Orange Chicken

There’s something truly special about the flavors of Orange Chicken. This dish has become a staple in my home, often making an appearance during family gatherings and casual dinners alike. The vibrant taste of fresh oranges combined with tender chicken creates a delightful experience that transports you to a sunny day, no matter the weather outside. When I first tried making Orange Chicken, I was amazed at how easily it came together and how the aroma filled my kitchen, making everyone eager to dig in. The addition of the olive gremolata not only elevates the flavor profile but adds a beautiful texture that complements the juicy chicken.

I remember the first time I served this to my friends; they couldn’t believe I had made it from scratch! Watching them savor each bite and asking for the recipe made my heart swell with pride. Now, I want to share this fantastic dish with you, hoping it brings as much joy to your table as it has to mine.

Orange Chicken Shopping List

Gathering the right ingredients is crucial for making the best Orange Chicken possible. This recipe features a mix of fresh herbs, zesty flavors, and tender chicken that come together beautifully. Each ingredient plays a key role in creating a dish that’s both satisfying and delicious.

• 8 chicken thighs (boneless and skinless or bone-in and skin-on) – The star of this dish! The thighs remain juicy and flavorful during cooking.
• 1/4 cup parsley – Fresh herbs add a burst of flavor and brightness to the marinade.
• 6 garlic cloves, crushed – Garlic brings depth and aroma, enhancing the overall taste.
• 1/2 cup fresh orange juice – Use freshly squeezed juice for the best flavor and brightness.
• zest of one orange – This adds an extra layer of citrusy flavor that’s irresistible.
• 2 small oranges, thinly sliced – These will add both flavor and a beautiful presentation.
• 1/4 cup olive oil, divided use – A staple in cooking; it helps to keep the chicken moist.
• 2 teaspoons granulated sugar – This counterbalances the acidity of the orange juice, leading to a well-rounded flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt – Enhances flavor and ensures the chicken is seasoned perfectly.
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh black pepper – A touch of spice to elevate the dish.
• 7 oz. olives (mix of green and black olives, pitted and finely chopped) – Used in the gremolata, these add a salty pop of flavor.
• 2 garlic cloves, minced – For the gremolata, amplifying the garlic flavor.
• 3 sprigs of parsley, coarsely chopped – Adds freshness and color to the gremolata.
• 1/3 cup olive oil – Used in the gremolata to bind the ingredients.
• 1 tablespoon orange juice – A splash in the gremolata enhances the citrus notes.
• squeeze lemon juice – A little acidity brightens up the gremolata.

How to Cook Orange Chicken

Cooking Orange Chicken is an adventure that results in a mouthwatering dish! This recipe will guide you step-by-step. As you cook, you’ll notice the wonderful aromas filling your kitchen, making it hard to wait to dig in.

1. Start by marinating the chicken. In a large bowl, whisk together parsley, garlic, orange juice, the zest of one orange, 1/4 cup of olive oil, salt, and black pepper. This mixture will not only flavor the chicken but also tenderize it. Make sure everything is well combined.

2. Add the chicken thighs to the marinade and toss gently to coat them thoroughly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit in the refrigerator. If you can, allow it to marinate for 3 hours or even overnight, but if you’re in a hurry, 20 minutes will do!

3. While the chicken marinates, let’s prepare the gremolata. In a separate bowl, combine olives, garlic, the zest of one orange, and parsley. Finely chop all these ingredients together until mixed well. This gremolata will add a burst of flavor right before serving.

4. Next, preheat your oven to broil on high. This step is crucial for achieving that lovely caramelization on the chicken.

5. Prepare your baking dish by placing a few slices of orange on the bottom. This not only infuses the chicken with flavor but also prevents it from sticking to the pan.

6. Once the oven is hot, remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Lay the chicken pieces in a single layer on top of the orange slices. Tuck the remaining orange slices around the chicken.

7. Sprinkle granulated sugar over the chicken pieces. This will help to caramelize the chicken and create a beautiful crust. Broil on high for about 2 to 3 minutes. Keep a close eye on it as this happens quickly!

8. After the tops of the chicken and orange slices start to brown and char, carefully rotate the pan for even cooking. Once browned, reduce the oven temperature to 375°F.

9. Continue baking the chicken until it’s cooked through, about 15 to 20 minutes. Use an instant thermometer to check that it registers 165°F at the thickest part of the thigh.

10. When the chicken is fully cooked, scatter the prepared gremolata on top. This adds a fresh bite and completes the dish.

11. Serve your Orange Chicken immediately. Enjoy it with your favorite sides!

Make It Your Own

There are many ways to customize your Orange Chicken to suit your taste. Here are some tips to make this dish truly your own.

