This Oven Baked Orange Chicken is everything you love about takeout! It’s sticky, sweet, citrusy, and savory, but made right at home in your own oven. It’s coated in a glossy orange glaze, baked (not fried!), and made with simple ingredients you probably already have. Basically, it’s takeout vibes without the mystery ingredients!
I’m always on the hunt for easy dinners that feel fun and crave-worthy but don’t require a deep fryer or a long list of ingredients. This oven baked orange chicken checks all those boxes and then some! It comes together quickly, uses pantry staples, and tastes like your favorite Chinese takeout order.
What I really love about making orange chicken at home is that I know exactly what’s going into it. No additives, no preservatives, just real ingredients and big flavor, which makes me feel really good about serving it to my family on a busy weeknight.
Why I LOVE this recipe!
- It tastes like takeout – That sweet and savory orange glaze hits all the right notes, just like your favorite restaurant version.
- It’s baked, not fried – You still get tender, flavorful chicken without the mess (or guilt) of frying.
- Simple, real ingredients – Nothing fancy here! Just pantry staples and fresh citrus.
- Family-friendly and fast – This is one of those dinners everyone happily eats, and it’s ready in under 30 minutes.
Recipe Notes
This oven baked orange chicken recipe is as simple as promised! The chicken bakes quickly in the oven, and the orange chicken sauce comes together on the stovetop in just a few minutes, making it perfect for a busy, family-friendly dinner.
In this section I am going to go through a few tips and tricks I use for how to make baked orange chicken to get the absolute best and most delicious results.
Make sure to scroll to the bottom for the FULL recipe card.
Ingredients + Substitutions
- Chicken breast – Boneless, skinless chicken breast works great here. You can also use chicken thighs!
- Cornstarch – Helps the chicken get lightly crisp in the oven and thickens the sauce.
- Garlic powder – Adds flavor directly to the chicken coating.
- Salt & black pepper – Simple seasoning to build flavor!
- Sesame oil – Adds that classic takeout-style flavor. Olive oil can be used if needed, but sesame oil is worth it.
For the Orange Chicken Sauce:
- Soy sauce – Use low-sodium if preferred, or substitute tamari or coconut aminos.
- Orange juice – Fresh or bottled both work!
- Brown sugar – Balances the citrus with sweetness. Honey can work in a pinch.
- Orange zest – Adds bold orange flavor, don’t skip it if you can help it!
- Fresh ginger – Ground ginger can be used if needed.
- Garlic – Fresh minced garlic adds the best flavor.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional) – Adds a little heat if you like spice!
Make sure to see the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the full quantities and ingredients list.
Recipe Variations
If you love this recipe as much as we do and want some quick ways to change it up for variety, these little tips will do the trick!
- Spicy Orange Chicken – Add extra red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce.
- Orange Chicken Thighs – Swap chicken breast for boneless thighs if you prefer!
- Add Veggies – Toss in steamed broccoli or bell peppers before serving.
Recipe Step by Step
I am going to highlight a few key steps in the recipe here, but make sure to jump down to the recipe card for comprehensive instructions on how to make orange chicken.
Preheat the oven to 350˚F. Cut chicken into even bite-sized pieces, about 1 inch big. Stir the sesame oil into the chicken bites. Then toss the pieces with cornstarch, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
Transfer the chicken pieces to a large casserole dish and spread them into a single layer. Bake for 10 minutes.
While they bake, make the orange sauce by whisking together soy sauce, orange juice, brown sugar, orange juice, ginger, garlic, pepper flakes and cornstarch in a sauce pan.
Bring the sauce pan to a simmer over medium heat until it starts to thicken, then remove from heat.
Once the timer goes off, pour the orange sauce over the chicken, then toss to coat in the sauce. Return to the oven for 4-6 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through (165˚F.)
Remove from oven and garnish with green onions if desired.
Serve warm with rice and enjoy!
Recipe Tips
- Cut the chicken evenly – Keeping the chicken pieces close in size ensures they cook evenly and stay tender.
- Don’t overcrowd the dish – Spread the chicken in a single layer so it bakes instead of steaming.
