Orange Chicken Breast Recipe: A Delightful Citrus Twist on a Classic Dish
This Orange Chicken Breast recipe brings together the savory goodness of tender chicken, the sweet acidity of fresh orange juice, and the aromatic depth of thyme and garlic. Perfect for a family dinner or even a special occasion, this dish is bursting with flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. Let’s dive into how to make this delicious recipe, step by step.
Orange Chicken Breast Recipe Overview
- Category: Main Course (Secondi Piatti)
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients (for 4 servings)
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken breast (boneless) | 500g |
| Orange juice | 130g |
| All-purpose flour | 40g |
| Butter | 20g |
| Grand Marnier (or other orange liqueur) | 40g |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 50g (25g for tomatoes, 25g for chicken) |
| Salt | to taste |
| Black pepper | to taste |
| Cherry tomatoes | 400g |
| Garlic | 1 clove |
| Fresh thyme | 2 sprigs |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~350 kcal |
| Protein | 45g |
| Carbohydrates | 15g |
| Fat | 15g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugars | 7g |
Instructions: How to Prepare Orange Chicken Breast
Step 1: Preparing the Cherry Tomatoes
Start by preparing the cherry tomatoes. Gently pluck them from their stems and give them a quick rinse under cool water. Once clean, slice them in half and set them aside for later.
Step 2: Sautéing the Tomatoes
In a large skillet, heat 25g of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add one clove of garlic, slightly crushed with the palm of your hand, allowing it to release its aromatic oils. As soon as the garlic starts to release its fragrance, add the halved cherry tomatoes to the pan.
Cook the tomatoes for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want them to soften and slightly blister, but not break down completely. Once they’ve reached that stage, remove the skillet from the heat. Toss in fresh thyme leaves, allowing the residual heat to infuse the tomatoes with the earthy flavor of thyme. Set aside while you prepare the chicken.
Step 3: Preparing the Orange Juice
Now, it’s time to work on the star of the dish – the orange juice. Slice the orange in half and squeeze the juice into a bowl. If you prefer a smoother sauce, feel free to strain the juice to remove any pulp or seeds. Set this aside, as it will add the citrusy brightness to your chicken.
Step 4: Preparing the Chicken Breasts
Take your chicken breasts and cut them in half, removing any unwanted fat or cartilage. Once cleaned, coat both sides of each piece of chicken with all-purpose flour. This will help create a light, crispy crust while it cooks. Shake off any excess flour.
Step 5: Cooking the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat the remaining 25g of olive oil and 20g of butter over medium heat. Allow the butter to melt and foam slightly. Once the pan is hot and the butter has melted, carefully place the floured chicken breasts in the skillet. Let them cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden and crispy. You want the chicken to be cooked through and have a beautiful golden-brown exterior.
Step 6: Flambé with Grand Marnier
Once the chicken breasts are browned, carefully add the 40g of Grand Marnier (or any orange liqueur of your choice) to the skillet. Be cautious, as the alcohol in the liqueur may cause a flare-up if using a gas stovetop. Allow the alcohol to evaporate, which should take around 1 minute. This step adds a lovely depth of flavor and a slight caramelized sweetness to the sauce.
Step 7: Adding Orange Juice to the Pan
After the alcohol has evaporated, pour the freshly squeezed orange juice into the skillet. Stir the sauce gently to combine the flavors, ensuring the chicken is well-coated with the citrusy glaze. Let the sauce simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Step 8: Finishing Touches
Once the sauce has reached a glossy, slightly thickened consistency, it’s time to plate the chicken. Arrange the cooked chicken breasts on a large serving platter or individual plates. Spoon the sautéed cherry tomatoes around the chicken, and drizzle the rich orange sauce over the top.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!
Garnish the dish with extra thyme leaves for a burst of fresh flavor and a pop of color. Serve the Orange Chicken Breast while it’s still piping hot for the best flavor and texture.
This dish pairs beautifully with a light side of rice, roasted vegetables, or even a simple green salad. The sweetness of the orange and the subtle warmth from the Grand Marnier create a luxurious balance, making it a perfect dish for a family meal or an elegant dinner party.
Additional Tips for Success
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Chicken: If you prefer, you can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a richer, juicier result. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
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Grand Marnier Substitute: If you don’t have Grand Marnier on hand, you can use another orange-flavored liqueur or even a splash of orange juice with a bit of cognac or brandy for a different depth of flavor.
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Vegetable Variations: Feel free to experiment by adding other vegetables to the sautéed tomato mixture, such as bell peppers or zucchini, for added color and texture.
This recipe is all about simplicity and elegance, showcasing how a few quality ingredients can come together to create a stunning dish. The Orange Chicken Breast is a perfect balance of savory and sweet, with a tangy citrusy kick that elevates the entire meal. Enjoy!
