Baked Fakeaway Orange Chicken

Q: How can I make this orange chicken healthier?

Compared to the deep-fried takeout version, this baked version is already a step in the right direction. To reduce sugar, you can use a sugar substitute (like stevia or monk fruit) in the orange sauce. You can also serve the chicken with brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice and add steamed vegetables on the side for a complete balanced meal!

Baked Orange Chicken Made With My Crispy Fakeaway Secret

By Priya DesaiSeptember 8, 2025Updated: September 7, 2025

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Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy Orange Chicken but dread the takeaway guilt? Then this Baked Orange Chicken made with love is for you. Get ready for that sweet, tangy flavour explosion, but baked to crispy perfection.

Brief Overview

Orange Chicken is a classic American Chinese dish. It's usually deep fried. But, this version is baked. It's much healthier and easier! It's perfect for a weeknight dinner.

This recipe yields 4 servings. So, enough for the family!

Main Benefits

This healthier orange chicken recipe cuts back on the oil. You still get amazing flavour. Serve it any night of the week.

It's a guaranteed family favourite. What makes this special? It's a "fakeaway". All the taste, less of the grease!

Calling all "Fakeaway" Fans!

Ever find yourself craving that crispy baked orange chicken from your favorite Chinese takeout? I get it. Honestly, sometimes only orange chicken will do.

But the grease? Not so much. That is how the concept of a Homemade orange chicken was born

Well, you are not alone. So, i got you covered!

What's the Story with This Orange Chicken Recipe?

This Orange Chicken Recipe isn't just another recipe. It is about taking control. It's about the power of the Baked Orange Chicken and making your own healthier versions of the food you love.

Think of this as your " fakeaway orange chicken recipe " secret weapon. A delicious dish that is just good for you.

I mean, who doesn't love a good Chinese Cooking adventure in their own kitchen?

Ingredients for a Healthier Indulgence:

So, what's the magic that makes the Baked orange chicken thighs recipe so good? We start with 1.5 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Then comes our amazing orange chicken sauce .

Ingredients & Equipment for Your "Fakeaway" Baked Orange Chicken

Alright, let's talk about what you'll need to nail this orange chicken recipe . Don't worry, it's not too crazy, and you might already have a bunch of this stuff knocking about.

We're making Baked Orange Chicken made with love, not fuss! This is the healthier orange chicken recipe you have been looking for.

Main Ingredients: The Star Players

Okay, so first up is the chicken! You'll need 1.5 lbs (680g) of boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Trust me, thighs are the way to go here.

They stay juicy in the oven. Make sure they are cut into 1 inch cubes. For the orange sauce, grab 1/2 cup (120ml) of freshly squeezed orange juice.

Seriously, freshly squeezed makes all the difference!

Chicken Thighs: Look for plump, pink chicken thighs. Avoid any that look pale or have a funny smell. You know when chicken is not right!

Seasoning Notes: Spice Up Your Life

Now, the seasonings are where the magic happens. We want that perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and just a little bit spicy.

Essential Combo: Soy sauce, ginger, and garlic are your best mates here. Don't skimp! For the orange sauce, a little sesame oil and red pepper flakes add a fantastic depth of flavor.
Flavour Boosters: Orange zest gives it that proper orange kick. You know? I love adding a tiny splash of rice vinegar too. It just lifts everything!
Quick Swaps: No red pepper flakes? A pinch of cayenne pepper will do the trick. Don't have fresh ginger? Ground ginger is fine, but use about half the amount.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple, Stupid!

Honestly, you don't need fancy kit for this. Just the basics.

Essentials: You'll need a large mixing bowl, a baking sheet, and a small saucepan. Parchment paper is a lifesaver for easy cleanup.
Household Alternatives: Don't have a whisk? A fork works just as well. No baking sheet? A large oven safe dish will do.
Extra: A wire rack to place the chicken in after baking will improve the crispiness, but is not a requirement.

Seriously though, Homemade orange chicken is so much better than takeaway. Knowing exactly what goes into it makes a world of difference and Baking the orange chicken makes it a Healthier orange chicken recipe , this Crispy baked orange chicken is going to be a game changer.

You will never go back to the Orange Chicken you can get at any Chinese Cooking restaurant. Plus, it's super satisfying to make your own version of a Fakeaway orange chicken recipe .

Cooking Method: Nailin' That Baked "Fakeaway" Orange Chicken!

Alright, listen up, my foodie friends! Fancy a bit of a Chinese cooking night without the guilt? I'm talking proper Orange Chicken vibes, but baked not fried.

Think of it as your "fakeaway" treat all the flavour, less of the greasy spoon. We're diving deep into how to make a killer Homemade orange chicken .

Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row!

First things first, let's talk mise en place that's fancy chef talk for "get your stuff ready!". Chop your 1.

5 lbs (680g) of chicken thighs into bite sized chunks. Mix up the marinade. Get your flour mixture sorted. This is the essential mise en place .

Honestly, it makes life SO much easier. Trust me on this one. Plus, it stops you flapping around like a headless chicken later.

Time saving tip? Marinate the chicken the night before. Boom! Winner.

