Ingredients
– 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
– ½ cup fresh orange juice
– Zest of 1 orange
– ¼ cup soy sauce
– ¼ cup honey
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon ginger powder
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Creating the perfect Baked Orange Chicken involves a few simple steps:
1. Prepare Marinade: In a bowl, combine orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic powder, ginger powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Marinate Chicken: Place the chicken in a large ziplock bag or bowl and pour the marinade over it. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for more flavor).
3. Preheat Oven: While the chicken is marinating, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
4. Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
5. Coat Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and shake off the excess. Place the chicken on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
6. Make Glaze: In a small saucepan, pour the leftover marinade. Add cornstarch to the saucepan and stir until well combined. Bring to a simmer over medium heat until it thickens, about 5 minutes.
7. Bake Chicken: Brush the thickened glaze over the chicken pieces. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
8. Baste Occasionally: Halfway through the baking, you may want to baste the chicken with additional glaze for extra flavor.
9. Garnish: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
These straightforward steps will guide you through making this incredible dish with ease!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 28g