Orange Honey Chicken
Juicy chicken coated with a crispy orange-flavored crumb mixture, baked to perfection and glazed with a tangy honey-orange sauce, ideal for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the fine dry bread crumbs, grated orange rind, salt, and pepper.
- Dip the cut-up chicken in orange juice and coat with the crumb mixture.
- Place the coated chicken on a lightly oiled, foil-lined pan and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, dissolve the chicken bouillon cube in 1/2 cup boiling water.
- Add the orange juice, butter or margarine, and remaining ingredients to the bouillon mixture, stirring until the butter melts.
- Pour the sauce over the baked chicken and continue baking.
- Baste frequently until the chicken is cooked through and glazed, approximately 30 to 45 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in orange juice for an hour before breading. If you don’t have a bouillon cube, you can substitute with chicken broth. For a healthier twist, use whole wheat bread crumbs and replace butter with olive oil. Ensure the chicken is evenly coated for a crispy texture. Pair with a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Orange Honey Chicken with steamed vegetables or a side of Low-Fat Festive Rice for a complete meal. A light green salad or a side of roasted potatoes also complements the dish nicely. Drizzle any remaining sauce over the chicken for added flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with G.G.'S Cold Cucumber Soup for a refreshing contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Orange Honey Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave in short intervals, but the oven will help retain the crispiness of the coating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Orange Honey Chicken contains roughly 314 calories, with 4g protein, 7g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (56% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1909mg per serving (83% 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, you can use skinless chicken, but keep in mind that the skin adds flavor and helps retain moisture. If using skinless, monitor the baking time to prevent drying out the chicken.
What can I substitute for orange juice?
If you don’t have orange juice, you can use fresh lemon juice or a blend of lemon and lime juice for a different citrus flavor. However, the taste will vary slightly, so adjust seasoning as needed.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the fine dry bread crumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Ensure all other ingredients, especially the bouillon cube and any sauces, are gluten-free.
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).