Sherried Orange Chicken
Sherried Orange Chicken offers tender chicken breasts in a sweet and savory orange-sherry sauce, perfect for a flavorful, quick family dinner or elegant weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 4 small chicken breasts without bone ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. sherry ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. soy sauce ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. packed brown sugar ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. snipped fresh oregano leaves or 1/4 tsp. dried leaves
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1 can mandarin orange segments ⓘ
- 1 tsp. vegetable oil ⓘ
- 2 tsp. cornstarch
- 2 Tbsp. raisins ⓘ
- 2 c. hot cooked rice ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. snipped fresh chives ⓘ
Instructions
- Remove excess fat from chicken breasts.
- Place chicken breasts in a glass or plastic bowl or heavy plastic bag.
- Drain mandarin oranges and reserve the juice.
- Mix sherry, soy sauce, brown sugar, oregano, garlic, and one-third cup of the reserved mandarin orange juice; pour over chicken.
- Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour, turning once.
- Heat oil in a 10-inch nonstick skillet until hot.
- Cook chicken in oil over medium heat until lightly browned on both sides.
- Add the sherry mixture to the skillet.
- Reduce heat; cover and cook until chicken is done, about 10 minutes.
- Remove chicken and keep warm.
- Mix cornstarch with remaining mandarin orange juice; stir into the hot liquid in the skillet.
- Bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
- Boil and stir for one minute.
- Stir in orange segments and raisins; heat through.
- Serve chicken and sauce over rice; sprinkle with chives if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider marinating the chicken overnight. You can substitute sherry with white wine or apple juice if needed. Dried oregano can be used in place of fresh, but reduce the quantity as it is more potent. Adding a splash of orange zest can enhance the citrus flavor. If you prefer a thicker sauce, increase the cornstarch to 3 teaspoons.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Sherried Orange Chicken over the hot cooked rice, which absorbs the delicious sauce. A side of steamed broccoli or snap peas complements the dish well, adding color and nutrition. For a refreshing contrast, consider a light salad or a fruit salsa. This dish pairs beautifully with Jane'S Squash Dressing for a unique twist.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Sherried Orange Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sherried Orange Chicken contains roughly 1283 calories, with 13g protein, 172g carbohydrates, and 70g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (214% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (160% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (133% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1303mg per serving (57% 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?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for a juicier result. Just ensure they are cooked thoroughly until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Adjust the cooking time as thighs may take slightly longer to cook through.
Can I make this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and marinade a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Cooked chicken can also be stored and reheated, making it ideal for meal prepping. Just ensure to keep the rice separately until serving to maintain its texture.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
For a vegetarian alternative, consider using tofu or tempeh marinated in the same sauce. Cook them until golden brown and serve over rice with the orange sauce. This adaptation retains the flavors while providing a plant-based option.
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).