serve Baked Orange Chicken

Baked Orange Chicken can be served in many delightful ways. It pairs wonderfully with steamed white rice or fried rice, making it a filling meal. You can also serve it with a side of your favorite vegetables for a well-rounded dish. Broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers work great and add nutritional value. If you want to make it a bit fancier, you can serve the chicken over a bed of mixed greens, drizzling a little extra orange sauce on top. This presentation will impress your guests and family alike!

How to Store Baked Orange Chicken

If you have leftovers, Baked Orange Chicken can be stored easily. Allow the chicken to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, make sure to do it in the oven for the best texture. You can also reheat it in the microwave, though it may lose some crispiness.

If you would like to store it for a longer period, consider freezing it. Wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap or place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to three months. To reheat from frozen, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then heat in the oven until warmed through.

Tips to Make Baked Orange Chicken

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chicken breasts can have much better flavor than frozen chicken. Always try to use the freshest chicken you can find.
2. Adjust the Sauce: If you prefer a spicier version, you can add some crushed red pepper flakes to the orange sauce to give it a bit of kick.
3. Watch Your Bake Time: Baking times can vary based on the size of the chicken pieces and your oven. It’s important to check that the chicken is fully cooked, reaching an internal temperature of at least 165°F (75°C).
4. Do Not Overcrowd: Make sure there’s space between each piece of chicken on the baking sheet. This helps to ensure that the chicken gets crispy and doesn’t steam.
5. Experiment: Feel free to experiment with additional veggies on the baking sheet. Slices of bell pepper, zucchini, or carrot add more color and nutrients to the dish.

Variation

While this recipe features Panda Express Orange Chicken Sauce, feel free to explore using different sauces for a unique flavor. Other great options include teriyaki sauce, sweet and sour sauce, or even a homemade citrus sauce if you want to take a more customized approach. You can also add in some vegetables, like bell peppers or snap peas, tossed in with the chicken for a one-pan meal!

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

While fresh chicken is recommended for the best flavor and texture, you can use frozen chicken if needed. Just make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator before cutting and cooking it.

2. Is Baked Orange Chicken gluten-free?

The recipe, as written, uses cornstarch instead of flour, making it gluten-free. However, be sure to check the ingredients of the Panda Express Orange Chicken sauce, as some sauces may contain gluten.

3. How can I make the chicken more crispy?

For extra crispiness, you can broil the chicken for the last few minutes of cooking. Just watch it closely to avoid burning. Alternatively, for an even crispier texture, you can bread the chicken with an egg wash and breadcrumbs before baking.

4. What can I serve with Baked Orange Chicken?

Pair it with fried rice, steamed vegetables, or a simple salad. You can also serve it over quinoa or couscous for a hearty meal.

5. Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes! You can marinate the chicken in the sauce the night before and keep it in the refrigerator. Bake it the next day for a quick and easy meal.

With these tips, variations, and detailed instructions, Baked Orange Chicken can become a household favorite. The blend of flavors and the ease of preparation make it a go-to recipe for busy nights or casual gatherings. Happy cooking!

Baked Orange Chicken

Print Recipe

A delightful dish combining sweet and tangy orange flavors with tender, juicy chicken, baked for a healthier alternative to takeout.

• Author: lila-monroe
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Asian
• Diet: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb Chicken breast
• 1 cup Panda Express Orange Chicken Sauce
• 1/2 cup Cornstarch
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1/4 tsp Pepper
• 2 Green onions, chopped
• 1 tbsp Sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the chicken by cutting it into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper.
3. Coat the chicken pieces in cornstarch until well coated.
4. Mix together the Panda Express Orange Chicken sauce and olive oil with the chicken.
5. Spread the chicken on a lined baking sheet in a single layer.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
7. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Notes

Serve with steamed rice or your favorite vegetables. Best if eaten fresh but can be stored for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 23g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: chicken, orange chicken, baked chicken, easy recipe, takeout alternative, healthy dinner