Baked Chicken With Orange Nut Rice
Baked Chicken With Orange Nut Rice offers a delightful blend of tender chicken, zesty orange flavors, and crunchy pecans. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this dish combines savory, citrus, and nutty notes for a satisfying and aromatic meal.
Ingredients
- 2 whole chicken breasts ⓘ
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper ⓘ
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1 cup water ⓘ
- 1/2 cup orange juice ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon orange rind, grated ⓘ
- 1/2 cup onion, minced ⓘ
- 1/4 cup butter, cut into pieces
- 2 tablespoons pecans, chopped ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons pimento, chopped ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups instant rice ⓘ
Instructions
- Rinse the chicken breasts and pat dry with paper towels.
- Combine flour, 1 teaspoon salt, and white pepper in a shallow dish.
- Coat the chicken pieces on all sides with the flour mixture.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chicken and brown on all sides.
- Remove the chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add minced onion and cook until translucent.
- Add water, orange juice, orange rind, and lemon juice to the skillet.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for a few minutes.
- Stir in butter, chopped pecans, and chopped pimento.
- Meanwhile, prepare the rice by cooking it according to package instructions.
- Add the cooked rice to the skillet with the orange sauce and stir to combine.
- Return the browned chicken to the skillet, cover, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 30 minutes or until cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. You can also use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier result. If you want to enhance the flavor, marinate the chicken in orange juice and spices for a few hours before cooking. Consider adding vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to the rice for added nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the baked chicken over a bed of the orange nut rice for a delightful presentation. Pair it with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. This dish also goes well with a light white wine or iced tea. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside Broccoli And Cauliflower Soup.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken and rice in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated thoroughly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Chicken With Orange Nut Rice contains roughly 640 calories, with 17g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 58g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (40% of the Daily Value), protein (34% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1819mg per serving (79% 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 make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and orange sauce in advance, then store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to eat, combine and bake as instructed. This makes it convenient for meal prep or gatherings.
What can I use instead of pecans?
If you don't have pecans, you can substitute them with walnuts or almonds for a similar crunch. You can also omit the nuts entirely if you prefer a nut-free version or have allergies.
Is it possible to cook this dish in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the chicken in a skillet first, then transfer it to the slow cooker with the orange sauce ingredients. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
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).