This chicken recipe is easy to make, as tender chicken pieces are cooked with garlic, rosemary, white wine, and blood orange juice. Then comes the finishing touch, which is a glossy citrus sauce made with fresh orange juice, orange zest, and cornstarch. It is an excellent choice for dinner, a relaxed Sunday lunch or even a special occasion.
What Is Orange Chicken?
Orange chicken is a dish built around the combination of chicken and citrus, although there are several different ways to prepare it. This recipe takes a more traditional pan-cooked approach rather than the familiar battered and fried orange chicken often associated with Chinese-American takeaway menus.
Instead of coating the chicken in a thick, sugary glaze, the recipe uses the natural citrus flavor of oranges to create a sauce that complements the savory meat.
Pro Tips for the Best Red Orange Chicken
- Use chicken pieces of reasonably similar size so they cook at approximately the same rate. Bone-in pieces are excellent for slow cooking because they tend to remain moist and contribute plenty of flavour to the sauce.
- Give the chicken enough time to develop color on each side. Browning helps build flavour, so resist the temptation to move the pieces around constantly.
- Freshly squeezed juice generally provides a brighter citrus flavour than packaged alternatives. If blood oranges are unavailable, ordinary sweet oranges will work well.
- Rosemary has a strong aroma, and too much can overpower the citrus. One or two small sprigs are usually sufficient, depending on their size and your preference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Instead of Bone-In Chicken?
Boneless chicken thighs are especially suitable because they remain tender during cooking and have a lovely flavor. You can also use boneless chicken breasts, although they cook more quickly and are easier to overcook.
Why Is My Orange Sauce Too Thin?
A thin sauce usually means that it needs a little more time on heat or that the cornstarch has not been added in sufficient quantity. Allow the cooking liquid to simmer gently so some of the excess moisture evaporates.
Why Has My Orange Sauce Become Bitter?
Orange sauce can become bitter if too much of the white pith from the orange peel is included. When zesting your orange, use a fine grater and collect only the colored outer layer. Avoid pressing too deeply into the peel.
What Can I Serve with Orange Chicken?
Orange chicken can be paired with roasted potatoes because they provide a savory contrast to the citrus sauce. Rice is another excellent choice, especially if you want something that can soak up the extra sauce. Mashed potatoes, couscous and steamed vegetables also work wonderfully.
How to Store Leftover Red Orange Chicken
The citrus sauce helps keep the chicken flavorful, and the leftovers can make a very satisfying meal the following day. Just store in the fridge and consume within 48 hours. Store the chicken with its orange sauce rather than separating them. This helps prevent the meat from drying out during storage.
Ingredients
How to Make Red Orange Chicken
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Add olive oil to a pan, followed by the peeled garlic clove and rosemary. Arrange the chicken pieces in the pan in a single layer, let them cook for a few minutes, and turn the chicken pieces so that the other sides can brown.
Add olive oil to a pan, followed by the peeled garlic clove and rosemary. Arrange the chicken pieces in the pan in a single layer, let them cook for a few minutes, and turn the chicken pieces so that the other sides can brown.
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Once the chicken has browned, pour the white wine into the pan, and season with salt, pepper, and blood orange juice. Leave the chicken to cook for 30-40 minutes on low heat.
Once the chicken has browned, pour the white wine into the pan, and season with salt, pepper, and blood orange juice. Leave the chicken to cook for 30-40 minutes on low heat.
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Once the chicken is cooked, remove the pieces from the pan, add the blood orange zest and cornstarch, mix, and let it simmer for a few minutes until it begins to thicken.
Once the chicken is cooked, remove the pieces from the pan, add the blood orange zest and cornstarch, mix, and let it simmer for a few minutes until it begins to thicken.
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Return the chicken to a serving dish and pour the remaining orange sauce over it. Enjoy!
Return the chicken to a serving dish and pour the remaining orange sauce over it. Enjoy!
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