Oven Baked Orange Chicken
OVEN BAKED ORANGE CHICKEN!!! is a easy Chinese-American recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by saltNpiipa on YouTube.
Prep: 40 min | Cook: 35 min | Total: 1 hr 30 min
Cost: $9.36 total, $2.34 per serving
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs (cut into bite‑size pieces)
- 1/2 cup Orange Juice (freshly squeezed if possible)
- 3 tablespoons Soy Sauce (low‑sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons Brown Sugar (packed)
- 1 teaspoon Fresh Ginger (peeled and grated)
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (adjust to heat preference)
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 1 tablespoon Rice Wine Vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Sesame Oil (for sauce, plus extra 1 tsp for pan)
- 1 teaspoon Cornstarch (mixed with 2 tsp water to form slurry)
- 1 tablespoon Vegetable Oil (to coat baking tray)
- 1 tablespoon Sesame Seeds (toasted)
- 2 tablespoons Green Onions (thinly sliced for garnish)
Instructions
Prepare the Marinade & Sauce
In a mixing bowl combine orange juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, grated ginger, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and rice wine vinegar. Whisk until sugar dissolves.
Time: PT5M
Cut the Chicken
Trim any excess fat from the chicken thighs and cut into bite‑size pieces.
Time: PT5M
Marinate the Chicken
Add the chicken pieces to the bowl, toss to coat, then cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Time: PT30M
Preheat Oven
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 400°F
Bake the Chicken
Lightly brush the oven‑safe tray with vegetable oil. Spread the marinated chicken in a single layer and bake for 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the edges are lightly browned.
Time: PT30M
Temperature: 400°F
Make the Glaze
While the chicken bakes, heat 1 tsp sesame oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the remaining sauce mixture, bring to a gentle simmer, then stir in the cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tsp water) and cook 1‑2 minutes until thickened.
Time: PT5M
Combine Chicken and Glaze
Remove the baked chicken from the oven, transfer to the saucepan, and toss to coat evenly with the orange glaze.
Time: PT2M
Garnish and Serve
Transfer the coated chicken to a serving platter, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Time: PT3M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 25g
- Carbohydrates
- 30g
- Fat
- 12g
- Fiber
- 1g
Dietary info: High‑protein, Gluten‑friendly (use tamari for GF), Nut‑free
Allergens: Soy, Sesame
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs: Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast, Turkey thigh pieces
- Instead of Orange Juice: Store‑bought 100% orange juice, Mandarin orange juice
- Instead of Soy Sauce: Tamari (gluten‑free), Coconut aminos
- Instead of Brown Sugar: Coconut sugar, Honey (use less)
- Instead of Fresh Ginger: Ground ginger (1/4 tsp), Ginger paste
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic powder (1/4 tsp), Garlic paste
- Instead of Red Pepper Flakes: Cayenne pepper (pinch), Fresh chopped chili
- Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper
- Instead of Rice Wine Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar, White wine vinegar
- Instead of Sesame Oil: Peanut oil, Vegetable oil
- Instead of Cornstarch: Arrowroot powder, All‑purpose flour (2 tsp)
- Instead of Vegetable Oil: Olive oil (light), Canola oil
- Instead of Sesame Seeds: Toasted pumpkin seeds
- Instead of Green Onions: Chives
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Oven‑Safe Baking Tray
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Tongs (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes
- Baking until internal temperature reaches 165°F
- Thickening the sauce with a cornstarch slurry without over‑boiling
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use freshly squeezed orange juice for the brightest flavor.
- Add a dash of toasted ginger powder for extra warmth.
- For a crispier finish, broil the chicken for 2‑3 minutes after baking.
Troubleshooting
Sauce is too thin after adding the chicken.
Simmer the sauce a minute longer and add a bit more cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tsp water).
Chicken pieces are dry.
Ensure the chicken is not over‑baked; check internal temperature at 30 minutes and remove when it hits 165°F.
Sauce curdles.
Reduce heat to low, whisk continuously, and add a splash of orange juice or water to bring it back together.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a freezer‑safe bag for up to 2 months; reheat in oven.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Marinate the chicken up to 24 hours ahead for deeper flavor.
- Bake the chicken a day early, then reheat with sauce before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of orange chicken in Chinese‑American cuisine?
Orange chicken is a staple of Chinese‑American takeout, created in the United States in the 1970s to appeal to Western palates with a sweet, tangy glaze over fried chicken. It reflects the adaptation of traditional Cantonese flavors into a more sugary, orange‑infused profile that became iconic in fast‑casual Chinese dining.
What are the traditional regional variations of orange chicken in Chinese cuisine?
In China, a similar dish called "chen pi ji" (orange peel chicken) uses fresh orange zest and often includes stir‑fried vegetables. The American version typically deep‑fries the chicken and uses a sweeter sauce with corn syrup, while the Chinese version is less sweet and may incorporate Shaoxing wine and soy‑based glaze.
How is orange chicken traditionally served in Chinese‑American restaurants?
It is usually served hot, coated in glossy orange sauce, and accompanied by steamed white rice or fried rice. Some restaurants also pair it with sautéed broccoli or a side of lo mein to balance the richness.
What occasions or celebrations is orange chicken commonly associated with in the United States?
Orange chicken is a popular family‑dinner and party dish for casual gatherings, game nights, and birthdays. Its bright color and sweet flavor make it a crowd‑pleaser for both kids and adults.
What makes this oven baked orange chicken special compared to the classic deep‑fried version?
Baking reduces the amount of oil, making the dish lower in fat while still delivering a crisp exterior. The oven also cooks the chicken evenly, and the glaze is tossed after baking, preserving the bright orange flavor without the heaviness of deep‑frying.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making oven baked orange chicken?
Common errors include under‑marinating the chicken, over‑baking which dries the meat, and letting the sauce boil too vigorously, which can cause it to separate. Follow the critical steps: marinate 30 minutes, bake to 165°F, and simmer the glaze gently.
Why does this recipe use a cornstarch slurry instead of flour to thicken the orange glaze?
Cornstarch provides a glossy, smooth finish and thickens quickly at lower temperatures, preserving the bright color of the orange sauce. Flour would create a cloudier, heavier glaze and require longer cooking.
Can I make oven baked orange chicken ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes. Marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in the refrigerator, bake it, then cool and store in an airtight container. Reheat in a preheated 350°F oven for 10‑12 minutes and toss with fresh glaze before serving.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the orange glaze is done?
The glaze should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, glossy, and slightly sticky. It should cling to the chicken without pooling, giving each piece a uniform amber sheen.
What does the YouTube channel saltNpiipa specialize in?
The YouTube channel saltNpiipa focuses on quick, health‑conscious twists on classic comfort foods, often using simple pantry staples and oven‑based techniques to keep meals flavorful yet lighter.
How does the YouTube channel saltNpiipa's approach to Chinese‑American cooking differ from other cooking channels?
saltNpiipa emphasizes baking instead of deep‑frying, reduces added sugars, and provides clear step‑by‑step timing cues, making traditionally indulgent dishes more accessible for everyday home cooks.
Last updated: September 2, 2026
