Sunshine Barbecue Chicken

Prep: 10 min Cook: 60 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

Sunshine Barbecue Chicken offers a delightful blend of tangy orange juice and savory barbecue flavor, perfect for casual family dinners or summer barbecues. The dish features tender chicken baked in a flavorful sauce, creating a vibrant and satisfying meal with a hint of citrus brightness that everyone will enjoy.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 Tbsp. flour
  • 1/4 c. orange juice
  • 1 c. barbecue sauce
  • 8 skinless chicken pieces

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven and prepare a large Reynolds oven bag (14 x 20-inch).
  2. Mix the flour and orange juice in a bowl until smooth.
  3. Add the barbecue sauce to the mixture and stir well.
  4. Place the chicken pieces in the oven bag and pour the sauce mixture over them.
  5. Seal the bag and turn to coat the chicken evenly.
  6. Bake as directed until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

Tips & Substitutions

For a thicker sauce, use cornstarch instead of flour, or add a teaspoon of honey for extra sweetness. If orange juice isn't available, substitute with apple juice or a splash of vinegar for a tangy flavor. Make sure to coat the chicken evenly in the sauce to enhance the flavors, similar to how it's done in Chicken In Carrot And Mushroom Sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Sunshine Barbecue Chicken with a side of creamy mashed potatoes or a fresh garden salad for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Creamy Cheese Potatoes to complement the tangy barbecue sauce. Garnish with fresh herbs for added flavor and color.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken and sauce in a covered dish in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, ensuring they are heated evenly.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Sunshine Barbecue Chicken contains roughly 213 calories, with 15g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 706mg per serving (31% of the Daily Value).

213 kcal 11% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 14.8g 30% DV
Total Fat 4.6g 6% DV
Carbs 27.9g 10% DV
Fiber 1.5g 5% DV
Sugar 17.9g 36% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 706.1mg 31% DV
Potassium 381.7mg 8% DV
Cholesterol 36.9mg 12% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 15.8mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 9.2mg 10% DV
Vitamin D 0.2mcg 1% DV
Calcium 48.5mg 4% DV
Iron 1.6mg 9% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Wheat/Gluten

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 frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken pieces, but make sure to thaw them completely before mixing with the sauce. Cooking time may also be slightly longer, so ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

What type of barbecue sauce works best?

Choose a barbecue sauce that matches your taste preferences. A sweet and tangy sauce works well for this dish, but if you prefer a smokier flavor, opt for a hickory or mesquite sauce. Experimenting with different sauces can elevate your chicken recipes.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely! Adding vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, or zucchini to the oven bag along with the chicken will enhance the dish's flavor and nutrition. Just be sure to cut them into uniform sizes for 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).

American recipes → Chicken recipes → All recipes →