Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast: 1.5 lbs (cut into 1-inch cubes)
- All-purpose flour: 1 cup
- Eggs: 2 large (lightly beaten)
- Frozen orange juice concentrate (thawed): 1/2 cup
- Brown sugar: 1/2 cup, packed
- Soy sauce (low sodium): 1/4 cup
- Rice vinegar: 2 tablespoons
- Cornstarch: 2 tablespoons (for sauce thickening)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare the chicken by tossing the cubes in a mixture of flour, salt, and pepper. Dip each piece of floured chicken into the beaten egg, then return it to the remaining flour mixture for a second coating.
- Step 2: Arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer on a greased baking sheet. Bake for 18-22 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
- Step 3: While the chicken bakes, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the orange juice concentrate, brown sugar, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
- Step 4: Whisk the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Pour the slurry into the simmering sauce, whisking constantly. Continue cooking for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy. Remove from heat.
- Step 5: Transfer the baked chicken to a large bowl. Pour the orange sauce over the hot chicken and toss gently until every piece is evenly coated. Serve immediately over rice or place back in the oven for 5 minutes to caramelize the sauce.
Notes
- Store leftover chicken and sauce separately; keep the baked chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate the unused sauce for up to 5 days, combining only right before reheating to maintain crispness.
- For best results when reheating, use an air fryer or toaster oven set to 350°F (175°C) to crisp the coated chicken pieces slightly before warming the sauce and tossing them together.
- Elevate this dish by serving it alongside steamed broccoli or snow peas and garnishing heavily with toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced scallions for a pop of color and texture.
- Because you are using a sweet, concentrated orange juice base, taste the thickened sauce before pouring; if it seems too sweet, add a tiny splash more rice vinegar or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavor balance.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American