Honey-Spiced Chicken With Orange Sauce
Honey-spiced chicken paired with zesty orange sauce creates a flavorful, tender dish perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests with vibrant citrus notes.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp vegetable oil ⓘ
- 3 lb chicken, cut up ⓘ
- 2 medium onions, sliced ⓘ
- 1 tsp salt ⓘ
- 1 tsp paprika ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp pepper ⓘ
- 1 cup orange juice ⓘ
- 1/4 cup honey ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg ⓘ
- 3/4 cup pitted ripe olives ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp cold water ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp cornstarch ⓘ
- 1 orange, sliced ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet until hot.
- Cook chicken over medium heat until browned on all sides, about 15 minutes.
- Place the cooked chicken in an ungreased, oblong baking dish measuring 11 x 7 x 1 1/2 inches.
- Top the chicken with sliced onions.
- Sprinkle with salt, paprika, and pepper.
- Mix orange juice, honey, lemon juice, ground ginger, and ground nutmeg.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken and add pitted, ripe olives.
- Cover and bake in a 350°F oven until the thickest pieces of chicken are cooked through, about 45 to 60 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the orange juice and honey mixture for a few hours before cooking. You can substitute the olives with capers or omit them entirely if you prefer a simpler taste. If you're looking to reduce sugar, consider using a sugar-free honey alternative, which can still provide that sweetness without the calories.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Honey-Spiced Chicken with Orange Sauce alongside fluffy rice or a light quinoa salad to soak up the delicious sauce. For a refreshing side, consider a mixed green salad with a citrus vinaigrette. This dish pairs beautifully with Chicken-Henny Penny for those who enjoy a variety of flavors in one meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Honey-Spiced Chicken With Orange Sauce contains roughly 641 calories, with 10g protein, 144g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (124% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (62% of the Daily Value), and iron (59% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2048mg per serving (89% 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, you can use boneless chicken pieces, but adjust the cooking time accordingly. Boneless chicken cooks faster, so check for doneness around 30-40 minutes to avoid overcooking.
What can I use instead of orange juice?
If you don't have orange juice, you can substitute it with pineapple juice or a mix of lemon and lime juice for a tangy flavor. Just be aware that this will alter the overall taste of the dish.
Is there a way to make this recipe spicier?
Absolutely! Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the spice mix for a kick. You can also serve it with a spicy dipping sauce on the side for those who like extra heat.
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).