This Skinny Orange Chicken is baked, not fried! This is a delicious and healthier alternative to the takeout version.
Try this 30-minute meal, perfect for an easy weeknight dinner!
How to make Baked Skinny Orange Chicken
To make this in 30 minutes, make your Orange Sauce on the stovetop while the chicken is baking. Once it's all done, you just toss the chicken with the sauce and serve!
- Pre-heat oven to 400°F. Add and mix the Chicken ingredients in a large bowl.
- Spread the chicken on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper, or foil. (Try to spread them apart so they aren’t too crowded, so they can brown better.) Bake for 15-20 minutes.
- Meanwhile, mix all sauce ingredients in a jar or bowl, except for the cornstarch and water.
- In a small bowl, add the water and cornstarch and whisk until well combined.
- Pour the cornstarch mixture into the sauce jar. Shake, or stir well.
- Pour the sauce into a sauce pan and turn to Medium heat. Bring to a simmer, and cook for 5 minutes, whisking occasionally.
- Pour the sauce over the cooked chicken and toss.
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
- Serve over rice and steamed veggies, or any sides of your choice!
Make it Vegan!
We have also tried the Orange Sauce on Baked Tofu and Baked Tempeh ... both were delicious!
Notes on Baked Skinny Orange Chicken
- The orange sauce will thicken more as it cools, but you can always add ½ tablespoon or more of cornstarch if you want a thicker consistency.
- The baking time for the chicken may vary between 15-20 minutes depending on how big you cut your chicken cubes.
Make Ahead:
- You can combine the sauce ahead of time in a jar, and just store in the fridge until you are ready to cook it.
- I have also made individual batches in jars and stored them in the freezer! If you do this, just thaw overnight in the fridge a day before you are ready to use, and shake well before you pour it in.
Enjoy! 🙂
Baked Skinny Orange Chicken (Easy 30-Minute Meal)
Ingredients
For the Orange Sauce:
- zest of one orange
- ½ cup orange juice fresh squeezed
- ⅓ cup soy sauce or a substitute (I like to use Liquid Aminos)
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoon sriracha or garlic chili sauce
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 3 tablespoon cornstarch
- ¼ cup water
For the Chicken:
- 2 lb. Chicken cubed
- 2 tablespoon Olive oil
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ¾ teaspoon salt
Optional Garnish:
- green onions
- sesame seeds
Instructions
- Pre-heat oven to 400°F.
- Add and mix the Chicken ingredients in a large bowl.
- Spread the chicken on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper, or foil. (Try to spread them apart so they aren’t too crowded, so they can brown better.)
- Bake for 15-20 minutes.
- Meanwhile, mix all sauce ingredients in a jar or bowl, except for the cornstarch and water.
- In a small bowl, add the water and cornstarch and whisk until well combined.
- Pour the cornstarch mixture into the sauce jar. Shake, or stir well.
- Pour the sauce into a sauce pan and turn to Medium heat. Bring to a simmer, and cook for 5 minutes, whisking occasionally.
- Pour the sauce over the cooked chicken, toss, and serve!
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Video
Notes
Vegan Option:
For a vegan-friendly option, use this sauce to pour over baked tofu bites or on baked tempeh (we have tried both and they are just as delicious)! For the sauce, just use brown sugar instead of honey.Orange Sauce:
The orange sauce will thicken more as it cools, but you can always add ½ tablespoon or more of cornstarch if you want a thicker consistency.Baking Time:
The baking time for the chicken may vary between 15-20 minutes depending on how big you cut your chicken cubes.Make it Skinnier:
Nutritional info can be found below. To reduce the fat/calories even further: Bake the chicken without the 2 tablespoons of oil. (Use a bit of non-stick cooking oil instead.) This will bring the calories per serving down to 264, and the fat content to 3 grams! *Nutritional info is for one serving (if divided into 6 equal portions).Nutrition Facts
Watch the VIDEO on how to make Baked Skinny Orange Chicken.
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More Easy Meal Ideas:
Try out our simple Sweet Potato & Black Bean Tacos, or these easy chicken dishes: