Easy Baked Orange Chicken

Experience a healthier take on a beloved classic with Easy Baked Orange Chicken - a nutritious, flavorful meal loved by all ages.

Easy Baked Orange Chicken is a delightful dish that perfectly balances healthiness with deliciousness. The key ingredient, fresh orange juice, not only infuses the dish with a burst of citrusy flavor but also provides a healthy dose of vitamin C.

This essential nutrient helps boost your immune system and promotes overall health. Additionally, the chicken is baked rather than fried, significantly reducing the amount of unhealthy fats without compromising on taste. This method not only ensures a lighter and more nutritious meal but also simplifies the cooking process, making it accessible to anyone looking for a quick and hassle-free dinner option.

The tender chicken pieces coated in a sticky, sweet, and tangy orange sauce is a true delight for the taste buds.

Moreover, the combination of the tender chicken pieces coated in a sticky, sweet, and tangy orange sauce is a true delight for the taste buds. The macaroons added to this dish not only contribute a satisfying crunch but also bring a unique and unexpected element to the overall flavor profile.

These coconut-based macaroons provide a lovely contrast to the tender chicken and velvety orange sauce. Their subtle sweetness rounds up the dish perfectly without overwhelming the palate with excessive sugar. The best part is that despite its gourmet appeal, Easy Baked Orange Chicken is remarkably simple to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you crave a homemade meal without extensive cooking time. So, treat yourself to this wholesome yet scrumptious dish and savor the perfect blend of healthfulness and taste in every bite.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Serves: 4

Ingredients

2 T olive oil, divided
1 egg, beaten
½ c. cornstarch
½ c. panko breadcrumbs
1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
¼ c. honey, preferably local
¼ c. fresh orange juice (zest before juicing)
¼ c. sugar
2 T. soy sauce
2 T. rice vinegar
2 t. sesame oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 T. orange zest
½ t. red chili flakes
Sea salt and black pepper to taste

Cooked rice and steamed broccoli for serving

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350° F degrees. Grease a large casserole dish with one tablespoon of olive oil.

Crack egg into a shallow dish and lightly beat. In a 2^nd shallow dish add cornstarch and to a 3^rd shallow dish add the panko breadcrumbs.

Lightly season each with salt and pepper. Also season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, to taste.

Dredge each chicken piece into the cornstarch, then the egg, and lastly into the panko crumbs. Transfer the coated chicken into the prepared casserole dish and brush with the remaining olive oil.

Transfer the casserole dish with the chicken into the oven and bake for 15 minutes.

In the meantime, in a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, orange juice, sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, orange zest, and red chili flakes. Season lightly with salt and pepper to taste.

Remove the chicken from the oven and pour the orange glaze over it. Toss to coat the chicken and return into the oven until the chicken is cooked through and glossy, another 20 minutes, stirring once at the 10-minute mark.

Serve the chicken alongside rice and broccoli and enjoy!