New Orleans Orange Chicken
New Orleans Orange Chicken is a zesty and flavorful dish that brings a taste of the Big Easy to your dinner table. The combination of tangy orange juice, creamy mayonnaise, and sweet ketchup creates a rich sauce that pairs beautifully with tender chicken. Perfect for family gatherings or a fun weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut up chicken as desired.
- Combine mayonnaise, ketchup, and orange juice.
- Pour over chicken in a shallow baking dish.
- Bake at 350°F for 1 hour uncovered.
- Extra sauce may be used over rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a tangier flavor, consider adding a splash of soy sauce or a teaspoon of garlic powder to the sauce mixture. If you're out of mayonnaise, Greek yogurt can be a great substitute for a healthier twist. This dish can also be prepared with bone-in chicken thighs for extra moisture and flavor. If you enjoy easy chicken recipes, you might like Bacon And Swiss Chicken for a cozy meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this flavorful chicken alongside fluffy white rice to soak up the delicious sauce, or with steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. A fresh garden salad with a citrus vinaigrette pairs beautifully with the dish. For a comforting side, try the Farmer'S Pork Chop Casserole as a hearty addition to your dinner table.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover New Orleans Orange Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a baking dish covered with foil and warm it in the oven at 325°F until heated through. Alternatively, the microwave works well for a quick reheating option, but may not keep the chicken as juicy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of New Orleans Orange Chicken contains roughly 276 calories, with 4g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (23% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 823mg per serving (36% 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 fresh orange juice instead of concentrated orange juice?
Yes, fresh orange juice can be used as a substitute for concentrated orange juice. However, you may need to adjust the amount of sugar in the sauce to balance the flavors, as fresh juice is less sweet than concentrate.
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
While you can use any cut of chicken, bone-in, skin-on pieces work best for this recipe as they remain juicy and flavorful during the baking process. Chicken breasts can also be used but may require careful monitoring to prevent drying out.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce mixture a day in advance. Simply combine the chicken with the sauce, cover it, and refrigerate. When you're ready to cook, just pop it in the oven as directed for a quick and easy dinner.
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).