**Almost everyone is familiar with and enjoys orange chicken, the dish that initiated a panda empire.**
Although Panda Express’s orange chicken may not be entirely authentic these days, many people are unaware that it is inspired by a genuine Chinese recipe. Orange chicken may appear to be rather harmless, but it’s actually quite unhealthy: deep-fried chicken paired with a sugary sauce. This simple healthy version is just as tasty as the deep-fried variety, and it’s not only significantly healthier but also more authentic.
### What is Chinese orange chicken?
This dish is a healthier, not-quite-copycat, more authentic iteration that you can feel good about enjoying every evening if desired. It’s neither deep-fried, greasy, nor complicated, and it’s absolutely, positively delicious. A tangy, vibrant, and slightly sweet sauce melds with lightly crispy chicken, creating a dish that’s far more than the sum of its six ingredients.
### Cooking notes
You may need to modify the sugar amount to match your preference since predicting the sweetness of the orange you use is not feasible.
### What do you need to make orange chicken?
A non-stick frying pan and a baking sheet equipped with a rack that fits. Using cooking spray is highly advisable as it applies less oil to the rack compared to brushing (and oil is necessary to prevent your chicken from tearing).
### How do you make baked orange chicken?
1. **Coat the chicken.** Season with salt and pepper, then coat in cornstarch. I prefer using a plastic bag since it keeps the cornstarch finer and fluffier than using a bowl, but this is optional.
2. **Bake your chicken.** Arrange your chicken on an oiled rack (optional) and bake at 450ºF for 30 minutes. Turn the chicken halfway through for even crisping.
3. **Prepare your sauce.** While the chicken is cooking, this is the perfect time to prepare your sauce. Mix cornstarch with a bit of water and blend well, then add it along with the other sauce ingredients in a nonstick saucepan until you achieve a glossy sauce. Taste and adjust as needed.
4. **Toss to coat.** After your chicken is finished, take it off the rack and toss it in the sauce until evenly covered.
5. **Serve.** Plate it with rice and small pieces of orange if you wish. I think they enhance the final dish considerably.
### What do you serve orange chicken with?
Offer it alongside fluffy white rice, fried noodles, and possibly a healthy side salad. Check out our better-than-takeout section for additional ideas.
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### Quick & Healthy Oven Baked Orange Chicken Recipe
This nutritious oven-baked orange chicken is prepared quicker than ordering in or heading to the nearest strip mall, and it’s far better for you.
**Serves:** 4
#### Ingredients
– 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs (1″ cubed)
– 3 tbsp cornstarch
– 1/4 cup orange juice (about half an orange)
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 1/4 cup rice vinegar
#### Nutrition Facts
– **Calories:** 314
– **Fat:** 8.4g (13%)
– **Saturated Fat:** 2.3g (14%)
– **Cholesterol:** 101mg (34%)
– **Sodium:** 996mg (43%)
– **Potassium:** 341mg (10%)
– **Carbohydrates:** 22.1g (7%)
– **Fiber:** 0.2g (1%)
– **Sugar:** 14.1g (16%)
– **Protein:** 33.9g (68%)
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.*