Aunt Dolores' Orange Chicken
A tangy and sweet orange chicken dish featuring tender bites of chicken coated in a flavorful orange sauce, perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dust chicken pieces with flour, salt, and pepper in a bag.
- Brown chicken pieces in oil in a skillet.
- Sauté diced onion in the same pan until translucent.
- Add orange juice concentrate, brown sugar, oregano, nutmeg, and water to the pan.
- Cover and simmer for 40 minutes.
- Garnish with mandarin oranges before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crispier chicken, consider using cornstarch instead of flour when dusting the chicken pieces. If you're out of brown sugar, you can substitute with honey or maple syrup for a different flavor profile. To enhance the dish further, adding a splash of soy sauce can give it a richer taste, reminiscent of other Chinese recipes. Adjust the orange juice quantity based on your desired sweetness level.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Aunt Dolores' Orange Chicken over steamed rice or noodles for a satisfying meal. It pairs beautifully with a side of stir-fried vegetables or a fresh salad. For a complete dining experience, consider serving it alongside Asian Chicken And Noodles for a delightful contrast in flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the chicken in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water, or microwave in short intervals until heated through. This ensures the chicken remains juicy and flavorful.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Aunt Dolores' Orange Chicken contains roughly 1092 calories, with 35g protein, 272g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (524% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1898mg per serving (83% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use thighs or drumsticks instead of breast meat. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure they are fully cooked and tender. Dark meat will provide a richer flavor and slightly different texture, enhancing the overall dish.
Is there a way to make this recipe spicier?
Absolutely! You can add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture. For an even bolder flavor, consider incorporating some ginger or garlic into the sautéed onions. These additions can elevate the dish while maintaining its sweet and savory balance.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Simply store the uncooked chicken in the marinade in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, follow the instructions. This can enhance the flavors, making it even more delicious when served.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).