Crispy Oven-Baked Orange Chicken

Better Than Takeout! 🍊🍗✨

If you love crispy, tangy, and slightly sweet orange chicken but want a healthier, oven-baked version, this recipe is for you! With tender, bite-sized chicken pieces coated in a light and crispy breading, then tossed in a homemade orange sauce, this dish is just as satisfying as takeout—without the deep frying!

The secret to the crispy coating? A simple flour and cornstarch mix in a Ziploc baggie that evenly coats each piece for the perfect crunch.

Why You’ll Love This Oven-Baked Orange Chicken

✔ Crispy Without Frying – The cornstarch and flour coating creates a crunchy crust in the oven!✔ Healthier Than Takeout – No heavy oils, just simple ingredients!✔ Perfectly Tangy & Sweet – The homemade orange sauce is packed with fresh citrus flavor.✔ Easy Clean-Up – Shaking the chicken in a Ziploc bag = less mess!

The Recipe: Crispy Oven-Baked Orange Chicken

For the Chicken:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed

• ½ cup all-purpose flour

• ¼ cup cornstarch

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• 2 tbsp olive oil (for drizzling)

For the Orange Sauce:

• ½ cup orange juice (freshly squeezed if possible!)

• Zest of 1 orange

• ¼ cup honey (or brown sugar)

• 3 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tbsp rice vinegar

• 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (for thickening slurry)

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp ground ginger

• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Instructions:

Step 1: Bread the Chicken

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).

2. In a large Ziploc bag, combine flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.

3. Add cubed chicken to the bag, seal it, and shake well until all pieces are evenly coated.

📌 Pro Tip: The cornstarch helps create that crispy, golden texture without deep frying!

Step 2: Bake the Chicken

4. Lightly grease a baking sheet or line with parchment paper.

5. Spread the coated chicken cubes in a single layer and drizzle with olive oil.

6. Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

📌 Want Extra Crispiness? Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end!

Step 3: Make the Orange Sauce

7. While the chicken bakes, whisk together orange juice, orange zest, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic powder, ginger, and red pepper flakes in a saucepan over medium heat.

8. Bring to a simmer, then mix cornstarch + water in a small bowl to create a slurry.

9. Stir the slurry into the sauce and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until thickened.

📌 Pro Tip: Taste the sauce and adjust sweetness or spice to your liking!

Step 4: Toss & Serve!

10. Once the chicken is crispy, toss it in the warm orange sauce until evenly coated.

11. Serve immediately over steamed rice, quinoa, or stir-fried veggies.

📌 For an Extra Flavor Boost: Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or extra orange zest!

How to Store & Reheat

🥡 To Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. To Reheat: Reheat in the oven at 375°F for 8–10 minutes to keep it crispy.❄️ To Freeze: Store baked (but unsauced) chicken in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

Why This Oven-Baked Orange Chicken is a Must-Try!

This better-than-takeout orange chicken is crispy, sweet, tangy, and packed with fresh citrus flavor—all while being oven-baked instead of fried! The Ziploc bag coating method keeps things easy and mess-free, and the homemade sauce is packed with real ingredients.

If you make this, tag me on Instagram @Weeknight_Homemaker—I’d love to see your crispy, golden orange chicken!

Happy cooking! 

🍊Lauren

The Weeknight Homemaker