Fruit-Glazed Chicken
A delightful fruit-glazed chicken dish featuring juicy pieces coated in a sweet and tangy pineapple-orange sherry sauce, perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Sprinkle chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then brush with melted butter.
- Place chicken in a shallow baking pan and bake for 30 minutes.
- Turn the chicken pieces over.
- Combine pineapple-orange juice concentrate and sherry; heat to boiling.
- Pour the fruit mixture over the chicken and bake for an additional 30 minutes, basting frequently.
- When chicken is tender and glazed, remove to a hot serving dish.
- Blend cornstarch with cold water; stir into the pan liquid.
- Cook and stir until slightly thickened.
- Spoon the sauce over the chicken and serve with hot buttered rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vibrant flavor boost, consider using fresh pineapple juice instead of the concentrate. If you want a touch of sweetness, adding a tablespoon of honey can enhance the glaze. If dry sherry is unavailable, white wine or chicken broth can be suitable substitutes. Make sure to baste the chicken often during baking to achieve a beautiful glaze. This dish can also be paired with sides from American recipes like a vegetable casserole.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the fruit-glazed chicken over a bed of hot buttered rice for a comforting meal. Fresh steamed vegetables or a crisp garden salad make excellent side dishes. You can also pair this dish with a refreshing fruit salad to complement the glaze. For an extra touch, garnish with chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a microwave-safe dish, cover it, and heat on medium power until warmed through. You can also reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fruit-Glazed Chicken contains roughly 145 calories, with 3g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (19% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 513mg per serving (22% 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 frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it's best to thaw it completely in the refrigerator before cooking. This ensures even cooking and better absorption of flavors from the glaze. If you're short on time, you can use the microwave to defrost the chicken, but ensure it is fully thawed before proceeding with the recipe.
What can I substitute for the dry sherry?
If you don't have dry sherry on hand, you can use white wine, apple cider vinegar diluted with water, or even chicken broth as a substitute. Each will impart a slightly different flavor, but they will still work well with the pineapple-orange juice glaze.
How do I know when the chicken is done cooking?
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. You can use a meat thermometer to check. Additionally, the juices should run clear when the chicken is pierced, and the meat should be tender and no longer pink near the bone.
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).