Orange Baked Chicken
Orange Baked Chicken offers a delightful combination of tender chicken infused with tangy orange flavor and savory soy notes. Perfect for a family dinner or entertaining guests, this dish features a citrus glaze that keeps the chicken moist and flavorful throughout baking, topped with fresh parsley for a vibrant touch.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Combine the frozen orange juice concentrate, grated orange rind, soy sauce, minced onion, chopped parsley, minced garlic, and pepper to make the marinade.
- Place the chicken pieces in a 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated.
- Cover the pan and bake for 45 minutes.
- Uncover and continue baking until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Baste the chicken several times with the sauce during baking.
- Thicken the remaining sauce in the pan until it reaches the consistency of gravy.
- Spoon the thickened sauce over the chicken before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a slightly sweeter marinade, consider adding a tablespoon of honey or brown sugar. If you don't have frozen orange juice, fresh orange juice can be substituted, though you may need to adjust the liquid content. Fresh herbs can be used instead of dried parsley for a more vibrant flavor. For a twist, try adding a splash of vinegar to the marinade for brightness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the orange baked chicken alongside steamed Carrots And Green Beans for a balanced meal. Rice or quinoa can also soak up the delicious sauce, making for a hearty side. For a festive touch, consider pairing it with a Molded Guacamole Ring as an appetizer before the main course.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover orange baked 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, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave it, but be sure to cover to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Orange Baked Chicken contains roughly 51 calories, with 2g protein, 9g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (48% 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 skinless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, skinless chicken can be used in this recipe. Just be mindful that it may cook faster, so check for doneness a bit earlier than the suggested baking time. The marinade will still infuse great flavor into the meat.
What can I substitute for soy sauce?
If you're looking for a soy sauce alternative, coconut aminos or tamari can be used as gluten-free options. Both will provide a similar umami flavor, though coconut aminos is slightly sweeter. Adjust to taste as needed.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the marinade. You can also serve the chicken with a spicy dipping sauce on the side for those who like an extra kick.
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).