Imagine a dish so tantalizing, it transforms your ordinary weeknight dinner into a restaurant-worthy feast! This Easy Baked Orange Chicken is about to become your new culinary obsession. Forget complicated takeout - with just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you'll create a mouthwatering meal that's bursting with sweet, tangy flavors that will have everyone at the table begging for seconds. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this foolproof recipe that's as easy as it is delicious!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, cubed
- 1/2 cup orange marmalade
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that your chicken cooks evenly and becomes perfectly tender.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the orange marmalade, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Whisk the ingredients together until well blended, creating a flavorful marinade.
- Add the cubed chicken breast to the marinade, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated. Allow the chicken to marinate for about 10 minutes for maximum flavor absorption.
- While the chicken is marinating, prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or a small amount of oil to prevent sticking.
- Once the chicken has marinated, transfer the chicken and all the marinade into the prepared baking dish, spreading the chicken out in an even layer.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- After baking, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and flavorful chicken.
- Serve the baked orange chicken over steamed rice or alongside your favorite vegetables. Drizzle any remaining sauce from the baking dish over the top for added flavor.
- Enjoy your easy baked orange chicken, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a delicious meal with family and friends!
Tips
- • For maximum flavor, let the chicken marinate for the full 10 minutes. This allows the marinade to deeply penetrate the meat. • Use fresh garlic and ginger if possible - they'll give a more vibrant taste compared to pre-minced versions. • Make sure to cut chicken into uniform cubes for even cooking. • Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C). • For a glossier finish, you can broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking. • Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. • Serve over steamed rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. • For extra zest, garnish with some fresh orange zest or chopped green onions before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 85mg
