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Crispy Baked Orange Chicken Bites – Easy Sweet Chili Glaze Recipe

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These crispy baked orange chicken bites are juicy inside, crunchy outside, and tossed in a sticky, tangy sweet chili orange glaze. Lighter than takeout, they’re perfect for weeknights, parties, or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend)
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • Cooking spray or olive oil
  • 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
  • 1/4 cup fresh orange juice (about 1 medium orange)
  • 1 tbsp orange zest
  • 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce (or coconut aminos)
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp rice vinegar
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 green onion, thinly sliced (optional garnish)
  • Sesame seeds (optional garnish)
  • Extra orange zest (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set a wire rack on top if available. Lightly mist with cooking spray.
  2. Cut chicken into 1-inch pieces and pat dry with paper towels.
  3. Set up three breading stations: In the first bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. In the second bowl, whisk eggs. In the third bowl, add panko breadcrumbs.
  4. Dredge chicken pieces in flour mixture, dip in beaten eggs, then coat with panko, pressing gently so crumbs stick.
  5. Arrange coated chicken on the prepared baking sheet, spaced apart. Mist lightly with oil or cooking spray.
  6. Bake for 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway if not using a rack, until golden brown and chicken reaches 165°F internally. Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end for extra crunch if desired.
  7. While chicken bakes, make the glaze: In a small saucepan, combine sweet chili sauce, orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Whisk and bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring often. Cook for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat.
  8. Transfer baked chicken bites to a large bowl. Pour warm glaze over and toss gently to coat, or serve glaze on the side for dipping.
  9. Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and extra orange zest if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

For extra crunch, double-coat chicken in egg and panko. Don’t overcrowd the pan for best crispiness. Toss chicken in glaze just before serving to keep coating crunchy. Air fryer option: cook at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway. Easily adapted for gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegetarian diets.

Nutrition

Keywords: orange chicken, baked chicken bites, sweet chili glaze, crispy chicken, Asian chicken, weeknight dinner, meal prep, party appetizer, gluten-free option, air fryer

Find it online: https://realityeats.com/crispy-baked-orange-chicken-bites-easy-sweet-chili-glaze-recipe/