Chicken Orange
A flavorful chicken dish simmered in orange juice with warm spices, offering a sweet-tangy glaze that pairs beautifully with rice, perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine salt, pepper, and flour in a bowl.
- Shake chicken pieces in the flour mixture until coated.
- Brown the chicken in shortening in a large skillet, then drain excess fat.
- Combine orange juice, water, brown sugar, oregano, and nutmeg in a saucepan.
- Pour the orange mixture over the browned chicken.
- Simmer the chicken in the sauce for about 1 1/2 hours until tender.
- Serve the chicken over rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crispier chicken, let the coated pieces rest for about 15 minutes before browning. If you don't have shortening, butter or oil can work as substitutes. For a twist on flavor, consider adding a splash of soy sauce or ginger to the orange sauce. This dish can also be enhanced with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chicken over a bed of fluffy rice to soak up the delicious orange sauce. Steamed vegetables or a fresh salad, such as a simple green salad with Catzy'S French Dressing, make excellent side dishes. For a comforting dessert, consider pairing this meal with a slice of Apple Pie Cobbler.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a skillet over medium heat and add a splash of water to keep it moist, covering until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat in the microwave, ensuring not to overcook.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Orange contains roughly 379 calories, with 8g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (48% of the Daily Value), iron (44% of the Daily Value), and calcium (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. It also contributes 13g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 orange juice for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen orange juice concentrate for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw it before mixing it with the other ingredients. The flavor will remain delicious, and it will still create a lovely sauce for the chicken.
What type of chicken works best for this recipe?
A whole broiler or roaster chicken, cut into pieces, is ideal as it provides a good balance of meat and skin for browning. However, you can also use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks for a more affordable option that remains juicy and flavorful.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat and simmer the chicken in the sauce until warmed through. This makes it a great option for meal prep or gatherings.
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).