Fruited Chicken Breast
Fruited Chicken Breast offers tender chicken with a bright orange and green onion flavor, complemented by a sweet grape sauce, perfect for elegant dinners or family meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise.
- Sprinkle the chicken with salt and arrange in a baking dish.
- Dissolve the chicken bouillon cube in 1/2 cup boiling water.
- Stir in grated orange peel, orange juice, chopped green onions, and a dash of pepper.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken and cover with foil.
- Bake at 350°F until the chicken is tender.
- Remove the chicken from the dish and place on a platter.
- Strain the dish juices and reserve 3/4 cup for the sauce.
- In a saucepan, blend cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water.
- Stir in the reserved juices and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture becomes thick and bubbly.
- Add grapes to the sauce if desired for extra flavor.
- Spoon the sauce over the chicken and sprinkle with paprika.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in orange juice and grated orange peel for a few hours before cooking. If you don’t have a bouillon cube, chicken broth can be used instead. Feel free to substitute green onions with shallots or chives for a different taste. To make the sauce thicker, you can also use flour instead of cornstarch as an alternative thickening agent.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Fruited Chicken Breast alongside steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to balance the meal. It pairs beautifully with Carrot-Potato Soup for a comforting dinner. For a heartier option, consider serving over rice or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. Garnish with fresh herbs for added color and flavor.
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 microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on medium power until warmed through, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, you can reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fruited Chicken Breast contains roughly 149 calories, with 17g protein, 4g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. At about 149 calories per serving, it is a lighter, protein-rich choice.
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 breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. This ensures even cooking and helps the flavors penetrate the meat. You can thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or use the defrost setting on your microwave.
What can I use instead of orange juice?
If you don't have orange juice, you can substitute it with apple juice or pineapple juice for a different flavor profile. Alternatively, a mixture of vinegar and water with a bit of sugar can mimic the acidity and sweetness of orange juice.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce a day in advance. Just bake the chicken and prepare the sauce, then store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat both together or serve cold for a refreshing twist.
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).