Orange Chicken With Almonds
Juicy chicken breasts cooked in a tangy orange sauce with toasted almonds, offering a delightful blend of citrus and nutty flavors perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts with salt and black pepper.
- Brown the chicken in butter on both sides.
- Add thawed orange juice and water to the skillet.
- Reduce heat to low and cover.
- Simmer until chicken is tender.
- Remove chicken to a serving platter.
- Sprinkle with toasted slivered almonds.
- Keep warm until serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider marinating the chicken breasts in a mixture of orange juice and soy sauce for a few hours before cooking. If you don't have slivered almonds, chopped walnuts or cashews can serve as a tasty substitute. To enhance the dish, you might also stir in a touch of honey or ginger to the orange juice mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the orange chicken over a bed of steamed rice or alongside Chinese noodles with broccoli for a complete meal. The crunchy slivered almonds add a delightful texture, while a side of stir-fried Hunan vegetables can elevate the dish further. Garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh finish.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover orange chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the chicken in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or orange juice to prevent drying out. Cover and heat until warmed through, ensuring the chicken remains juicy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Orange Chicken With Almonds contains roughly 576 calories, with 21g protein, 5g carbohydrates, and 52g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (42% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 937mg per serving (41% 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 chicken thighs instead of breasts for this recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will provide a richer flavor and remain tender during cooking. Just ensure they are cooked through, as thighs may take a bit longer than breasts. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to maintain juiciness.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha into the orange juice mixture. You can also serve the dish with a side of spicy dipping sauce for those who like an extra kick. Adjust the spice level according to your preference.
Is there a way to make this dish healthier?
Certainly! You can use skinless chicken breasts to reduce fat content and swap out butter for a healthier oil like olive oil. Additionally, using fresh orange juice instead of canned can enhance the flavor while reducing added sugars. Pairing with steamed vegetables will also boost the nutritional value.
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).