This Skinny Orange Chicken is baked, not fried — a lighter, healthier take on the classic takeout favorite. It’s simple, bright, and ready in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Use the method below to bake the chicken while you prepare the orange sauce on the stovetop; then toss them together and serve.
How to make Baked Skinny Orange Chicken
For a quick 30-minute meal, bake the chicken while you mix and simmer the orange sauce. When both are done, combine and garnish.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. In a large bowl, combine the chicken, olive oil, salt and pepper.
- Arrange the chicken in a single layer on a parchment- or foil-lined baking sheet, leaving space between pieces so they brown. Bake for 15–20 minutes, depending on cube size.
- While the chicken bakes, combine all sauce ingredients in a jar or bowl except the cornstarch and water.
- Whisk the cornstarch into the water in a small bowl until smooth.
- Stir the cornstarch mixture into the sauce, then transfer the sauce to a saucepan and heat over medium. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, whisking occasionally, until slightly thickened.
- Remove the chicken from the oven, pour the hot orange sauce over it, and toss to coat evenly.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
- Serve the orange chicken over rice with steamed vegetables or any sides you prefer.
Make it Vegan
The orange sauce works wonderfully on baked tofu or tempeh. Replace honey with brown sugar (or another vegan sweetener) and bake the tofu/tempeh until golden before tossing with the sauce.
Notes on Baked Skinny Orange Chicken
- The sauce will thicken further as it cools. If you prefer a thicker glaze, add an extra ½ tablespoon (or more) of cornstarch mixed with water and cook briefly until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Baking time varies with the size of your chicken pieces; expect 15–20 minutes for bite-sized cubes. Check for doneness by ensuring the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature and is no longer pink.
Make Ahead
- You can prepare the sauce in advance and refrigerate it in a jar. Shake or stir well before heating and using.
- The sauce also freezes well in individual jars—thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and using.
Enjoy! 🙂
Baked Skinny Orange Chicken (Easy 30-Minute Meal)
Ingredients
For the Orange Sauce:
- zest of one orange
- 1/2 cup orange juice, fresh squeezed
- 1/3 cup soy sauce (or liquid aminos)
- 1/2 cup honey (use brown sugar for vegan)
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tsp sriracha or garlic chili sauce
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
For the Chicken:
- 2 lb. chicken, cubed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 3/4 tsp salt
Optional Garnish:
- green onions
- sesame seeds
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- In a large bowl, mix the cubed chicken with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the chicken on a lined baking sheet in a single layer so pieces can brown.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, until cooked through.
- Meanwhile, combine the sauce ingredients (except cornstarch and water) in a jar or bowl.
- Whisk cornstarch into the water until smooth, then add to the sauce and mix.
- Pour the sauce into a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer and cook about 5 minutes, whisking occasionally.
- Pour the hot sauce over the cooked chicken, toss to coat, and serve.
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
Vegan Option:
Use the same sauce over baked tofu or tempeh and swap honey for brown sugar or another vegan sweetener.
Orange Sauce:
The sauce thickens as it cools; add an extra 1/2 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water if you want it thicker.
Baking Time:
Baking time depends on cube size — plan for 15–20 minutes and check for doneness.
Make it Skinnier:
To reduce calories and fat further, omit the 2 tablespoons of oil and use a light non-stick spray. That lowers calories and fat per serving significantly.
*Nutritional info is per serving when the recipe is divided into six portions.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 304 kcal |
Carbohydrates: 28 g |
Protein: 33 g |
Fat: 7 g |
Saturated Fat: 0.7 g |
Cholesterol: 100 mg |
Sodium: 1480 mg |
Sugar: 23 g
Watch the VIDEO on how to make Baked Skinny Orange Chicken.
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More Easy Meal Ideas:
Try Sweet Potato & Black Bean Tacos or other simple chicken dishes for quick, family-friendly dinners.
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