why make this recipe
Baked Orange Chicken is a delicious and healthier alternative to fried versions. It’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor. This dish brings a sweet and tangy taste that is perfect for a family dinner or a weekday meal. With minimal effort, you can enjoy a restaurant-style meal right at home.
how to make Baked Orange Chicken
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 cup Panda Express Orange Chicken Copycat Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions for garnish
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix the chicken with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Lay the chicken pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 20 minutes.
- After 20 minutes, remove from the oven and brush the Panda Express Orange Chicken Copycat Sauce over the chicken.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked.
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
how to serve Baked Orange Chicken
Serve Baked Orange Chicken hot, right out of the oven. It pairs well with steamed rice and broccoli, or you can enjoy it in a wrap or on top of a salad. Garnishing with green onions and sesame seeds adds a nice touch to the presentation.
how to store Baked Orange Chicken
To store Baked Orange Chicken, let it cool completely and then place it in an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage; just make sure to wrap it well to avoid freezer burn.
tips to make Baked Orange Chicken
- Use chicken thighs for a juicier result, but chicken breasts work well too.
- Adjust the amount of sauce based on your preference for sweetness and tanginess.
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce for 30 minutes before baking.
- Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas to the baking sheet for a complete meal.
variation
You can try making a spicy version by adding red pepper flakes to the sauce or by using a spicy orange sauce instead. Another variation is to replace the orange sauce with teriyaki sauce for a different flavor profile.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken instead?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs or breasts work great for this recipe.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
Baked Orange Chicken
Baked Orange Chicken is a delicious and healthier alternative to fried versions, offering a sweet and tangy flavor perfect for family dinners or weekdays.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 cup Panda Express Orange Chicken Copycat Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions for garnish
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Mix the chicken with olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Lay the chicken pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and brush the Panda Express Orange Chicken Copycat Sauce over the chicken.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked.
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
Use chicken thighs for a juicier result. Adjust the sauce amount for desired sweetness and tanginess.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Baked Orange Chicken, healthy orange chicken, easy chicken recipe