Orange Basil Marinated Chicken
Juicy chicken breasts marinated in a vibrant orange and basil mixture, offering a sweet, citrusy flavor with fresh herbal notes—perfect for a flavorful, healthful meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Arrange chicken breasts in an ungreased 13 x 9-inch non-metal baking dish.
- In a small bowl, combine orange juice, oil, honey, chopped parsley, basil leaves, grated orange peel, and salt.
- Pour the marinade over the chicken breasts.
- Cover with foil.
- Refrigerate for 4 to 6 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra layer of flavor, marinate the chicken overnight instead of just 4 to 6 hours. If you don’t have fresh parsley, dried parsley can be used, but reduce the amount to about 1 tablespoon. You can also substitute lemon juice for orange juice for a different citrus twist. This marinade works well with other proteins like shrimp or tofu, making it versatile for various dishes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the orange basil marinated chicken alongside a fresh garden salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with rice or quinoa to soak up the flavorful marinade. Consider serving it with a light citrus vinaigrette or a side of garlic bread. For a fun twist, use the chicken in sandwiches or wraps for lunch the next day.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover marinated chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the chicken tough. You can also slice and add it to salads or wraps for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Orange Basil Marinated Chicken contains roughly 923 calories, with 4g protein, 3g carbohydrates, and 102g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (19% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1759mg per serving (76% 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 frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
It's best to use thawed chicken breasts for even marination. If using frozen, be sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator before marinating, which can take several hours or overnight.
What can I serve with marinated chicken?
This dish pairs excellently with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with a light salad, roasted vegetables, or even rice pilaf. For an Italian twist, try it with a side of garlic bread or pasta with a simple olive oil dressing.
How long can I marinate the chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for a minimum of 4 hours and up to 24 hours. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful and tender it will be, but avoid going beyond 24 hours as the acidity can begin to break down the meat too much.
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).