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how to make baked orange chicken

Baked Orange Chicken

Before diving into the delightful world of baked orange chicken, let's chat about what you can serve alongside it.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 1
Calories 280 kcal

Equipment

  • Baking Dish
  • Oven

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cloves garlic finely minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes adjust for extra heat
  • 1 large egg lightly beaten
  • 1 lb boneless chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch for crispier coating
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt or to taste
  • Approximately 2 tablespoons vegetable oil more if needed for cooking
  • 1/2 cup sweet orange marmalade
  • 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger adds zing and warmth
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar brightens and balances the sweetness

Instructions
 

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

  • Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and gets that lovely golden color.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

  • In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, and sea salt. Set aside. Take your chopped chicken breast, dip it in the beaten egg, and then dredge it in the flour mixture. Make sure each piece is coated well. This will create a lovely crispy exterior.

Step 3: Sauté Garlic

  • In a large skillet, heat a couple of tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté them for about a minute. You want the garlic fragrant but not burnt – we’re looking for flavor, not bitterness.

Step 4: Bake the Chicken

  • Once the garlic is fragrant, transfer the coated chicken pieces into the skillet. Cook until the chicken turns white on the outside, about 5-7 minutes. You don’t need to cook it all the way through. Next, transfer the chicken to a baking dish.

Step 5: Make the Sauce

  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the orange marmalade, soy sauce, grated ginger, and rice vinegar. This zesty mix is what will coat your chicken in flavor. Pour this concoction over the chicken in your baking dish.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

  • Place the baking dish in your preheated oven. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked, and the sauce has caramelized beautifully. The kitchen will be smelling divine!

Step 7: Serve & Enjoy

  • Once done, remove the baked orange chicken from the oven. Give it a gentle stir to coat the chicken in that sticky sauce. Serve immediately, and watch everyone dig in!

Notes

- Adjust Sweetness: Don’t be shy to taste the sauce before baking. If you prefer it sweeter, add more marmalade. If you want it spicier, add more chili flakes!
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ginger gives a pop of flavor compared to powdered ginger. Use it if you can.
- Cooking Time: Always check your chicken’s doneness with a meat thermometer; it should read 165°F (75°C).
- Storage: Leftovers can be delicious, but store them properly in airtight containers to maintain freshness.
- Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute regular soy sauce with tamari and use gluten-free flour for the coating.

Nutrition

Calories: 280kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 26gFat: 10gFiber: 1gSugar: 14g
Keyword Baked Orange Chicken
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