Ingredients
– 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
– 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed if possible)
– ¼ cup soy sauce
– ¼ cup honey
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
– ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
– Zest of 1 orange
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– 2 tablespoons water
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped green onions (for garnish)
– Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
Creating Baked Orange Chicken is straightforward if you follow these detailed steps:
1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures even cooking.
2. Prepare Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the orange juice, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
3. Marinate Chicken: Place chicken thighs in a zip-lock bag or a shallow dish. Pour half of the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours for better flavor.
4. Bake the Chicken: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the marinated chicken on it. Discard the remaining marinade in the bag.
5. Bake: Bake the chicken for 20–25 minutes, or until cooked through and slightly caramelized. A meat thermometer should read 165°F (74°C).
6. Prepare Orange Sauce: While the chicken is baking, combine the remaining marinade in a small saucepan. In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Gradually stir the slurry into the marinade. Cook over medium heat until it thickens, about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally.
7. Glaze The Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven. Brush the thickened orange sauce over the chicken pieces.
8. Return to Oven: Place the glazed chicken back in the oven for an additional 5 minutes to caramelize the sauce.
9. Garnish: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Top with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for added crunch and flavor.
Following these steps will help you create an incredible dish that bursts with freshness and flavor!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4-6 servings
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 25g