- Simmer the sauce gently – Let it thicken slowly so it becomes glossy, but not gummy.
- Finish with fresh garnish – Green onions or sesame seeds add flavor and make it feel extra takeout-worthy!
Recipe Short Cuts
If you need to make this recipe, but are extra short on time, here are a few ideas that can help make this recipe even faster!
- Bottled orange juice – Skip squeezing fresh oranges if needed.
- Minced garlic & ginger – Use jarred versions to save prep time.
- Serve with microwave rice – A total weeknight win!
Freezer Meal Instructions
Making this oven baked chicken recipe into a freezer meal is simple! Follow the steps below and you can store this recipe in the freezer for up to 6 months.
To freeze before cooking
- Toss raw chicken with sesame oil, cornstarch, and seasonings.
- Prepare the orange sauce and let it cool completely.
- Store chicken and sauce separately in freezer-safe containers.
How to Freeze Oven Baked Orange Chicken After Cooking
- Let cooked chicken cool completely.
- Transfer to a freezer-safe container.
- Freeze for up to 1 month for best texture.
What to Serve with Oven Baked Orange Chicken
Since this protein based dinner has the delicious flavors of sweet and savory citrus and crispy chicken, it pairs perfectly with a variety of different sides!
Choose one or several of these side dishes to create a wholesome, well-rounded dinner. There are both classic options and some healthy options to keep it light.
Side Dish Ideas
Oven Baked Orange Chicken Leftovers
If you have leftovers after making this recipe, then it is your lucky day! They save and reheat well, and can make the start of another delicious dish.
To save leftovers, separate into meal sized portions and then place in an airtight container and store:
- in the refrigerator for 3-4 days
- in the freezer up to a month
Leftover Recipes
Here are a few ways to repurpose those leftovers and give them a delicious makeover!
- Orange Chicken Rice Bowl – Add rice, veggies, and extra sauce.
- Orange Chicken Wraps – Roll into tortillas with slaw.
- Orange Chicken Stir Fry – Toss with fresh veggies in a skillet.
- Orange Chicken Fried Rice – Chop and fold into leftover rice.
Recipe FAQ’s
Can you make orange chicken in the oven?
Yes! Orange chicken can be baked in the oven for an easy, less messy alternative to frying while still delivering tender chicken and a sticky, flavorful orange glaze.
How long does orange chicken take to make?
Most orange chicken recipes take about 25–30 minutes from start to finish, making it a great option for a quick weeknight dinner.
How is orange chicken traditionally cooked?
Traditional orange chicken is made by deep-frying battered chicken pieces, then tossing them in a sweet and tangy orange sauce.
Is it better to bake chicken at 350°F or 400°F?
Both work, but 350°F is better for baked chicken bites like orange chicken because it allows the chicken to cook through evenly without drying out while the sauce thickens properly. If you are cooking whole chicken pieces, then 400°F might be better!
More EASY Chicken Recipes
If you enjoyed this recipe, I really hope you will take a moment to grab a few more easy recipes for another busy night!
You can check out all of my easy chicken recipes here, or see a few of our readers favorite recipes below.
Oven Baked Orange Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken breast
- 3 tablespoons corn starch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
For the orange glaze
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- ¾ cup orange juice
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 orange, zest of
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350˚F.
- Cut chicken into even bite-sized pieces, about 1 inch big. Stir the sesame oil into the chicken bites. Then toss the pieces with cornstarch, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Transfer the chicken pieces to a large casserole dish and spread them into a single layer. Bake for 10 minutes.
- While they bake, make the orange sauce by whisking together soy sauce, orange juice, brown sugar, orange juice, ginger, garlic, pepper flakes and cornstarch in a sauce pan.
- Bring the sauce pan to a simmer over medium heat until it starts to thicken, then remove from heat.
- Once the timer goes off, pour the orange sauce over the chicken, then toss to coat in the sauce. Return to the oven for 4-6 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through (165˚F.)
- Remove from oven and garnish with green onions if desired. Serve warm with rice.
Leave a Reply