Tropical Chicken
Tropical Chicken offers a delightful combination of tender chicken, sweet pineapple, and flavorful orange glaze. The dish features aromatic spices and hearty potatoes, making it perfect for a family dinner or casual gathering. Its vibrant flavors bring a sunny, tropical vibe to any table.
Ingredients
- 3 lb. broiler fryer chicken pieces or 3 whole breasts, halved and skinned ⓘ
- 1 or more Tbsp. flour ⓘ
- 1 1/4 c. shortening ⓘ
- 1 c. orange juice ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. brown sugar ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. vinegar ⓘ
- 1 tsp. ground nutmeg ⓘ
- 1 tsp. dried basil ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 12 small new potatoes ⓘ
- 1 can sliced pineapple in own juice ⓘ
- parsley ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine orange juice, vinegar, ground nutmeg, and dried basil; set aside.
- Lightly coat chicken pieces with flour.
- In hot shortening, sauté chicken until golden on all sides.
- Sprinkle chicken with salt.
- Add orange juice mixture to the pan.
- Place potatoes around and between the chicken pieces.
- Cover and cook over medium heat for approximately 25 minutes or until chicken and potatoes are tender.
- Add sliced pineapple with juice and heat, covered, for an additional 5 minutes.
- Serve immediately, garnished with parsley, and use pan drippings as a sauce if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, marinate the chicken in the orange juice mixture for a few hours before cooking. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a cornstarch slurry toward the end of cooking. Substituting brown sugar with honey or maple syrup can also enhance the sweetness. For a twist, try adding chopped fresh ginger for a zesty kick.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Tropical Chicken with a side of steamed rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious sauce. A fresh green salad or roasted vegetables can complement the dish nicely. For a festive touch, pair it with the Creamy Turkey And Broccoli for a delightful meal experience. Garnish with additional parsley for a pop of color.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken and potatoes in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of orange juice to keep it moist. Cover with a lid to trap steam and heat until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tropical Chicken contains roughly 2738 calories, with 29g protein, 326g carbohydrates, and 149g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (108% of the Daily Value), potassium (106% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (85% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 696mg per serving (30% 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 breasts for this recipe?
Yes, boneless chicken breasts can be used, but keep in mind they may cook quicker than bone-in pieces. Adjust the cooking time to ensure they remain juicy and tender. If you prefer, you can also try using thighs for added flavor.
What can I substitute for shortening?
If you prefer not to use shortening, you can substitute with vegetable oil or butter. Both will work well for sautéing the chicken, but keep in mind that butter will add a slightly different flavor profile.
Is there a way to make this dish spicier?
Absolutely! You can add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the orange juice mixture for a spicy kick. Adjust the amount based on your spice preference to enhance the dish without overpowering the tropical flavors.
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).