Sometimes I want Chinese food and I want it now. Like, right NOW. So badly I can’t think of anything else.

This is the fastest, easiest way I know to get it right out of my own kitchen. Baked chicken tossed in an easy pan sauce. Skip the frying because that takes too much time.

This is how it works: Start the rice cooking (or use minute rice for a shortcut). Chop up the chicken and toss with salt, pepper and cornstarch. The cornstarch will help the sauce adhere since it won’t have that crispy coating to stick to. Pop it in the oven to bake. It cooks fast so don’t overdo it. It will cook a little bit more in the sauce.

Make the sauce while the chicken is baking. It has a long list of ingredients but is so worth it! Fresh orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, chicken broth, brown sugar, ginger, garlic and cayenne – a quick whisk followed by a few minutes of simmering and it’s ready for the chicken.

Toss to coat well with the sticky sauce and then get out your chopsticks! It’s on. Chinese food. Made with your own two hands. It tastes better that way.

The sauce is more savory than sweet, with a subtle kick of heat and a ton of orange flavor. It’s different than the deep-fried version – it doesn’t have that crunchy exterior but is delicious in it’s own right.

My incessant craving was filled not once but twice.

Leftovers for lunch rule.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for this recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs can be more flavorful and juicy than chicken breasts. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as thighs may take a bit longer to cook thoroughly.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce and replacing any flour with a gluten-free option like almond flour or cornstarch.

What can I serve with this Baked Chinese Orange Chicken?

This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. You could also serve it with stir-fried or steamed vegetables.

Can I use bottled orange juice instead of fresh orange juice?

Fresh orange juice is ideal for its bright, natural flavor. However, if you don’t have fresh oranges, you can use bottled orange juice. Try to pick a brand without added sugar to keep the dish as healthy as possible.

I don’t have an oven. Can I still make this recipe?

While this is a baked version of Chinese Orange Chicken, you can adapt it for the stovetop. You can sauté the chicken pieces in a pan until they are cooked through, then add the orange sauce and simmer until it thickens.

Can I make this dish ahead of time and reheat it?

Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can reheat it in a saucepan over medium heat, or in the microwave, adding a little water if necessary to thin the sauce.