Baked Orange Chicken

$- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice - 2 tablespoons freshly grated orange zest - 3 tablespoons honey - 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce - 2 tablespoons rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely grated - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon cornstarch - Salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted (for garnish) - A handful of fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) When I make Baked Orange Chicken, I use simple ingredients that bring big flavor. The chicken thighs make it juicy and tender. Fresh orange juice and zest add a bright and zesty taste. You want to use freshly squeezed juice for the best flavor. The sauce has a sweet and savory mix. Honey adds sweetness, while soy sauce brings saltiness. Rice vinegar gives a nice tang. These flavors blend perfectly with the chicken. For seasoning, fresh ginger and garlic give depth. A pinch of salt and freshly cracked pepper enhance all the flavors. Finally, I love to garnish my dish with toasted sesame seeds and fresh cilantro. It makes the dish look beautiful and adds extra crunch. For the full recipe, you can check out the detailed steps to make this dish at home. - Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). - Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Start by getting your oven hot. Preheating helps the chicken cook evenly. While the oven heats, season your chicken thighs. Sprinkle salt and pepper all over them. This step adds flavor to the meat. - Whisk together ingredients for the marinade. - Pour the sauce over the chicken in the baking dish. Next, let’s make the orange sauce. In a bowl, combine orange juice, orange zest, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, ginger, and garlic. Use a whisk to mix it well until smooth. Once mixed, pour this vibrant sauce over the seasoned chicken in your baking dish. Make sure every piece gets good coverage. - Bake chicken for 25-30 minutes until cooked through. - Create cornstarch slurry and thicken sauce. - Garnish and serve. Now, place the baking dish in the oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The chicken is ready when it reaches 165°F (74°C). After baking, remove the dish and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices stay inside the chicken. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with one tablespoon of cold water. Stir this slurry into the sauce. Return the dish to the oven for another 5 minutes. This thickens the sauce nicely. Finally, take the dish out and move the chicken to a platter. Drizzle the thickened sauce over the chicken. For the finishing touch, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and chopped cilantro on top. This adds color and extra flavor. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. Enjoy your tasty Baked Orange Chicken! To create a crispy texture, follow these steps: - First, coat the chicken in the marinade. - Use a wire rack for baking. This allows air to circulate around the chicken. - Bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) to start. - For an extra crispy finish, switch to broil for the last 5 minutes. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning. Balance the taste by adding sides like: - Steamed jasmine rice - Quinoa - Sautéed vegetables These sides add color and nutrients. You can also enhance presentation with garnishes: - Toasted sesame seeds - Fresh cilantro These give your dish a pop of flavor and make it look nice. For busy days, you can prep ahead: - Marinate chicken the night before and store it in the fridge. - You can also cook it in advance and keep it in an airtight container. To store leftovers: - Place chicken in a fridge for up to 3 days. - For reheating, use the oven or microwave. This keeps it juicy. If you want the full recipe, check out Zesty Baked Orange Chicken. {{image_4}} To make baked orange chicken healthier, you can use a few simple swaps. - Use skinless chicken breast instead of thighs for fewer calories. - Replace honey with a sugar substitute like agave or maple syrup. - Choose low-sodium soy sauce to cut down on salt. For gluten-free options, swap regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. You might want to play with flavors to suit your taste. Adding spices like paprika or cumin can give it a kick. You can also mix in lime juice or grapefruit juice for extra zest. For kids, make a milder version by cutting back on ginger and garlic. Think about fun ways to serve your orange chicken. Try making tacos with the chicken, cabbage, and avocado. Wrap it in a tortilla for a quick and tasty meal. You can also create a meal bowl with rice, veggies, and chicken. Top it with the thickened orange sauce for a complete dish. For more creative ideas, check the Full Recipe for inspiration! To keep your baked orange chicken fresh, place it in an airtight container. This helps maintain moisture and flavor. Make sure the chicken has cooled down before sealing. You can store it in the fridge for up to four days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. To freeze baked orange chicken, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag. This prevents freezer burn and keeps the chicken tasty. When you're ready to eat, defrost it in the fridge overnight. For reheating, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. This keeps the chicken juicy and flavorful. In the fridge, baked orange chicken lasts about four days. If you freeze it, it can last up to three months. Check for signs of spoilage before eating. If the chicken smells off or has changed color, it’s best to throw it away. Always trust your senses when it comes to food safety. You can prepare Baked Orange Chicken ahead of time. First, marinate the chicken in the sauce. This adds flavor and makes it tender. You can do this the night before or even in the morning. Store the chicken in your fridge until you are ready to bake it. Just make sure to let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before cooking. This helps it cook evenly. Yes, you can use other chicken cuts. Chicken breasts or drumsticks are great options. If you choose chicken breasts, cook for about 20-25 minutes. Drumsticks may need about 30-35 minutes to cook through. Always check that the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) inside to be safe. If you don't have orange juice, consider using grapefruit juice. It adds a nice tart flavor. Pineapple juice is another good choice for a sweeter taste. Apple juice can work too but is less zesty. Each option will give a unique twist to your chicken dish. Baked Orange Chicken uses simple, fresh ingredients for a tasty meal. You learned about the main components, preparation, and how to store leftovers. I also shared tips for crispiness and flavor boosts. You can customize this dish in many ways to fit your taste. Choosing the right ingredients helps you create a dish that impresses everyone. Enjoy exploring this recipe and making it your own. Happy cooking!$

Delight your taste buds with this Zesty Baked Orange Chicken recipe! Packed with fresh orange juice and a hint of ginger, this dish is both savory and sweet. Perfect for weeknight dinners, it only takes 40 minutes to prepare and cook. Serve it over rice or quinoa for a delicious meal that your family will love. Click through now to discover the step-by-step guide and impress everyone at your table!

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Ingredients

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs

1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice

2 tablespoons freshly grated orange zest

3 tablespoons honey

3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce

2 tablespoons rice vinegar

1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely grated

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon cornstarch

Salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste

2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted (for garnish)

A handful of fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures it's hot enough for roasting your chicken perfectly.

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the freshly squeezed orange juice, orange zest, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, grated ginger, and minced garlic until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

Season the chicken thighs evenly with salt and freshly cracked pepper. Arrange them in a spacious baking dish, ensuring they are spread out for even cooking.

Pour the vibrant orange sauce mixture over the chicken, making sure each piece is generously coated in the marinade.

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The chicken is done when it is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Once the chicken is thoroughly cooked, remove the baking dish from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes to let the juices redistribute.

In a small bowl, create a cornstarch slurry by mixing the cornstarch with one tablespoon of cold water until smooth. Stir this slurry into the pan juices in the baking dish. Return it to the oven for an additional 5 minutes to thicken the sauce, stirring occasionally.

After the sauce has thickened, remove the dish from the oven and transfer the chicken to a serving platter. Drizzle the luscious thickened sauce generously over the chicken.

To finish, garnish the dish with toasted sesame seeds and freshly chopped cilantro, adding a touch of freshness and crunch.

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

- Presentation Tips: Serve the Zesty Baked Orange Chicken atop a fluffy bed of steamed jasmine rice or quinoa. Accompany with a side of vibrant sautéed vegetables for a colorful plate. Drizzle additional sauce over the rice for an extra punch of flavor, and incorporate a few orange slices on the side for a bright, appealing touch.