Favorite Holiday Chicken
A flavorful holiday chicken dish glazed with orange juice, zest, and brown sugar, perfect for festive gatherings and those who enjoy sweet and tangy flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix orange juice, orange rind, and brown sugar in a bowl.
- Combine melted margarine with prepared mustard.
- Rub the margarine mixture over the chicken pieces.
- Place chicken, skin side down, in a greased baking pan and pour the orange juice mixture over all.
- Bake at 425°F for 45 minutes until tender, basting frequently.
- During the last 15 minutes of baking, turn the chicken to brown and glaze.
- Garnish with orange slices before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra flavor boost, consider marinating the chicken in the orange juice mixture for a few hours or overnight. If you're out of brown sugar, you can substitute with honey or maple syrup, adjusting the quantity to taste. Additionally, using fresh orange juice will enhance the flavor profile significantly. This dish pairs beautifully with Chicken Salad Supreme(Makes 6 To 8 Servings) as a side.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Favorite Holiday Chicken alongside roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. It also pairs well with rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious orange sauce. For a festive touch, consider adding some Apple Walnut Stuffing on the side to complement the citrus flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover 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 for about 15-20 minutes until heated through, ensuring it stays moist. You can also use a microwave, but be cautious to avoid drying it out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Favorite Holiday Chicken contains roughly 1917 calories, with 1g protein, 473g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium.
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 a different type of citrus juice?
Yes, you can substitute orange juice with lemon or lime juice for a tangy twist. However, keep in mind that the overall flavor profile will change, so you may want to adjust the sweetness by adding more sugar or honey.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and the marinade a day in advance. Just combine everything and store it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to bake, simply follow the cooking instructions. This makes it perfect for holiday gatherings.
What can I do if I don't have cornstarch?
If you don't have cornstarch, you can use all-purpose flour as a thickening agent instead. Use about twice the amount of flour as cornstarch, mixing it with the cold water to create a slurry before adding it to your 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).