Safety wise, remember to wash your hands after handling raw chicken. No one wants salmonella surprises, right?

step-by-step: Baking Bliss

Right, let's do this!

Whisk up your marinade egg, soy sauce, ginger, and all that jazz. Throw in your chicken and let it chill for at least 30 minutes . The longer, the better, honestly.
Mix your flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt in a dish. This is your coating .
Dredge each chicken piece in the coating, making sure it's fully covered. Give it a good shake to get rid of any excess.
Spread the chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Don't overcrowd! Important! .
Bake at 400° F ( 200° C) for 20- 25 minutes , flipping halfway. We're looking for golden brown and an internal temp of 165° F ( 74° C) .
While that's baking, make your orange sauce orange juice, rice vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, honey, and all the good stuff. Simmer it in a saucepan.
Thicken the sauce with a cornstarch slurry. Whisk like your life depends on it!
Toss the baked chicken in the sauce and serve!

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Chicken Game

Want extra crispy? Pop the sauced chicken on a wire rack over the baking sheet for the last 5 minutes . Honestly, it's a game changer.

Common mistake? Overcrowding the baking sheet. Don't do it! It steams the chicken instead of baking it. Nobody likes soggy chicken.

This Healthier orange chicken recipe is great to make-ahead of time too. Just bake the chicken and make the sauce separately, then combine when you're ready to serve.

This means that it is a delicious baked orange chicken made with ease.

And there you have it! Ditch the takeaway menu and make your own delicious, Crispy baked orange chicken with this orange chicken recipe .

Recipe Notes For Your Baked Orange Chicken

Right then, let's talk about a few things to keep in mind while you're whipping up this Baked Orange Chicken made with love.

You know, the little tweaks and tips that can turn a good dish into a great one.

Plating and Presentation Ideas

Honestly, this Orange Chicken is delicious, but presentation does matter! Try serving it over a bed of fluffy rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and some chopped green onions.

It just elevates the whole thing, doesn't it? You could even try using a fancy bowl makes you feel a bit posh, even if you're just scoffing it in front of the telly! Some steamed broccoli or a simple side salad will balance everything perfectly.

And to drink? A nice cold lager. Sorted!

Storage Tips

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Pop that Homemade Orange Chicken into an airtight container. It'll happily sit in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing is also an option! Just let it cool completely first, then freeze for up to a month. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then either microwave it or warm it through in a pan on the hob.

I'd avoid freezing it, though, if you're going for Crispy baked orange chicken , because it tends to go a bit soggy and you are better off making it fresh.

Variations: Making It Your Own

Fancy a change? No problem! For a Healthier Orange Chicken Recipe , you can use whole wheat flour for the coating and cut back on the sugar in the sauce.

Also, if you are gluten-free, try using tamari instead of soy sauce! It works a treat. Or, for a bit of heat, add a dash of sriracha to the Orange Chicken Sauce .

Trust me, it's lush.

Nutrition Basics

Alright, so this Baked Orange Chicken isn't exactly a salad. But it's a darn sight better for you than a takeaway! It is a great source of protein.

Roughly 450-550 calories per serving, with a decent hit of protein. So, enjoy it as part of a balanced meal, yeah?

So there you have it. Now go forth and create some amazing Orange Chicken Recipe . Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own. And remember, cooking should be fun!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this Baked Orange Chicken made with real orange juice?

Absolutely! This Baked Orange Chicken recipe calls for freshly squeezed orange juice for the best, most vibrant flavor. Think of it as the secret ingredient that elevates it from "okay" to "Cor blimey, that's good!". Bottled juice can work in a pinch, but freshly squeezed is where it's at!

How do I get my Baked Orange Chicken crispy and not soggy?

Achieving crispy chicken in the oven is all about proper technique. First, don't overcrowd your baking sheet give those chicken pieces some breathing room! Second, flipping them halfway through ensures even browning.

Finally, consider using a wire rack during the last few minutes of baking to allow air to circulate underneath, making them extra crispy.

Can I make this Baked Orange Chicken ahead of time?

You can definitely prep some components in advance! Marinate the chicken earlier in the day or even the night before. The orange sauce can also be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge.

However, for the best results, bake and sauce the chicken just before serving to prevent it from getting soggy nobody wants that!

What if I don't have Shaoxing wine for the Baked Orange Chicken marinade?

No worries, plenty of households don't keep Shaoxing wine on hand, it's fine to skip it! Dry sherry is a good substitute, or you can just leave it out altogether. The marinade will still work its magic and tenderize the chicken. The key is the soy sauce and ginger, which provide essential flavor elements.

Is Baked Orange Chicken made with ingredients I can easily find?

Yes, absolutely! All the ingredients in this recipe are readily available at most supermarkets. You might need to venture down the international aisle for Shaoxing wine or rice vinegar, but they're becoming increasingly common. If you are still having trouble, try searching online stores.

How can I make this orange chicken healthier?

Compared to the deep fried takeout version, this baked version is already a step in the right direction. To reduce sugar, you can use a sugar substitute (like stevia or monk fruit) in the orange sauce.

You can also serve the chicken with brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice and add steamed vegetables on the side for a complete balanced meal!