Oriental Cherry Chicken
Oriental Cherry Chicken combines crispy fried chicken with a sweet and tangy cherry sauce, accented by almonds and orange, making it a flavorful dish perfect for special dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sprinkle the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then dip into flour.
- Fry the coated chicken in hot fat until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Pour out the drippings, measure 1/3 cup, and return to the pan.
- Add the canned red cherries (reserve a small amount of juice) and sugar to the pan.
- Heat the mixture until it reaches a boil.
- Combine the reserved cherry juice with 1 tablespoon of flour to make a slurry.
- Stir the flour mixture into the cherry sauce and cook until it thickens and becomes clear.
- Add orange slices and almonds to the sauce.
- Place the cooked chicken pieces into the sauce, spooning the sauce over them, and simmer for a few minutes.
- Serve the cherry chicken with rice.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your Oriental Cherry Chicken, consider using a mix of flour and cornstarch for a crispier coating. You can substitute the red cherries with other fruits like peaches or pineapple for a different twist. Adjust the sugar level based on the sweetness of the cherries used. If you prefer a spicier kick, add a dash of Oriental Hot Mustard to the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Oriental Cherry Chicken over a bed of fluffy rice to soak up the delicious sauce. For added crunch, sprinkle toasted almonds on top. This dish pairs beautifully with Wok Broccoli for a balanced meal. A side of Chinese Ramen Salad can also complement the savory and sweet flavors of the chicken.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover cherry chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, ensuring the sauce does not separate. If the sauce thickens too much in the fridge, add a splash of water while reheating to maintain the desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Oriental Cherry Chicken contains roughly 219 calories, with 5g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (63% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1464mg per serving (64% 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 boneless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken breasts or thighs. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as boneless pieces will cook faster. Ensure they are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
What should I do if the sauce is too thick?
If your cherry sauce turns out too thick, simply add a bit of water or chicken broth to thin it out. Stir well while heating to incorporate the liquid evenly. This will help achieve the desired consistency without compromising the flavor.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and the cherry sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator, and when ready to serve, warm them together in a skillet until heated through. This can save time on busy weeknights!
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).