Chicken Breasts In Orange Sauce
Juicy chicken breasts are coated in a sweet and tangy orange sauce, making this dish perfect for a flavorful dinner paired with rice and vegetables.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sprinkle chicken breasts with 1/2 teaspoon salt.
- Brown the chicken in butter in a pan.
- Remove the chicken from the pan.
- Add flour, sugar, dry mustard, cinnamon, ginger, and remaining salt to the drippings in the pan.
- Stir to form a smooth paste.
- Gradually stir in orange juice, mixing well.
- Cook, stirring, until the mixture thickens and comes to a boil.
- Add the chicken breasts back into the sauce.
- Simmer over low heat until the chicken is tender, about 20 minutes.
- Serve hot with rice and sauce.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider marinating the chicken breasts in orange juice and spices for a few hours before cooking. If you don't have dry mustard, Dijon mustard can be a suitable substitute. For a thicker sauce, add a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) during the cooking process. This dish pairs nicely with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to balance the sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chicken hot over a bed of rice, allowing the orange sauce to soak in for added flavor. This dish also pairs well with steamed asparagus or green beans for a colorful presentation. For a complete meal, consider serving with a side of crusty bread to soak up any remaining sauce.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, place the chicken and sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of orange juice or water to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Breasts In Orange Sauce contains roughly 138 calories, with 3g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1911mg 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 frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but it's best to thaw them first for even cooking. If you're short on time, you can cook them from frozen; just ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to be safe.
What can I substitute for orange juice?
If you don't have orange juice, you can substitute it with a mix of fresh lemon juice and a bit of sugar to mimic the sweetness. Alternatively, using a citrus blend juice can also work well without compromising the dish's essence.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper into the sauce during cooking. This will give the dish a delightful kick without overpowering the sweetness of the orange sauce.
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).