Microwave Islander Chicken
A quick microwave chicken dish with zesty orange flavor, bananas, and nuts, perfect for a sweet-savory twist that appeals to busy families and adventurous eaters alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut larger pieces of chicken in half for uniform size. Arrange, skin side up, in a 2-quart baking dish.
- Combine orange juice, cornstarch, salt, cinnamon, and lime juice in a bowl.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken.
- Cover with wax paper and cook in the microwave for 28 minutes or until the chicken is done, spooning sauce over the chicken during the last half of cooking.
- Add sliced bananas and chopped nuts to the dish.
- Cook uncovered in the microwave for an additional 1 minute and 30 seconds.
Tips & Substitutions
For even cooking, ensure chicken pieces are similar in size. If you don't have orange juice, a mix of pineapple juice and a bit of sugar can work as a substitute. Feel free to adjust the spices; adding a pinch of ginger can enhance the flavor. If you prefer a thicker sauce, increase the cornstarch to 2 tablespoons and mix with a little cold water before adding to the juice.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Microwave Islander Chicken over a bed of rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious sauce. Pair it with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For a tropical twist, consider a fruit salad on the side. This dish also pairs beautifully with Lemon Butter Chicken for a delightful dinner spread.
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 in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. This helps retain moisture and flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Microwave Islander Chicken contains roughly 282 calories, with 5g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1673mg per serving (73% 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 bone-in chicken pieces for this recipe?
Yes, bone-in chicken pieces work well, but you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly. Ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safety. Cooking times will vary depending on the size of the pieces, so check for doneness regularly.
What can I use instead of cashews or macadamia nuts?
If you have nut allergies or prefer not to use nuts, try adding toasted sesame seeds or sunflower seeds for a similar crunch. Alternatively, you can skip the nuts altogether and add more sliced bananas or even shredded coconut for a tropical touch.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken in the orange juice mixture up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover and refrigerate until ready to cook. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. When ready to cook, simply follow the recipe instructions for microwave cooking.
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).