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Pairing: Serve with steamed rice or a light green salad to balance the flavors.
• Add Veggies: Consider adding bell peppers or snap peas to the baking dish for a pop of color and nutrition.
• Make It Spicy: For those who enjoy a kick, add some red pepper flakes to the marinade.
• Change the Protein: This recipe works well with other proteins like turkey or tofu for a vegetarian option.

Pairing Suggestions for Orange Chicken

When you whip up a delightful dish like Orange Chicken, the right pairings can elevate your meal to new heights. Here are some ideas to ensure your dinner is complete:

• Steamed Jasmine Rice: This classic pairing absorbs the flavors of the chicken beautifully.
• Stir-Fried Vegetables: A mix of colorful veggies adds freshness and a crunch that complements the tender chicken.
• Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad can cut through the richness of the chicken while adding a crisp texture.
• Garlic Bread: For a comforting touch, serving warm garlic bread can be a hit with family and friends.
• Drink Pairing: A sparkling water with lemon or a light iced tea pairs well without overshadowing the dish.
• Occasions: This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or even casual dinner parties. It’s versatile enough for any occasion!

FAQ

Conclusion

The Orange Chicken recipe is truly something special, combining vibrant flavors with simple ingredients to create a dish that everyone will love. I encourage you to give it a try and see how it can bring joy to your dining table. It’s a perfect choice for any night of the week, and I’m sure it will impress your family and friends. Don’t hesitate to make it tonight!

Orange Chicken

The ultimate comfort food! This Orange Chicken is tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor. The combination of zesty orange and savory chicken makes it the perfect dish for easy weeknight dinners. Try it tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 8 thighs chicken thighs
• 1/4 cup parsley
• 6 cloves garlic cloves
• 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
• 1 zest of one orange
• 2 small oranges
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh black pepper
• 7 oz. olives
• 2 cloves garlic cloves
• 1 zest orange
• 3 sprigs parsley
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon orange juice
• 1 squeeze lemon juice

Equipment

• Chef's Knife
• Whisk
• Mixing Bowl
• Frying Pan
• Baking Sheet
• Oven

Method

 

1. Start by marinating the chicken. In a large bowl, whisk together parsley, garlic, orange juice, the zest of one orange, 1/4 cup of olive oil, salt, and black pepper. This mixture will not only flavor the chicken but also tenderize it. Make sure everything is well combined.
2. Add the chicken thighs to the marinade and toss gently to coat them thoroughly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit in the refrigerator. If you can, allow it to marinate for 3 hours or even overnight, but if you’re in a hurry, 20 minutes will do!
3. While the chicken marinates, let’s prepare the gremolata. In a separate bowl, combine olives, garlic, the zest of one orange, and parsley. Finely chop all these ingredients together until mixed well. This gremolata will add a burst of flavor right before serving.
4. Next, preheat your oven to broil on high. This step is crucial for achieving that lovely caramelization on the chicken.
5. Prepare your baking dish by placing a few slices of orange on the bottom. This not only infuses the chicken with flavor but also prevents it from sticking to the pan.
6. Once the oven is hot, remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Lay the chicken pieces in a single layer on top of the orange slices. Tuck the remaining orange slices around the chicken.
7. Sprinkle granulated sugar over the chicken pieces. This will help to caramelize the chicken and create a beautiful crust. Broil on high for about 2 to 3 minutes. Keep a close eye on it as this happens quickly!
8. After the tops of the chicken and orange slices start to brown and char, carefully rotate the pan for even cooking. Once browned, reduce the oven temperature to 375°F.
9. Continue baking the chicken until it’s cooked through, about 15 to 20 minutes. Use an instant thermometer to check that it registers 165°F at the thickest part of the thigh.
10. When the chicken is fully cooked, scatter the prepared gremolata on top. This adds a fresh bite and completes the dish.
11. Serve your Orange Chicken immediately. Enjoy it with your favorite sides!

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

You can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Serve with steamed rice or a light green salad to balance the flavors.

Consider adding bell peppers or snap peas to the baking dish for a pop of color and nutrition.

For those who enjoy a kick, add some red pepper flakes to the marinade.

This recipe works well with other proteins like turkey or tofu for a vegetarian option.

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Next Post Spicy Chicken Spaghetti

Meet Jade Summer

Reliability is just as important as flavor. I am the one double checking measurements and testing temperatures. I cooked this recipe repeatedly, troubleshooting any tricky parts, so you can trust that it will turn out perfectly the very first time you try it.