| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 35 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 237 | 7g | 1g | 8g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 7g | 1g | 32g | 0.2g |
One of my favorite dishes to both prepare and dine on is the Roasted Chicken with Loquat Sauce. Growing up in Texas, our family table was rich with traditional Southern dishes, but it was the Texas twist that added that extra zing. Roasted Chicken with Loquat Sauce is a nod to those days – a beautifully blended medley of tastes and traditions, where the rustic charm of roasted chicken meets the sweet-tartness of loquats, a fruit not unlike apricots or plums.
Southern Roots with a Twist
Just like the beloved Tex-Mex staples that graced our table, this recipe combines a simple scaffolding (trustworthy chicken), with the splash of something unexpected. The loquat, native to Southeastern China but now grown worldwide, introduces a sweet-tartness to the rich, succulence of roasted meat – not unlike traditional apple-based sauces or the Texan staple, peach salsa. If you’re a fan of such pairings, you’re sure to love this dish!
A Recipe for Health and Happiness
Not only is this dish delightfully delectable, but it’s also packed with nutrients! Chicken, a low-fat protein source, keeps us feeling full and supports muscle health. Loquats, on the other hand, come with their own array of benefits. Packed with fiber, vitamins A, B, and C, and beneficial antioxidants, they support heart health, aid in digestion and boost our immune system. So, cooking and dining don’t just have to be about pleasing our taste buds, they can also be about nourishing our bodies.
This Roasted Chicken with Loquat Sauce can stand proudly as a showstopper on any weeknight dinner or weekend gathering. It pairs wonderfully with sides like roasted brussels sprouts or a refreshing cucumber salad for a wholesome meal. When paired with a glass of Chenin Blanc or Voignier, this dish sings. It’s similar to dishes like Roast Chicken with Lemon and Tarragon or Roast Chicken with Peaches, Honey, and Lavender, but the incorporation of loquat gives it a unique taste-profile that stands out.
By way of closing then, I’d say this: if you’re longing for a dish that celebrates the comforts of home while indulging the thrill of exploration, why not expand your culinary repertoire with this Roasted Chicken with Loquat Sauce? I promise it’ll be a flavorful journey worth embarking on!
What You’ll Need
- 6 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 1 cup of fresh loquat, pitted and chopped
- 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup of chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger, minced
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh rosemary, for garnish
Method
Step One
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Meanwhile, season your chicken breasts with salt and pepper to taste.
Step Two
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and sear them on both sides until they turn golden brown. This should take around 3-5 minutes per side. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Step Three
In the same skillet, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them until they become translucent and aromatic. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
Step Four
Next, add the chopped fresh loquat to the skillet. Sauté it for about 2 minutes, or until it becomes tender.
Step Five
Afterward, add the chicken broth, lemon juice, honey, and minced ginger to the skillet. Stir well to combine all the ingredients and bring the mixture to a simmer.
Step Six
Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, making sure to submerge them in the loquat sauce. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast the chicken for about 25-30 minutes, or until the juices run clear.
Step Seven
Once the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened, remove the skillet from the oven. Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving.
Step Eight
Serve the roasted chicken breasts hot, generously drizzled with the loquat sauce. Garnish each serving with chopped fresh rosemary for an added flavor boost. Enjoy your Roasted Chicken with Loquat Sauce.
