Skillet Chicken In Orange Sauce
Juicy chicken thighs are simmered in a tangy orange sauce with sweet citrus slices, perfect for a flavorful and satisfying meal served over rice. Ideal for family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt butter in a Dutch oven over medium heat, add chicken thighs, and brown on all sides.
- Remove chicken from Dutch oven and set aside; reserve drippings in the pan.
- Combine flour, brown sugar, salt, ground ginger, and pepper; stir into the drippings.
- Cook over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, for 1 minute.
- Gradually stir in orange juice and water; bring mixture to a boil.
- Add the browned chicken back to the pan.
- Cover and simmer for 25 minutes.
- Place orange slices on top of the chicken.
- Cover and simmer for an additional 10 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
- Serve the chicken and sauce over hot cooked rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of soy sauce or a dash of red pepper flakes to the orange sauce. If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer after adding the chicken. You can substitute chicken thighs with breasts or drumsticks if you like. Using fresh orange juice will enhance the flavor, but bottled juice works in a pinch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this vibrant dish over a bed of fluffy rice, which complements the sauce beautifully. Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans make excellent sides. For a delightful twist, pair it with the recipe for Infallible Rice In The Microwave for easy cooking. Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can be sprinkled on top for added freshness.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or orange juice to keep the chicken moist. You can also microwave the chicken and sauce, covered, for 1-2 minutes, ensuring even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Skillet Chicken In Orange Sauce contains roughly 2181 calories, with 11g protein, 390g carbohydrates, and 69g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (27% of the Daily Value), calcium (24% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1235mg per serving (54% 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 breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts can be used instead of thighs for a leaner option. Just be mindful that breasts may cook faster, so check for doneness a few minutes earlier to avoid drying them out.
How can I make the sauce sweeter?
If you prefer a sweeter sauce, you can increase the brown sugar by an additional tablespoon or add a bit of honey or maple syrup. Taste the sauce before serving to adjust the sweetness to your liking.
Is there a way to make this dish spicy?
To add some heat, consider incorporating crushed red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce into the orange sauce. This will give the dish a nice kick without overpowering the citrus flavor.
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).