| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 385 | 11g | 2g | 26g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 21g | 3g | 45g | 1.5g |
Greeted with the entrancing aroma of the Long Pepper Spiced Chicken, the senses start their dance at the first whiff. Being a dance teacher by passion, and a culinary enthusiast by heritage, I’ve always marveled at crafting dishes that could enliven your tastebuds. This recipe, with its exotic blend of ingredients, embodies the fusion of my Cuban roots and love for the vibrant flare of Spanish classics.
The Dance of Flavors
Every ingredient of the Long Pepper Spiced Chicken performs a pas de deux on the culinary stage. The star is, of course, the long pepper with its unique warmth and slight sweetness which meshes beautifully with the zesty notes from fresh oranges. Then the supporting characters: the honey with its comforting sweetness, the tangy notes of lemon juice, and the salty essence of soy sauce. Then, we have the chicken breasts, our canvas, taking on these flavors, delivering mouthful after mouthful of pure delight. The flavors are reminiscent of the popular Cuban dish, Pollo a la Naranja, but with a distinctive gourmet twist.
Health Benefits
Beyond its intoxicating dance of flavors, this recipe holds promising health benefits too. Predominantly, its main ingredient, chicken, is an excellent source of lean protein which is vital for muscle growth and repair. The citrus components of orange and lemon juice not only offer a burst of freshness but are also packed with Vitamin C, an antioxidant that boosts immunity. The star ingredient, long pepper, has significant medicinal properties, known to aid digestion and combat respiratory ailments.
Pairs Perfectly
The citrus-infused chicken would pair perfectly alongside a fresh green salad or steamed asparagus, maintaining the balance of flavor and health. Serving it with a side of spicy Spanish rice could transport you straight to the sun-drenched sidewalks of Toledo or vibrant streets of Havana.
Whether you’re yearning for a taste of home, in a desire for an experimental meal or simply looking for a healthy gourmet dish, the Long Pepper Spiced Chicken carries within it the promise to transform an ordinary night into a memorable culinary fiesta.
What You’ll Need
- 6 chicken breasts
- 1/2 tablespoon of long pepper, ground
- 1.5 cups of orange juice
- 1/4 cup of lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- 2 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup of soy sauce
- 1 large orange, zest and sectioned
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper
Method
Step One
Start by preparing your chicken breasts. Clean them properly and pat them dry. Then, season them with the salt and black pepper evenly on both sides. Set them aside for the next step.
Step Two
In a large bowl, combine the ground long pepper, orange juice, lemon juice, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, and soy sauce. Stir it well until the mixture is united.
Step Three
Place the seasoned chicken breasts into the bowl with the marinade. Make sure each piece is well coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl and let it marinate for a minimum of 2 hours, or better overnight in the refrigerator.
Step Four
Preheat your grill or oven to medium-high heat. Once heated, add the chicken breasts. Cook each side for about 5-7 minutes, depending upon the thickness of the chicken. Be sure to turn them occasionally to ensure that they cook evenly.
Step Five
Use the remaining marinade to baste the chicken as it cooks. This will help keep the meat moist and add more flavors.
Step Six
Once the chicken is cooked thoroughly, remove it from the grill. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
Step Seven
Serve the chicken with the orange zest and sections distributed over the top of each breast. Enjoy your Long Pepper Spiced Chicken while warm!
