Baked Orange Chicken is a delightful and healthier take on the classic Asian-inspired dish. With its crispy exterior and tangy, sweet orange sauce, this recipe is sure to become a new family favorite. Combining the flavors of fresh ginger, garlic, and citrus, Baked Orange Chicken offers a balance of savory and vibrant notes that will have your taste buds dancing.
1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Prepare Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Dredge each piece in the flour, dip it in the beaten eggs, and then coat it with the panko breadcrumbs. Place the coated chicken on the prepared baking sheet.
3. Bake Chicken: Bake the chicken for 25–30 minutes, flipping it halfway through, until it’s golden brown and cooked through.
4. Make Sauce: In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the ginger, garlic, and crushed red pepper, and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
5. Combine Sauce Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, rice wine, orange juice, sesame oil, soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, and orange zest. Pour the mixture into the saucepan and cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
6. Coat Chicken: Remove the baked chicken from the oven and toss it in the orange sauce until it’s fully coated.
7. Serve: Serve the Baked Orange Chicken immediately, over a bed of rice or noodles. Garnish with additional orange zest or sliced green onions, if desired.
To ensure your Baked Orange Chicken turns out perfectly crispy and flavorful, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
Crispy Chicken: Make sure to pat the chicken thighs dry before dredging and coating them. This will help the breading adhere better and create a crisper texture.
Flavorful Sauce: For a more intense orange flavor, consider using freshly squeezed orange juice and zesting the orange directly into the sauce. You can also adjust the sweetness and spiciness to your liking.
Spice Adjustment: If you prefer a milder dish, start with a smaller amount of crushed red pepper and gradually increase it to your desired level of heat. Conversely, add more crushed red pepper for a spicier kick.
Keywords: Baked Orange Chicken, Healthy Chicken Recipe
Find it online: https://www.basterecipes.com/baked-orange-chicken/