Zesty Baked Orange Chicken

$For this tasty dish, you will need: - 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on for extra flavor) - 1 cup fresh orange juice - 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium) - 2 tablespoons honey - 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon cornstarch - Zest of 1 orange - 1 teaspoon sesame oil - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Green onions (for garnish) - Sesame seeds (for garnish) These ingredients create a bright and zesty flavor profile. The chicken thighs stay juicy with crispy skin. You can switch things up if you like. Try using chicken breasts for a leaner option. Use lime juice instead of orange juice for a different taste. Add chili flakes to give it some heat. You can also mix in some chopped bell peppers for added color and crunch. If you don’t have fresh orange juice, you can use store-bought juice. For soy sauce, try tamari sauce for a gluten-free option. If you run out of honey, maple syrup can work as a sweet substitute. You can skip cornstarch and use flour for thickening if needed. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by washing the chicken thighs under cold water. Pat them dry with paper towels. The skin must be dry for a crispy finish. Place the chicken in a baking dish, skin side up. This helps the skin get nice and crunchy while cooking. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. This step adds flavor right from the start. In a bowl, combine the fresh orange juice, soy sauce, and honey. Add the grated ginger and minced garlic next. These ingredients bring a bright flavor to the dish. Then, mix in the cornstarch and orange zest. The cornstarch helps thicken the sauce as it cooks. Finally, add sesame oil and olive oil. Whisk everything well until combined. This sauce is the star of your baked orange chicken. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pour the orange sauce over the chicken thighs, covering them well. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You want the chicken to reach 165°F (75°C) inside. Halfway through baking, baste the chicken with the sauce. This keeps it juicy and flavorful. For a crispy finish, broil the chicken for 2 to 3 minutes after baking. Once done, take it out and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. This makes your dish look and taste great! To get crispy skin, start with bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. The fat under the skin helps it crisp up. Before cooking, pat the skin dry with a paper towel. This removes moisture. Moisture makes the skin soggy. When you bake, place the chicken skin side up. High heat helps it crisp. If you want an extra crunch, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end. Basting adds flavor and moisture to your chicken. Halfway through cooking, open the oven and spoon the sauce over the chicken. Use a ladle or spoon for this. Basting helps keep the chicken juicy and enhances the taste. Be quick to avoid losing heat. Do this every 15 minutes for the best results. Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to start. This temperature helps cook the chicken evenly. Bake the chicken for 35-40 minutes. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should reach 165°F (75°C). If you want a crispy finish, broil it for a few minutes after baking. Let it rest for 5 minutes before cutting. This keeps the juices inside. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh oranges for juice and zest to enhance the flavor profile of your dish. Marinate for Extra Flavor: If time allows, marinate the chicken in the sauce for a few hours or overnight for deeper flavor absorption. Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of honey based on your personal preference and the sweetness of your oranges. Chicken Skin Tips: For an even crispier skin, pat the chicken dry before seasoning and avoid overcrowding the baking dish. {{image_2}} If you want a lighter dish, try turkey instead of chicken. Turkey thighs work well, too. You can also use skinless chicken to cut down on fat. Another option is to swap chicken for tofu. Tofu absorbs flavors well and offers a great protein boost. To kick up the heat, add red pepper flakes to the sauce. You can also use sriracha for a spicy kick. If you prefer it sweeter, add more honey or use brown sugar. For a tropical twist, mix in pineapple juice with the orange juice. You can also try adding a splash of lime juice for a zesty flavor. Serve your baked orange chicken over fluffy rice or quinoa. Steamed broccoli or green beans make great sides. A fresh salad with a light dressing pairs well, too. For a fun twist, serve it in lettuce wraps. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for a nice finish. To keep your Baked Orange Chicken fresh, let it cool first. Place the chicken in an airtight container. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. This way, you can enjoy the tasty meal later without losing its flavor. When you’re ready to eat the leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish. Add a little orange juice or water to keep it moist. Cover the dish with foil and bake for about 20 minutes. Check that the chicken is heated through, reaching 165°F (75°C) inside. You can freeze Baked Orange Chicken if you have more than you can eat. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. This method helps prevent freezer burn. You can keep it in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Enjoy the flavors again! Yes, you can use chicken breasts. They will cook faster than thighs. Chicken breasts are leaner, so they might not be as juicy. To keep them moist, consider brining them first. This will help add flavor and moisture. The cooking time will be about 25-30 minutes. Always check for an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure they are safe. To make Baked Orange Chicken gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce. You can find this in most stores. Check the label to ensure it is truly gluten-free. Cornstarch is already gluten-free, so no changes are needed there. Follow the rest of the recipe as usual. Your dish will still be tasty and safe to eat. Baked Orange Chicken pairs well with rice, like jasmine or brown rice. Steamed vegetables, such as broccoli or snap peas, add a nice crunch. You might also serve it with a fresh salad for a light touch. For a fun twist, try serving it in tacos with crunchy slaw. Enjoy experimenting with your sides! In this article, we explored how to make baked orange chicken. We covered key ingredients, step-by-step cooking methods, and helpful tips for a delicious meal. I shared variations for different tastes and ideas for storing leftovers. Cooking can be fun and easy with the right approach. Enjoy trying these recipes and make them your own. Happy cooking!$

A flavorful baked chicken dish with a zesty orange sauce.

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Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

4 thighs chicken (bone-in, skin-on)
1 cup fresh orange juice
2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium)
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 zest orange
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon olive oil
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish green onions
for garnish sesame seeds

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a bowl, mix together the fresh orange juice, soy sauce, honey, grated ginger, minced garlic, cornstarch, orange zest, sesame oil, olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk well to combine.
Arrange chicken thighs in a baking dish, skin side up, and pour the orange sauce mixture over them, ensuring they are well coated.
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the skin is crispy. Occasionally baste the chicken with the sauce halfway through the cooking time for added flavor.
Optional: If you want an extra crispy finish, broil the chicken for an additional 2-3 minutes after baking.
Once cooked, remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a beautiful touch.

Notes

For extra crispiness, broil for a few minutes after baking.

Keyword baked, chicken, orange, zesty