Orange Chicken Marinade

Whenever I think about the vibrant flavors of the tropics, I can’t help but reminisce about my favorite dish: Orange Chicken Marinade. It’s not just about the taste; it evokes memories of warm summer nights spent grilling with loved ones. This marinade has a fantastic balance of sweetness and tanginess that turns ordinary chicken into a sensational dish. Imagine biting into tender pieces of chicken, infused with the zesty essence of fresh oranges, all while enjoying laughter and stories around the grill. It quickly became a staple in my home, perfect for gatherings and casual dinners alike. Whether I’m hosting friends or simply treating my family, this recipe shines through every time and sparks joy in every bite.

Ingredients Required for Orange Chicken Marinade

When crafting the perfect Orange Chicken Marinade, the ingredients play a crucial role in achieving that delicious balance of flavors. Each component complements the others beautifully, ensuring a harmonious dish. The star of the show is, of course, the fresh oranges, which provide a bright, zesty flavor. Along with the savory notes from the soy sauce and the natural sweetness from honey, these ingredients come together to create a marinade that not only enhances the chicken but also brings a taste of sunshine into your kitchen.

• 100% Orange Juice: ½ cup – Freshly squeezed juice is the best, but store-bought will work in a pinch. This is the base of your marinade, providing tang and sweetness.
• Soy Sauce: 2 tablespoons – Low-sodium soy sauce adds that essential umami flavor, balancing the sweetness of the orange juice and honey.
• Honey: 1 tablespoon – Adding a hint of sweetness, honey helps to caramelize the chicken during cooking, giving it a beautiful glaze.
• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: 1 ¼ pounds – Cut into bite-size pieces, this lean protein absorbs the marinade beautifully, staying juicy and flavorful.
• Navel Oranges: 2 large oranges (or 3 medium) – Divided, these add not only flavor but also texture when grilled.
• Red Onion: 1 large – Adds a delightful sweetness and slight crunch.
• Bell Pepper: 1 large – Adds color and sweetness, complementing the other ingredients.
• Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: To taste – Essential for seasoning, enhancing the overall flavor.
• Chopped Fresh Cilantro: Optional for serving – This herb adds a fresh, vibrant touch when sprinkled on top just before serving.

Orange Chicken Marinade Instructions

Preparing your Orange Chicken Marinade is a straightforward process that anyone can master. Following these steps will help you create a mouthwatering dish that will impress your family and friends. Let’s dive into the simple yet effective steps to achieve perfectly marinated chicken!

1. Start by grabbing a medium mixing bowl or a large measuring cup. This is where the magic begins! Whisk together the orange juice, soy sauce, and honey until well combined. You’ll notice the lovely aroma as the ingredients blend together.
2. Next, take your pieces of boneless, skinless chicken breasts and place them in a ziptop bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, then seal the bag tightly, ensuring you remove as much air as possible. This step is crucial for allowing the flavors to penetrate deeply into the meat.
3. Once sealed, turn and gently squish the bag to coat the chicken evenly with the marinade. It’s a fun step that also helps in flavor absorption! Set the bag in a shallow baking dish to catch any possible leaks, and let it marinate at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, placing it in the refrigerator to marinate longer or overnight can elevate the flavor even more.
4. If you’re planning to use wooden skewers, don’t forget to soak them in water for at least 1 hour before grilling. This will prevent them from burning and ensure that your skewers hold the delicious ingredients together during cooking.
5. Meanwhile, preheat your outdoor grill to medium high, around 425 degrees F. If using an indoor grill pan, set it to medium high heat. This will help achieve those beautiful grill marks and adequate cooking.
6. While the grill heats up, slice one of the oranges into thin, 1/4-inch-thick rounds, then cut those rounds in half. These will be threaded onto the skewers, adding a burst of flavor.
7. Now, cut the red onion and bell pepper into 3/4-inch-thick chunks. These veggies add vibrant color and texture to your dish.
8. Take the second orange and slice it in half, setting the halves aside for later. They will be grilled to enhance their sweetness.
9. It’s time to assemble your skewers! Thread the marinated chicken pieces, onion, bell pepper, and the prepared orange slices onto the skewers, alternating each ingredient. When adding the orange slices, fold them in half to thread the skewer through both layers for stability.
10. Generously oil the grill grates to prevent sticking, then carefully place the skewers on the grill. Cover and cook until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink in the center, approximately 6 to 8 minutes. Remember to turn the skewers once or twice during cooking for even results.
11. Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and transfer them to a plate. Season with kosher salt and black pepper to taste, and cover to keep warm.
12. Take the cut sides of the reserved orange halves and place them on the grill grates. Cook for 2 to 4 minutes until nicely charred. It’s important not to move them during the first 2 minutes to avoid tearing the flesh.
13. After grilling, let the charred oranges cool slightly. Squeeze the juice over the chicken skewers for an added flavor boost. Finally, sprinkle with some chopped fresh cilantro, and your dish is ready to serve warm!

Make It Your Own

Creating a signature dish is all about personal touches. Here are some ideas to make Orange Chicken Marinade uniquely yours!

