Orange Chicken

I found this recipe on My Kitchen Cafe and made it last night for the family. It received rave reviews! It did take some time to make but it was worth it. I also like that it isn't fried but baked in the oven. The flavor was great and it made plenty for our family of 6. I will be making this again and again!

Orange Chicken from My Kitchen Cafe

Chicken;

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 2" cubes

1/2 cup flour1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon pepper

2 tablespoons oil or butter

Sauce;

1 1/2 cups water

1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice

1/3 cup rice vinegar2

1/2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon orange zest

1 cup brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon finely minced ginger ( I used 1/4 tsp powdered ginger)

1 teaspoon minced garlic

2 tablespoons green onion

3 tablespoons cornstarch

1/4 cup water

Heat oven to 350. In a shallow dish combine the flour, garlic powder and pepper. Dip each piece of chicken in flour mixture and coat evenly.Pour oil (or melt butter and pour) in a shallow baking dish, large enough to accommodate chicken in a single layer. Arrange chicken in pan and bake uncovered for 30 minutes at 350 degrees.

Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan combine water, fresh orange juice, rice vinegar, soy sauce, orange zest and whisk over medium heat for a few minutes. Then stir in brown sugar, ginger, garlic, and green onion and let it come to a boil. Combine cornstarch with water and let it dissolve and add it to the sauce until thickened. Remove from heat.

After chicken has baked the 30 minutes, turn each piece over and pour 1/2 sauce mixture evenly over chicken. Bake another 30 to 40 minutes basting frequently.Serve chicken over rice with extra sauce on the side.