South Seas Chicken
South Seas Chicken offers a tropical blend of orange, ginger, and vegetables with tender chicken, perfect for a flavorful family dinner with vibrant, comforting flavors.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup all purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon paprika ⓘ
- 3 to 3.5 pounds chicken, cut up ⓘ
- 1/4 cup corn oil ⓘ
- 8 oz. can whole onion, drained ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped carrots ⓘ
- 1 cup sliced celery ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon ginger ⓘ
- 6 oz. can frozen orange juice concentrate ⓘ
- 3/4 cup water ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine flour, salt, pepper, and paprika in a paper bag.
- Add chicken pieces to the bag and shake to coat evenly.
- Reserve 2 tablespoons of the flour mixture for gravy.
- Brown the coated chicken in corn oil in a skillet.
- Place the browned chicken in a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Add drained whole onion, chopped carrots, and sliced celery over the chicken.
- Blend the reserved flour mixture, light brown sugar, and ginger into the pan drippings to make a smooth paste.
- Add the frozen orange juice concentrate and 3/4 cup water to the paste.
- Cook until the mixture is bubbly.
- Pour the orange sauce over the chicken and vegetables.
- Cover and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 1/2 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the flour mixture with some buttermilk for a few hours before coating. If you don’t have corn oil, vegetable oil works as a substitute. To add a bit of heat, sprinkle in some cayenne pepper or use a spicy paprika. For a twist, try using a mix of orange and pineapple juice instead of just orange juice concentrate.
Serving Suggestions
This South Seas Chicken pairs beautifully with steamed rice or fluffy mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce. Serve with a side of sautéed green beans or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. For a comforting addition, consider making Gail's Cornbread Dressing to accompany the dish, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken and vegetables in a baking dish and cover with foil to retain moisture. Heat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until warmed through, ensuring the chicken stays juicy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of South Seas Chicken contains roughly 716 calories, with 14g protein, 96g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (230% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (61% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2151mg per serving (94% 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 bone-in chicken pieces instead of cut-up chicken?
Yes, bone-in chicken pieces work well for this recipe. They will add additional flavor and moisture during the baking process. Just ensure they are cooked thoroughly, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) before serving.
Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for coating the chicken. Ensure that the broth and any other seasonings you use are also gluten-free to keep the dish compliant.
How can I make this recipe ahead of time?
To make this dish ahead of time, you can prepare everything up to the baking step. Assemble the chicken and vegetables in the baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
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).