| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 40 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 435 | 6g | 1g | 48g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 38g | 1g | 40g | 1.2g |
There are some recipes that takes you home, connecting you to your roots and bringing forth such nostalgia that every bite feels like an embrace from the past. The Orange Glazed Chicken is one of those for me. Each time I cook it, the scents that fill my kitchen transport me back to Atlanta, my loving home, and its murmuring charm that symbolically blends with vivacious Nigerian artistry.
This Recipe’s Personal Touch
Orange Glazed Chicken holds a unique place in my culinary journey. The recipe is a seamless blend of crisp Southern taste, dressed in the tangy zest of oranges, which gives off a reminiscence of West African spice markets. It’s an example of the Afro-southern fusion cuisine I’m so passionate about.
When I taste the sticky sweet-and-sour glaze with its subtle spicy undertones, I’m reminded of my parents’ Nigerian home cooking and the joy of sharing meals around the kitchen table. And when I see the glistening orange sauce draped over the savoury chicken, I remember the warm, syrupy desserts my grandmother used to make in her Southern kitchen.
A Nutritious Take on Delicious
But beyond its flavor and personal significance, the Orange Glazed Chicken is a delight for the health conscious. This recipe makes use of the natural sweetness of honey and oranges, reducing the need for processed sugars. Oranges are also a great source of vitamins C and potassium, while the chicken provides a hefty dose of protein.
Additionally, garlic, ginger, and olive oil, which are staple ingredients in this recipe, are known for their numerous health benefits. Garlic is beneficial for heart health, ginger aids digestion, and olive oil is an excellent source of healthy fats. You can access more about their health benefits here.
Food Pairings and Similar Delights
This beautiful recipe reminds me of the classic Moroccan dish Chicken Tagine with Preserved Lemon, where the citrusy notes meet a humble chicken preparation.
The Orange Glazed Chicken is versatile and pairs well with a wide range of dishes, like a simple green salad or roasted vegetables. For a more hearty meal, try it with some brown rice or quinoa. You can even play up the Southern factor by serving this with cornbread or creamy mashed potatoes.
What You’ll Need
- 6 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1 cup orange marmalade
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 orange, sliced for garnish
Method
Step One
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt and pepper to suit your taste.
Step Two
Next, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the heated skillet and cook until they turn golden brown. This should ideally take about 7 minutes on each side. When they are fully cooked, transfer the chicken to a platter and keep warm by loosely wrapping the platter in aluminum foil.
Step Three
While the chicken is cooking, in a medium bowl, combine orange juice, orange marmalade, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Whisk well to combine all of the ingredients.
Step Four
After removing the chicken from the skillet, pour the orange mixture into the skillet, scraping the skillet to loosen any browned bits from the bottom. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium-high heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes until it reduces to half its original volume.
Step Five
Mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl until it forms a smooth paste. Gradually add this mixture into the simmering orange mixture in the skillet. Stir continuously. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Step Six
Finally, return the chicken breasts to the skillet, turning them over a few times to ensure that they get fully coated in the orange glaze. Cook for another 5 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through.
Step Seven
Move the orange glazed chicken to the platter. Garnish with sliced oranges. Your Orange Glazed Chicken is ready to serve.