• Experiment with Citrus: Try adding lime or grapefruit juice to the marinade for a different citrus twist.
• Vegetable Variations: Feel free to include other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes for added flavor and nutrition.
• Spicy Kick: Add a dash of red pepper flakes or sriracha to the marinade if you enjoy a little heat.
• Storage: Store leftover marinated chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the marinated chicken for later use. Just marinate, then freeze in a zip-top bag.
• Pairing: Serve with steamed rice or a refreshing salad to balance the flavors.
• Meal Prep: Make a large batch of the marinade to use throughout the week with different proteins!

What to Pair With Orange Chicken Marinade

• Steamed Rice: This classic pairing absorbs the delicious marinade and complements the flavors beautifully.
• Fresh Salad: A crisp, refreshing salad with a citrus vinaigrette will balance the richness of the chicken.
• Grilled Vegetables: Serve alongside a medley of grilled vegetables like zucchini, asparagus, or bell peppers for a colorful plate.
• Tortilla Wraps: Turn the skewered chicken into a wrap for a quick lunch option. Just add your favorite toppings!
• Perfect for Summer: This dish is ideal for outdoor gatherings and summer barbecues, bringing a bright burst of flavor.
• Winter Comfort: Serve it with roasted sweet potatoes for a cozy winter meal.
• Great for Meal Prep: This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated for quick lunches or dinners.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Orange Chicken Marinade is a delightful blend of flavors that elevates your average chicken dish into something special. With its bright, zesty notes and tender chicken, it’s a recipe that is sure to impress at any gathering. I encourage you to try this marinade tonight and taste the difference it can make. You won’t be disappointed!

Orange Chicken Marinade

The ultimate flavor-packed dish that combines tender chicken with a zesty marinade! The Orange Chicken Marinade is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner that will impress your family and friends. Try it tonight for a taste of the tropics!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 7 minutes mins

Total Time 32 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 320

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• ½ cup 100% Orange Juice
• 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce
• 1 tablespoon Honey
• 1 ¼ pounds Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
• 2 large Navel Oranges or 3 medium, divided
• 1 large Red Onion
• 1 large Bell Pepper
• to taste Kosher Salt and Black Pepper
• optional for serving Chopped Fresh Cilantro

Equipment

• Chef's Knife
• Whisk
• Grater
• Mixing Bowl
• Frying Pan

Method

 

1. Start by grabbing a medium mixing bowl or a large measuring cup. This is where the magic begins! Whisk together the orange juice, soy sauce, and honey until well combined. You'll notice the lovely aroma as the ingredients blend together.
2. Next, take your pieces of boneless, skinless chicken breasts and place them in a ziptop bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, then seal the bag tightly, ensuring you remove as much air as possible. This step is crucial for allowing the flavors to penetrate deeply into the meat.
3. Once sealed, turn and gently squish the bag to coat the chicken evenly with the marinade. It’s a fun step that also helps in flavor absorption! Set the bag in a shallow baking dish to catch any possible leaks, and let it marinate at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, placing it in the refrigerator to marinate longer or overnight can elevate the flavor even more.
4. If you're planning to use wooden skewers, don’t forget to soak them in water for at least 1 hour before grilling. This will prevent them from burning and ensure that your skewers hold the delicious ingredients together during cooking.
5. Meanwhile, preheat your outdoor grill to medium high, around 425 degrees F. If using an indoor grill pan, set it to medium high heat. This will help achieve those beautiful grill marks and adequate cooking.
6. While the grill heats up, slice one of the oranges into thin, 1/4-inch-thick rounds, then cut those rounds in half. These will be threaded onto the skewers, adding a burst of flavor.
7. Now, cut the red onion and bell pepper into 3/4-inch-thick chunks. These veggies add vibrant color and texture to your dish.
8. Take the second orange and slice it in half, setting the halves aside for later. They will be grilled to enhance their sweetness.
9. It’s time to assemble your skewers! Thread the marinated chicken pieces, onion, bell pepper, and the prepared orange slices onto the skewers, alternating each ingredient. When adding the orange slices, fold them in half to thread the skewer through both layers for stability.
10. Generously oil the grill grates to prevent sticking, then carefully place the skewers on the grill. Cover and cook until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink in the center, approximately 6 to 8 minutes. Remember to turn the skewers once or twice during cooking for even results.
11. Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and transfer them to a plate. Season with kosher salt and black pepper to taste, and cover to keep warm.
12. Take the cut sides of the reserved orange halves and place them on the grill grates. Cook for 2 to 4 minutes until nicely charred. It’s important not to move them during the first 2 minutes to avoid tearing the flesh.
13. After grilling, let the charred oranges cool slightly. Squeeze the juice over the chicken skewers for an added flavor boost. Finally, sprinkle with some chopped fresh cilantro, and your dish is ready to serve warm!

Notes

Here are some tips to enhance your cooking experience:

• Storage: Store leftover marinated chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the marinated chicken for later use. Just marinate, then freeze in a zip-top bag.
• Pairing: Serve with steamed rice or a refreshing salad to balance the flavors.
• Meal Prep: Make a large batch of the marinade to use throughout the week with different proteins!

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Meet Piper Cross

I am obsessed with using fresh, seasonal produce to make meals shine. I believe a squeeze of citrus or a handful of herbs can change everything. I cooked and photographed this dish with a focus on vibrant colors and natural textures, ensuring it looks as good as it tastes when you make it.