Chicken La Orange
Juicy chicken pieces are coated with flavorful spices and baked in a tangy orange-sherry sauce, perfect for a vibrant, family-friendly meal with citrusy notes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash and dry the chicken pieces.
- Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and paprika, then roll in flour.
- Place the chicken in a casserole dish.
- Sprinkle sliced onions, chopped green pepper, and chopped mushrooms over the chicken.
- In a saucepan, mix orange juice, sherry, brown sugar, salt, and orange rind.
- Mix water and cornstarch in a separate bowl.
- Stir the cornstarch mixture into the orange juice mixture.
- Cook over low heat, stirring until the sauce thickens.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken.
- Bake at 375°F for 1 hour, uncovered.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider marinating the chicken in orange juice for a few hours before cooking. If you don’t have sherry, white wine or chicken broth can be used as substitutes. For a thicker sauce, increase the cornstarch slightly. You can also add garlic to the vegetable mix for extra depth. If you want a bit of heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper can elevate the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Chicken La Orange over a bed of fluffy rice or alongside roasted vegetables for a complete meal. A light green salad with a citrus vinaigrette pairs beautifully, enhancing the orange flavors in the dish. For a comforting side, consider serving with a creamy potato dish or buttery rolls to soak up the delicious sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, place the chicken in a baking dish, cover it with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through to maintain moisture. Alternatively, you can microwave it, but be cautious not to overcook.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken La Orange contains roughly 470 calories, with 5g protein, 61g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (18% of the Daily Value) and protein (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 853mg per serving (37% 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 chicken thighs instead of a whole chicken?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative and will add more flavor and juiciness. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as they may require a slightly shorter bake time than a whole chicken.
What can I substitute for orange juice?
If you don’t have orange juice, you can use freshly squeezed lemon juice mixed with a bit of honey or simple syrup to mimic the sweetness and acidity. Alternatively, a mix of grapefruit juice and a touch of sugar can work well.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Assemble everything in the casserole dish and cover it tightly. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
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).