July 1, 2014

Baked Orange Chicken

Name: Baked Orange Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 2
Ingredients: 1/2 lb boneless chicken thighs (cut into 1-inch pieces); 1 cup panko bread crumbs; 1 extra-large egg (whisked); 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; 2 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water

by Kirbie

Orange chicken is made a little healthier while still retaining its crispy coating through baking. This is an easy weekday meal.
baked orange chicken on a white plate
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.”
a close-up shot of chopsticks holding a piece of baked orange 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.
a close-up shot of baked orange chicken garnished with fresh chopped parsley

Be sure to try my Slow Cooker Orange Chicken for an easy and even healthier option!

Baked Orange Chicken

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Servings: 2

This is a healthier version of our favorite takeout-style orange chicken and only takes around 30 minutes to make. Instead of frying the chicken, I like to coat it in breadcrumbs before baking it. This gives the chicken a crispy coating without all the oil.

Print Recipe

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
2 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water

Directions:

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 Facts

Baked Orange Chicken

Amount Per Serving (0.5 of recipe)

Calories 565 Calories from Fat 63

% Daily Value*

Fat 7g11%

Saturated Fat 1.9g12%

Polyunsaturated Fat 2g

Monounsaturated Fat 2g

Cholesterol 128mg43%

Sodium 983mg43%

Carbohydrates 98.7g33%

Fiber 2.7g11%

Sugar 33.6g37%

Protein 27.4g55%

Vitamin A 150IU3%

Vitamin C 35.5mg43%

Calcium 130mg13%

Iron 3.6mg20%

Net Carbs 96g192%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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. All images and content are © Kirbie's Cravings.

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20 Comments // Leave a Comment »

20 comments on “Baked Orange Chicken”

Lee Taylor — July 7, 2014 @ 12:05 pm Reply
Sounds tasty.. but could I substitute pork for the chicken?, to make my favourite sweet and sour pork.
- Kirbie — July 7, 2014 @ 12:40 pm Reply
  i think that should work. though the orange sauce isn’t exactly the same as sweet and sour sauce.
Melanie @ Carmel Moments — July 21, 2014 @ 5:48 am Reply
Orange chicken is one of my all time favs. Can’t wait to give your version a try.
Pinned!
Have a fantastic week!
- Kirbie — July 21, 2014 @ 8:04 am Reply
  thank you! hope you have a fantastic week as well!
Leanne — August 2, 2014 @ 3:05 pm Reply
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!!
- Kirbie — August 2, 2014 @ 7:34 pm Reply
  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.
Diane — December 18, 2014 @ 7:48 pm Reply
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.
- Kirbie — December 19, 2014 @ 2:13 am Reply
  Thank you for taking the time to leave such a nice comment! So glad you enjoy my chicken recipes. I’ve got more coming!
Allison B — January 23, 2015 @ 2:11 pm Reply
Have you ever used fresh squeezed orange juice? I don’t like my food too sweet and I was wondering if that would work.
- Kirbie — January 23, 2015 @ 2:30 pm Reply
  I have not, but I imagine it should work just fine!
Jenny — April 1, 2015 @ 3:50 pm Reply
do you think panko can be substituted for the breadcrumbs?
- Kirbie — April 1, 2015 @ 8:46 pm Reply
  yes!
Amanda — September 28, 2015 @ 4:13 pm Reply
GREAT recipe! Super easy, quick, and delicious! Definitely will be making again. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
- Kirbie — September 28, 2015 @ 10:44 pm Reply
  so glad you enjoyed it!
H — July 28, 2017 @ 5:03 pm Reply
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!
- Kirbie — July 28, 2017 @ 9:23 pm Reply
  I’m so glad you enjoyed this!
Delilah Moreno — October 3, 2017 @ 4:35 pm Reply
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!!!
- Kirbie — October 4, 2017 @ 8:41 am Reply
  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.
Jorsan — October 11, 2017 @ 4:10 pm Reply
Loved it! Added some veggies though (carrots, onion, celery and green pepper) it was perfect!
- Kirbie — October 13, 2017 @ 9:48 am Reply
  Veggies are definitely a great addition!

Baked Orange Chicken