Orange chicken is made a little healthier while still retaining its crispy coating through baking. This is an easy weekday meal.
I’ve been on a quest to make some of Mr. K’s favorite dishes healthier. While I really liked the healthier orange chicken I made last time, Mr. K wasn’t as much of a fan. He missed the crunchy coating and complained that the dish tasted “too much like chicken.”
So I have been working on a baked crunchy version. The chicken is coated in bread crumbs and baked until crispy. Then it is drizzled with the orange glaze right before serving.
Be sure to try my Slow Cooker Orange Chicken for an easy and even healthier option! If you love take-out you might like to browse my favorite Chinese take-out recipes, too.
Baked Orange Chicken
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb boneless chicken thighs cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 extra-large egg whisked
For the sauce:
- 2 tbsp water
- 1/4 cup + 2 tbsp orange juice
- 1/4 cup granulated white sugar
- 3 tbsp vinegar
- 1/8 cup light soy sauce
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1/4 tsp ginger minced
- 1 tsp sriracha
- 2Â tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Dip chicken pieces in egg and then roll in bread crumbs until fully coated and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Repeat until all chicken is coated. Bake for 15-20 minutes until chicken coating is a light brown and is crunchy.
- While chicken is cooking, make the sauce on the stove. Add all sauce ingredients except the 1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water. Bring to a low boil. In a small bowl, dissolve cornstarch in water, then add to the mixture. Stir until sauce boils again and cook until sauce thickens. Toss chicken in sauce right before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro if desired.
Nutrition
The nutrition information provided are only estimates based on an online nutritional calculator. I am not a certified nutritionist. Please consult a professional nutritionist or doctor for accurate information and any dietary restrictions and concerns you may have.
Sounds tasty.. but could I substitute pork for the chicken?, to make my favourite sweet and sour pork.
i think that should work. though the orange sauce isn’t exactly the same as sweet and sour sauce.
Orange chicken is one of my all time favs. Can’t wait to give your version a try.
Pinned!
Have a fantastic week!
thank you! hope you have a fantastic week as well!
Made this for supper tonight and it was very good. I have a picky family but they liked it which makes me happy!!…I would make more sauce next time though, I think..I like too how easy it was to make, with pretty much all ingredients I have on hand…Thank you very much for sharing!!
Positive comments like this always make me happy! I know what you mean about the sauce actually. I was trying to keep it a little healthier but I like smothering it in sauce too.
Kirbie
Thank you for this wonderful recipe. I just love it. After a long day at work it is great to come home and fine a simple, delicious recipe to cook.
As a matter of fact all of you chicken recipes are great. Thanks for a great blog.
Thank you for taking the time to leave such a nice comment! So glad you enjoy my chicken recipes. I’ve got more coming!
Have you ever used fresh squeezed orange juice? I don’t like my food too sweet and I was wondering if that would work.Â
I have not, but I imagine it should work just fine!
do you think panko can be substituted for the breadcrumbs?
yes!
GREAT recipe! Super easy, quick, and delicious! Definitely will be making again. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
so glad you enjoyed it!
Made this on a whim and it was AMAZING! I’ve attempted an orange chicken recipe before, but this one was perfect. Thank you for sharing!
I’m so glad you enjoyed this!
Just found this recipe and made it for dinner tonight and it was such a hit!!! I added an little more sriracha but it was perfect!!!Â
I’m so glad you loved it! I like adding more sriracha too but I know some people (like my husband) can’t take so much spiciness.
Loved it! Added some veggies though (carrots, onion, celery and green pepper) it was perfect!
Veggies are definitely a great addition!