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To make Baked Orange Chicken, you need a few key items. Here’s the list: - 1.5 lbs chicken thighs, boneless and skinless - 1 cup fresh orange juice - 2 tablespoons orange zest - 3 tablespoons honey - 3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce - 2 tablespoons rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon cornstarch - Salt and pepper to taste These ingredients work well together to create a bright and zesty flavor. The orange juice gives the chicken a sweet and tangy taste. The soy sauce adds depth, while the ginger and garlic bring warmth. Garnishes add a nice touch to your dish. Here are some options: - 2 tablespoons sesame seeds for garnish - Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) These garnishes not only look great but also enhance the flavor. The sesame seeds add a nutty crunch, while cilantro brings freshness to each bite. You can make some simple changes for a healthier version. Here are a few ideas: - Use chicken breast instead of thighs for less fat. - Swap honey for maple syrup for a different sweetness. - Replace soy sauce with coconut aminos for a lower sodium option. - Use a sugar-free orange juice if you want to cut sugar. These substitutions keep the dish tasty while making it a bit healthier. You can enjoy Baked Orange Chicken without worry. For the full recipe, check out the details above. Start by gathering all your ingredients. You need chicken thighs, fresh orange juice, and some other simple items. First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step helps the chicken cook evenly. Next, in a medium bowl, whisk together the orange juice, orange zest, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, ginger, and garlic. Mix it well to make a tasty sauce. Now, take your chicken thighs and season them with salt and pepper. Place them in a baking dish. Pour the orange sauce over the chicken. Make sure every piece gets a good coating. This sauce gives the chicken a bright, zesty flavor. It's time to bake! Put the baking dish in your preheated oven. Bake the chicken for 25-30 minutes. You want the chicken to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This ensures it is safe to eat. While baking, the sauce will bubble and soak into the chicken. This is the magic moment! Once your timer goes off, carefully remove the dish from the oven. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This helps keep the juices inside the meat, making it tender. While the chicken rests, thicken the sauce. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water to make a slurry. Stir this into the baking dish with the juices, then return it to the oven for an extra 5 minutes. This will make the sauce nice and thick. Now, transfer the chicken to a serving platter. Drizzle the thickened sauce over the top. For a beautiful finish, garnish with sesame seeds and chopped cilantro. This adds a pop of color and taste to your dish. Serve it hot and enjoy the bright flavors of your baked orange chicken! For the complete recipe, refer to the Full Recipe section. To keep your chicken moist, start with thighs. Chicken thighs have more fat and flavor. They stay juicy while baking. You can also marinate the chicken for at least an hour. This helps the chicken soak up all the tasty flavors. If you have more time, marinate overnight in the fridge. Before baking, let the chicken sit at room temperature for 15 minutes. This helps it cook evenly. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). To make your sauce thicker, use cornstarch. Mix one teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water. Stir this mixture into your sauce. Add it near the end of baking. This will help the sauce become nice and thick. You can also simmer the sauce on the stove. This will reduce it and make it richer. If you want even more flavor, consider adding a splash of orange juice or soy sauce while reducing. To enhance the flavor, use fresh ingredients whenever possible. Fresh ginger and garlic make a big difference. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat. Try adding more herbs, like cilantro or green onions, for a fresh taste. For a fun twist, add chopped nuts for crunch. Don't forget to let the sauce shine! Drizzle some over your rice or quinoa for a burst of flavor. For the full recipe, check out the instructions above. Enjoy your cooking! {{image_2}} You can easily add heat to your baked orange chicken. To make it spicy, mix in some red pepper flakes to the sauce. Start with half a teaspoon and adjust to your taste. You can also add sriracha or chili paste for a bolder kick. This spice gives the dish an extra zing that balances the sweetness of the orange. You don’t have to stick with chicken thighs. Feel free to use chicken breasts for a leaner option. If you're in the mood for something different, try shrimp or tofu. Shrimp cooks quickly, so reduce the baking time to around 10-15 minutes. Tofu absorbs flavors well and gives a nice texture when baked. For a plant-based twist, swap chicken for chickpeas or tempeh. Both options soak up the orange sauce nicely. Make sure to press the tofu for a firmer texture. You can also use cauliflower florets for a hearty bite. The key is to ensure your protein is well-coated in the orange sauce to get that delicious flavor. For the full recipe, check out the complete list of ingredients and steps. After enjoying your Baked Orange Chicken, let it cool down. Place leftovers in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to four days. This keeps the chicken fresh and tasty. To reheat, use your oven for the best results. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet, cover it with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes. This warms it without drying it out. You can also microwave it. Just heat on medium power in short bursts until hot. Stir in some extra sauce to keep it moist. If you have extra Baked Orange Chicken, freezing is a great choice. Slice the chicken into portions. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Squeeze out the air, and seal it tight. You can store it for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, reheat it as explained above. This way, you can enjoy this dish anytime! Don't forget to check out the Full Recipe for more delicious details. Yes, you can use chicken breast. However, thighs stay juicier and more tender. If you choose breasts, keep an eye on the bake time. Chicken breasts cook faster and can dry out. Make sure they reach 165°F (74°C) for safety and taste. Bake your orange chicken for 25 to 30 minutes at 400°F (200°C). Check for doneness using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should hit 165°F (74°C). This timing ensures a juicy and flavorful dish. Always let it rest before serving to keep it moist. I love serving Baked Orange Chicken over jasmine rice or quinoa. The rice soaks up the delicious sauce. Add some sautéed vegetables on the side for color and crunch. You can also drizzle extra sauce over everything for more flavor. For a zesty touch, add fresh orange slices as a garnish. Check out the Full Recipe for more serving ideas! In this post, we covered how to make baked orange chicken. We discussed essential ingredients, optional garnishes, and healthier substitutions. You learned step-by-step baking directions and tips for juicy chicken. Variations included spicy options and veggie alternatives. Finally, we explored storage and reheating tips for leftovers. Baked orange chicken is simple and tasty. With these steps, you can enjoy it any time. I hope you feel inspired to try new flavors and make it your own!

Baked Orange Chicken

Elevate your dinner game with this mouthwatering Zesty Baked Orange Chicken recipe! Made with tender chicken thighs and a tangy orange sauce, this dish is both flavorful and easy to prepare. In just 40 minutes, you'll have a delicious meal that's perfect for any night. Discover the secret to that vibrant sauce and impress your family or guests. Click to explore the full recipe and transform your dinner table tonight!
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Ingredients
  

1.5 lbs chicken thighs, boneless and skinless

1 cup fresh orange juice

2 tablespoons orange zest

3 tablespoons honey

3 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium)

2 tablespoons rice vinegar

1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon cornstarch

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons sesame seeds for garnish

Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

    In a medium bowl, whisk together the fresh orange juice, orange zest, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, grated ginger, and minced garlic until well combined.

      Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper and place them in a baking dish.

        Pour the orange sauce mixture over the chicken, making sure all pieces are well coated.

          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).

            Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.

              In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the baking dish with the juices, placing it back in the oven for an additional 5 minutes. This will help thicken the sauce.

                Remove from the oven and transfer the chicken to a serving platter, drizzling the thickened sauce over the top.

                  Garnish with sesame seeds and freshly chopped cilantro before serving.

                    Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve the Baked Orange Chicken over a bed of steamed jasmine rice or quinoa, with a side of sautéed vegetables. Drizzle more of the sauce over the rice for an extra zing and add some orange slices for a bright touch.