| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 315 | 7g | 2g | 28g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 24g | 2g | 34g | 1.21g |
Being born and raised in the southern charm of Charleston, South Carolina, one could easily argue that my culinary inklings lean heavily towards biscuits, fried chicken, and the coastal seafood dishes that grace our dining tables. However, today I’ll introduce a recipe that takes us on a delectable journey beyond the borders of our traditional Southern comfort foods. Blood Orange Chicken — a perfect symphony of sweet citrus, succulent chicken, and a hint of bitter-sweet spice.
A Twist to Wholesome Chicken
It’s no secret I find joy in the simple pleasures of traditional Southern cuisine, but it’s also exciting to explore fresh, unexpected pairings. That’s what makes the Blood Orange Chicken, a fruit-based recipe so enticing. It gives an unexpected, tangy twist to our wholesome chicken. The unmistakable tart-sweet flavor of blood oranges, combined with the rich sweetness of honey and the warming heat of fresh ginger, makes this a dish to remember. Whether served over a warm bed of jasmine rice or alongside a crisp salad, the allure of this dish often has me reminiscing about my surfing trips where the fresh, zesty smell of citrus fruits would fill the air every morning.
From Health to Taste, It’s a Win!
It’s not only the tantalizing taste that makes this Blood Orange Chicken one of my favorites. Loaded with Vitamin C from blood oranges and accompanied by healthful ingredients like honey, ginger, and olive oil makes it an awesome bet for health enthusiasts. Blood oranges are particularly beneficial for our immune system and garlic lends it’s antimicrobial properties to complete this wonderful culinary creation, making it as wholesome as it’s delicious.
If you are fond of Asian-inspired dishes like Soy-Glazed Chicken Wings or Ginger Honey Chicken Wings, you’ll instantly be drawn to the Blood Orange Chicken. Both the fresh basil and soy sauce lend a lovely oriental touch. It also pairs wonderfully with spicy dishes, as the underlying sweetness helps cut through the heat and balance the flavors beautifully.
So, come join me on this exciting culinary journey where zest and spice dance a beautiful tango. Blood Orange Chicken — an easy, healthy, and utterly delicious dish that gives a zesty edge to the traditional Southern chicken. It’s a satisfying creation that brings the best of both worlds to your plate.
What You’ll Need
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 blood oranges
- 1/3 cup of orange juice
- 1/2 cup of honey
- 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger, grated
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup of soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons of fresh basil, chopped
Method
Step One
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. In the meantime, season your chicken breasts with salt and pepper to taste.
Step Two
Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear them until they are golden brown on both sides. This should take about 4-5 minutes per side. Once done, remove the chicken breasts from the skillet and set them aside for the time being.
Step Three
In the same skillet, add the grated ginger and minced garlic. Cook them until they become fragrant which will take about a minute. Afterwards, add the orange juice, honey, soy sauce and bring the mixture to a simmer.
Step Four
While the mixture is simmering, zest one of your blood oranges into it. Then, slice all of your blood oranges and place them into the skillet. Stir the mixture well, ensuring that the blood oranges are well incorporated. Next, return the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, making sure they are well covered with the sauce and oranges.
Step Five
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked all the way through.
Step Six
Once done, remove the skillet from the oven. Sprinkle the fresh basil on top before serving. Your tasty Blood Orange Chicken is ready to be enjoyed!
