Description
Baked Orange Chicken is a delightful and crispy dish featuring chunks of chicken coated in panko breadcrumbs and tossed in a flavorful orange sauce. It’s perfect for a family dinner and sure to impress your guests!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- Cooking spray or additional vegetable oil for brushing
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1½ tablespoons fresh ginger, minced
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced (about 2 cloves)
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons rice wine (or dry white wine)
- ¼ cup fresh orange juice (from 1 large orange)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 10 tablespoons granulated sugar (about ⅔ cup)
- 10 tablespoons white vinegar (about ⅔ cup)
- Zest of 1 orange
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Place the panko breadcrumbs in a food processor and pulse several times until they reach a finer texture.
- Arrange a breading station with bowls for flour, beaten eggs, processed panko breadcrumbs, and chicken chunks. Season flour with salt and pepper.
- Dredge the chicken in flour, dip into the eggs, and coat with panko, ensuring even coverage. Place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Spray the chicken lightly with cooking spray or brush with oil. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- While the chicken bakes, heat vegetable oil in a saucepan and add minced ginger, garlic, and crushed red pepper. Cook for about 30 seconds.
- Add cornstarch, rice wine, orange juice, sesame oil, soy sauce, sugar, white vinegar, and orange zest. Whisk to combine and cook until thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
- Once chicken is done, transfer to a bowl and pour the warm orange sauce over it. Toss gently to coat. Serve hot and crispy.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, ensure the panko breadcrumbs are finely processed.
- The orange sauce can be adjusted for sweetness by modifying the amount of sugar.
- This dish is best served immediately to retain its crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg