Cinnamon Orange Chicken
Sweet and savory cinnamon orange chicken features tender quarters in a citrus-spiced sauce, perfect for a flavorful family dinner or special occasion with vibrant orange notes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Coat chicken in flour seasoned with salt, pepper, and cinnamon. Heat margarine in a large frying pan.
- Add chicken and sauté for 20 minutes or until tender and golden all over.
- Remove chicken and drain on paper towels.
- Keep chicken warm.
- Pour off fat from the pan.
- Add chicken broth and finely grated rind and juice of 1 orange to the pan.
- Bring to a boil, whisking constantly.
- Arrange chicken on a serving platter.
- Pour sauce over the chicken.
- Peel the remaining orange, removing skin and pith, and slice thinly.
- Arrange orange slices on top of the chicken and serve with rice.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your Cinnamon Orange Chicken, consider marinating the chicken in the seasoning mixture for a few hours before cooking. If you don't have margarine, butter or olive oil can be used as substitutes. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture. This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, especially if you try it with a recipe like Quick Tomato Rice Soup.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Cinnamon Orange Chicken over a bed of fluffy rice to soak up the delicious sauce. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with Garlic Basil Green Beans or a fresh salad. The bright orange slices add a lovely presentation, making it an ideal dish for entertaining guests or a family dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Cinnamon Orange Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave it on a low setting, ensuring not to dry out the chicken.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cinnamon Orange Chicken contains roughly 74 calories, with 1g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1759mg per serving (76% 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 boneless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, boneless chicken can be used, but adjust the cooking time to ensure the chicken is thoroughly cooked. Boneless pieces may require less cooking time, approximately 15-18 minutes, depending on their size.
What can I substitute for chicken broth?
If you don't have chicken broth, vegetable broth or even water can be used as a substitute. For added flavor, consider adding a splash of soy sauce or a bouillon cube to the water.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat to the Cinnamon Orange Chicken, you can incorporate crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the sauce. Adjust the amount to your spice tolerance and enjoy the added kick!
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).