Chicken With Orange Sauce
Juicy chicken breasts coated in a tangy orange honey sauce with a hint of ginger, perfect for a flavorful and elegant dinner served over rice pilaf.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Spray a 9 x 11-inch pan with Pam.
- Season chicken breasts with salt, ginger, and pepper; place in the prepared pan and set aside.
- Combine chicken stock, orange juice, honey, and lemon juice in a saucepan and bring to a boil.
- Thicken the sauce slightly with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch.
- Spoon the sauce over and under the chicken breasts.
- Cover the pan with foil.
- Bake at 350°F until tender, approximately 45 to 55 minutes, turning once.
- Serve the chicken over rice pilaf.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the sauce for a few hours before baking. If you don't have honey, maple syrup can be a great substitute. To enhance the sauce, add a splash of soy sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix an additional tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water before adding it to the boiling mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chicken over a bed of rice pilaf for a complete meal, as it beautifully absorbs the orange sauce. Complement with steamed vegetables like broccoli or roasted carrots for added nutrition. This dish also pairs well with a fresh salad or Celery Almandine for a light and refreshing side. For a twist, try serving it alongside Simple Chicken Spaghetti.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken and sauce in a covered dish and warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave in short intervals, ensuring even heating to keep the chicken tender.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken With Orange Sauce contains roughly 907 calories, with 2g protein, 3g carbohydrates, and 100g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1153mg per serving (50% 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 fresh orange juice instead of frozen?
Yes, you can substitute fresh orange juice for frozen. Use about 1 cup of fresh juice, adjusting the honey slightly based on your sweetness preference. Fresh juice will give the dish a brighter flavor, making it even more delicious.
What can I serve with Chicken With Orange Sauce?
Chicken With Orange Sauce pairs perfectly with rice pilaf, but you can also serve it with quinoa or couscous for a different grain option. Steamed vegetables like green beans or a crisp salad can complement the dish nicely, adding freshness and crunch.
How do I know when the chicken is done cooking?
The chicken is done when its internal temperature reaches 165°F and the juices run clear. If you don't have a meat thermometer, cut into the thickest part of the chicken; it should no longer be pink. Baking for 45 to 55 minutes at 350°F typically ensures it is properly 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).