Orange-Almond Chicken
A vibrant dish featuring tender chicken breasts coated in a tangy orange sauce, accented with almonds and lemon, perfect for a flavorful dinner with Asian-inspired flair.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the chicken breasts in a skillet.
- Add ground ginger, salt, pepper, and cook until chicken is browned.
- Pour in mandarin oranges with juice, add sugar and lemon juice.
- Simmer the mixture for about 15 minutes.
- In a separate pan, melt margarine and toast sliced almonds until golden.
- Add the almonds to the chicken mixture and stir well.
- Mix cornstarch with beef stock to create a slurry and add to the sauce to thicken.
- Serve the chicken hot, garnished with almonds and orange sauce.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, marinate the chicken in a mixture of ginger, salt, and pepper for at least an hour before cooking. If you don't have margarine, unsalted butter works well as a substitute. You can also use fresh oranges if you prefer, just segment them and add them in place of the canned mandarin oranges. To make it gluten-free, substitute flour with cornstarch for thickening.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish hot, garnished with toasted almonds and a drizzle of the orange sauce. It pairs beautifully with fluffy rice or a light salad to balance the rich flavors. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside steamed vegetables or a citrusy quinoa salad. Explore other chicken recipes for more inspiration on incorporating diverse flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Orange-Almond Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of beef stock or water to prevent drying out. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short bursts, ensuring even heating without overcooking the chicken.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Orange-Almond Chicken contains roughly 850 calories, with 6g protein, 59g carbohydrates, and 67g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1775mg per serving (77% 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 other types of nuts instead of almonds?
Yes, you can substitute sliced almonds with walnuts or pecans for a different flavor profile. Just ensure to toast them lightly to enhance their natural flavors before adding them to the dish.
Is it possible to make this dish in advance?
Definitely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce a day ahead. Just reheat gently on the stove before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it even more delicious.
What can I serve with Orange-Almond Chicken?
This dish pairs well with steamed rice or a fresh green salad. You might also consider serving it with a side of roasted vegetables for a colorful and nutritious meal. Rice For Fried Chicken is another great side option to explore.
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).