There’s something so comforting about the scent of citrus mingling with roasted chicken wafting through the house, isn’t there? This Easy Baked Orange Chicken Recipe takes me back to the kitchen of my beloved Mama Lou, where the oranges were always ripe and fragrant on the windowsill, and the laughter of my sister Ouma filled the air as we eagerly waited for dinner. It’s a dish that’s simple enough for weeknights but carries the warmth of family tradition and memories of shared meals. Baking the chicken rather than frying it makes this recipe lighter, healthier, and just as flavorful—perfect for those days when you want a little comfort without the fuss. Let me take you through this recipe that’s close to my heart, filled with stories and tips I’ve gathered over countless afternoons in Mama Lou’s kitchen.
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Why You’ll Love This Easy Baked Orange Chicken Recipe
This recipe is a true gem, combining bright, tangy orange flavors with tender, juicy chicken baked to perfection. What I love most is how it blends the ease of baking with the rich depth of a homemade orange glaze. Growing up, Mama Lou always said, “Food should feed more than your belly; it should feed your soul.” That’s exactly what this dish does. It’s straightforward enough for a busy weeknight but special enough to bring family together around the table. Plus, baking the chicken keeps it moist without the heavy oiliness of frying, something Mama Lou and I appreciated in our healthier cooking phases.
When my sister Ouma and I made this together during one of our weekend get-togethers, I realized how this recipe is more than just food—it’s a bridge to our heritage and our shared love for simple, heartfelt meals. The orange glaze, with its perfect balance of sweetness and zest, reminds me of the mornings we’d squeeze fresh oranges from Mama Lou’s tree and sip the juice while planning our day. It’s these little moments that make this recipe so special.
Ingredients You’ll Need for This Easy Baked Orange Chicken Recipe
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds)
- 1 cup fresh orange juice (about 2 large oranges)
- 2 tablespoons orange zest (from 1-2 oranges)
- 1/4 cup honey or pure maple syrup (for natural sweetness)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free option)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a subtle kick)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (for thickening)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or sliced green onions, for garnish (optional)
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: Approximately 320 per serving
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 8g (mostly from olive oil)
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 16g (from natural orange juice and honey)
- Sodium: 450mg (can be reduced by using low-sodium soy sauce)
Easy Baked Orange Chicken Recipe That Will Wow Your Taste Buds
Learn how to make delicious Easy Baked Orange Chicken Recipe. Easy recipe with step-by-step instructions.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds)
- 1 cup fresh orange juice (about 2 large oranges)
- 2 tablespoons orange zest (from 1–2 oranges)
- 1/4 cup honey or pure maple syrup (for natural sweetness)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free option)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a subtle kick)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (for thickening)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or sliced green onions, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Mama Lou always insisted on seasoning generously to bring out the flavors.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the fresh orange juice, orange zest, honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes if using. This is your flavorful glaze that ties everything together.
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. This step locks in the juices—a trick Mama Lou taught me that makes all the difference in tenderness.
- Pour the orange glaze over the chicken in the skillet, making sure each piece is well coated. Transfer the skillet or chicken to the preheated oven.
- Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Remove the chicken from the oven. Carefully transfer the chicken to a serving plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm.
- Place the skillet back on the stove over medium heat. Stir the cornstarch slurry into the orange sauce and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens to a glaze-like consistency.
- Pour the thickened sauce over the chicken and garnish with fresh parsley or sliced green onions if desired. Serve immediately and savor each bite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
Steps to Create Your Easy Baked Orange Chicken Recipe
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Mama Lou always insisted on seasoning generously to bring out the flavors.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the fresh orange juice, orange zest, honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes if using. This is your flavorful glaze that ties everything together.
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. This step locks in the juices—a trick Mama Lou taught me that makes all the difference in tenderness.
- Pour the orange glaze over the chicken in the skillet, making sure each piece is well coated. Transfer the skillet or chicken to the preheated oven.
- Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Remove the chicken from the oven. Carefully transfer the chicken to a serving plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm.
- Place the skillet back on the stove over medium heat. Stir the cornstarch slurry into the orange sauce and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens to a glaze-like consistency.
