Chicken with oranges
Chicken with oranges - a delicious and fragrant recipe
Preparation time: 2 hours (marinating)
Cooking time: 45-50 minutes
Total time: 2 hours and 50 minutes
Number of servings: 4
Who doesn't love the fresh aroma of citrus that perfectly complements the succulent meat of chicken? This orange chicken recipe will not only impress with its appearance, but it will also transform your meal into true moments of enjoyment. The origins of this recipe are lost in the mists of time, being a culinary combination that has evolved over generations, each adding a personal touch. Today, I invite you to discover a simple and effective way to prepare oven-baked chicken with citrus flavors.
Necessary ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken, cleaned (without breast, neck, and claws)
- 1 lemon
- 2 oranges (one for marinade, the other for the bed of oranges)
- 3-4 tablespoons of honey
- 5-6 tablespoons of olive oil
- Chinese spices (5 flavors: star anise, coriander, cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon)
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- A sprig of fresh or dried mint
- A sprig of rosemary (or 1 teaspoon of powder)
- 2-3 tablespoons of cornstarch
- 1 glass of water
Preparation steps:
1. Marinating the chicken
Start by preparing the marinade that will transform your chicken into an aromatic delicacy.
- In a large bowl, mix the olive oil, juice from one orange, and juice from one lemon, along with the grated zest from them.
- Add the Chinese spice, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
- Mix all the ingredients well until you obtain a homogeneous marinade.
The chicken will soak up the flavors of this marinade, so make sure to coat it well on each side. Leave it in the fridge for about 2 hours to absorb this savory mix.
2. Preparing for the oven
After the chicken has marinated, preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it in a baking dish, on a bed of orange slices from the second orange.
- Pour the remaining marinade over the chicken, ensuring it is well covered.
3. Baking
Put the dish in the oven and let the chicken bake for 40 minutes. It is essential to baste it with the juices from the dish every 10-15 minutes. This step will help keep the meat juicy and full of flavor.
4. Browning and glazing
After 40 minutes, to achieve a golden and crispy skin, mix 2-3 tablespoons of honey with a little water (or beer, for extra flavor) and brush the chicken with this mixture. Then, increase the oven temperature to 250 degrees Celsius and let it bake for another 5-7 minutes.
5. Resting and preparing the sauce
Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes, covering it with a domed lid to retain its flavors.
While the chicken rests, you can prepare the sauce.
- Strain the remaining juices from the baking dish to eliminate impurities.
- Boil the sauce until it reduces by half.
- Add 2-3 slices of orange and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Mix the cornstarch with a little water and add it to the hot sauce, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
- Taste the sauce and adjust with honey if you want a sweeter-sour taste, typical of Asian dishes.
6. Serving
To serve, cut the chicken into portions and place it on plates, garnishing with the orange slices cooked in the sauce and fresh mint leaves. The orange chicken pairs perfectly with a side of plain rice or sautéed vegetables.
Useful tips:
- If you want a more intense flavor, you can let the chicken marinate overnight in the fridge.
- Substitute honey with maple syrup for a vegan option!
- If you don't have Chinese spices on hand, a combination of spices like paprika, garlic, and onion powder will work just as well.
Calories and nutritional benefits:
This orange chicken recipe is not only delicious but also healthy. Chicken is an excellent source of protein, while oranges provide vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. A serving has approximately 400-500 calories, depending on the amount of honey and oil used.
Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other types of citrus?
Sure! Lemons, grapefruits, or even tangerines can add an interesting twist to the dish.
- How can I make this chicken spicier?
Add a little chili paste or chili flakes to the marinade for an extra kick.
Drink recommendations:
Orange chicken pairs excellently with a light white wine or a cold citrus cocktail, such as a mojito with fresh mint.
I invite you to try this simple yet sophisticated recipe and enjoy the moments spent in the kitchen! It can quickly become a staple recipe in your culinary repertoire. Bon appétit!
Ingredients: We need: -1 chicken for cooking (without skin, neck, and claws) -1 lemon -2 oranges -honey -Chinese five spice (star anise, coriander, cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon) -1 bay leaf -salt, pepper -mint, rosemary (I used powder) -a little olive oil -another 2-3 slices of orange -2 tablespoons of starch