- Pour the thickened sauce over the chicken and garnish with fresh parsley or sliced green onions if desired. Serve immediately and savor each bite.
Tips for Making the Best Easy Baked Orange Chicken Recipe
One of my favorite memories is the afternoons with Ouma, experimenting with different citrus fruits to find the perfect balance between sweet and tangy. Here are a few tips I picked up along the way that make this recipe shine:
- Use fresh orange juice and zest: It brightens the dish and adds a depth of flavor that bottled juice can’t match. Mama Lou always said, “Fresh is best.”
- Don’t skip searing the chicken: It seals in moisture and adds a beautiful golden crust. Even though it’s an extra step, it’s worth it for the texture.
- Adjust sweetness and acidity: Taste the glaze before baking. If you prefer it sweeter, add a touch more honey; if you want more tang, a squeeze of lemon or lime complements the orange nicely.
- Control the spice: The red pepper flakes give a gentle warmth, but feel free to omit them if your family prefers milder flavors.
- For gluten-free variation: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and cornstarch or arrowroot powder for thickening.
- Rest the chicken: After baking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing to keep it juicy and tender, a trick Mama Lou swore by.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This dish feels like a celebration of simple, fresh ingredients, so I like to pair it with sides that complement its brightness and texture. When Mama Lou served orange chicken, she often paired it with fluffy jasmine rice or a light quinoa salad tossed with fresh herbs. Here are some ideas that bring out the best in this recipe: Learn more: Gigi’s Gourmet: A Pasta Recipe That Will Wow Your Taste Buds
- Steamed jasmine or basmati rice to soak up the orange glaze
- Garlic sautéed green beans or tender asparagus
- Crisp Asian slaw with cabbage, carrots, and a sesame dressing
- Roasted sweet potatoes for a touch of earthy sweetness
- Simple steamed broccoli with a squeeze of lemon
For a heartier meal, I sometimes add a side of warm, crusty bread to mop up the sauce. Ouma and I always loved piling our plates high and sharing stories over these meals, turning dinner into an event where food and family blended seamlessly.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Life gets busy, and I know how helpful it is to have leftovers that taste just as good the next day. This Easy Baked Orange Chicken keeps well, and here’s how to store and reheat it without losing its magic:
- Store any leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a skillet over low heat, spooning the sauce over it to keep it moist. Avoid microwaving if possible, to prevent drying out.
- If the sauce has thickened too much in the fridge, stir in a splash of water or fresh orange juice while reheating to loosen it up.
- This dish also freezes well: place chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main ingredients for Easy Baked Orange Chicken Recipe?
The main ingredients for Easy Baked Orange Chicken Recipe include the items listed in our ingredients section above. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect flavor and texture.
How long does it take to make Easy Baked Orange Chicken Recipe?
The total time to make Easy Baked Orange Chicken Recipe includes both preparation and cooking time. Check the recipe card above for exact timing details.
Can I make Easy Baked Orange Chicken Recipe ahead of time?
Yes, Easy Baked Orange Chicken Recipe can often be prepared in advance. Store it properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within the recommended timeframe.
What can I serve with Easy Baked Orange Chicken Recipe?
Easy Baked Orange Chicken Recipe pairs well with various sides and accompaniments. Consider the serving suggestions mentioned in the recipe for the best dining experience.
Is Easy Baked Orange Chicken Recipe suitable for special diets?
Depending on the ingredients used, Easy Baked Orange Chicken Recipe may be adapted for various dietary needs. Check the ingredients list and consider substitutions as needed for your dietary requirements.
Final Thoughts
Cooking this Easy Baked Orange Chicken Recipe always feels like coming home—to the kitchen, to family, and to the simple joys of sharing food made with love. Every time I prepare it, I’m reminded of Mama Lou’s warm kitchen and the joyful times with Ouma, where cooking was as much about connection as it was about nourishment.
Whether you’re looking for a weeknight meal that’s quick yet impressive or a way to bring a little sunshine to your dinner table, this recipe is a beautiful blend of tradition and ease. It’s my hope that it becomes a staple in your home, carrying with it the same warmth and happiness it has brought to mine. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let this Easy Baked Orange Chicken fill your kitchen with love—and maybe a few treasured memories of your own.
