Oven-baked chicken with oranges
Oven-Baked Chicken with Oranges – a savory and aromatic recipe for a perfect Sunday lunch
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Marinating time: 2-3 hours
Baking time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6
Welcome to the culinary world, where today we will prepare together an oven-baked chicken with oranges, a recipe that combines the enticing flavors of citrus with the juiciness of chicken meat. This recipe is not only delicious but also an excellent choice for a family or friends Sunday lunch.
The history of this dish has deep roots, influenced by various culinary cultures. Oranges, a star ingredient, bring the necessary sweetness and acidity to balance the richness of the meat, and the combination with spices makes each bite an explosion of flavors.
Ingredients:
1. Whole chicken (about 1.7 kg)
2. 1 whole orange
3. Fresh juice from 2 oranges
For the marinade:
1. 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2. 1 teaspoon Himalayan pink salt
3. 1 teaspoon chili flakes
4. 1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper (preferably mixed pepper)
5. 1 teaspoon apple-orange spice blend (can be replaced with garam masala)
6. 1 teaspoon ground ginger
7. 2-3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
For the sauce:
1. 1 small cube of butter
2. 3-4 tablespoons fresh orange juice
3. 1 teaspoon cornstarch
For the garnish:
1. Couscous
2. Salt
3. 1 tablespoon butter
Step by step, we begin the culinary adventure:
1. Preparing the chicken:
Start by washing the chicken well, both outside and inside, making sure to remove any small feathers. Let it dry on a paper towel to remove excess water. This step is essential for achieving crispy skin.
2. Preparing the marinade:
In a small bowl, combine all the marinade ingredients: olive oil, pink salt, chili flakes, pepper, apple-orange spice blend, ground ginger, and orange juice. Use a teaspoon to mix well until you achieve a smooth paste.
3. Marinating the chicken:
Apply the marinade over the entire surface of the chicken, ensuring it is well covered. Place the chicken in a dish and refrigerate for 2-3 hours. This marinating time will allow the flavors to penetrate deep into the meat.
4. Preparing the orange:
While the chicken is marinating, wash the orange well with warm water and dry it. Use a sharp knife to pierce the orange in several places. This step will help release the juice during baking.
5. Stuffing the chicken:
Inserting the whole orange into the chicken is a fantastic trick to infuse the meat with delicious flavors. Place the stuffed orange inside the chicken.
6. Preparing the sauce:
Squeeze the juice from the two oranges and place it in an oven-safe dish. Place the oiled chicken on top of the juice. Preheat the oven to 175 degrees Celsius and bake the chicken for about 2 hours, or 1 hour for each kilogram of chicken.
7. Turning the chicken:
During baking, turn the chicken every 15-20 minutes to ensure it browns evenly on all sides. This step is essential for achieving a crispy and golden crust.
8. Preparing the sauce:
After the chicken is done, strain the juices left during baking into a saucepan. Heat the sauce over low heat. In a small bowl, mix the remaining orange juice with cornstarch, then pour the mixture into the sauce in the saucepan. Let it boil for 3-4 minutes, stirring continuously, until the sauce thickens. Finally, add the cube of butter for a creamy taste.
9. Preparing the garnish:
Cook the couscous according to the package instructions, adding salt. Once ready, add a tablespoon of butter and mix well.
10. Serving:
Serve the chicken with the couscous garnish, drizzled with orange sauce. You can also add a few slices of orange for a special touch.
Helpful tips:
- If the sauce in the pan where the chicken was roasted has reduced too much, feel free to add more fresh orange juice.
- This recipe can be served with various sides, such as rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables, depending on your preferences.
- It is important to maintain a balance between the sweetness of the oranges and the flavors of the spices; taste the sauce along the way to adjust the seasonings to your liking.
Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use another type of meat? Yes, the marinating and cooking method can also be applied to duck or turkey.
- How can I store leftovers? The chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days in an airtight container. It can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Is this dish healthy? Chicken is an excellent source of protein, and oranges add vitamins and antioxidants, making this meal a nutritious choice.
I hope you will try this delicious recipe for oven-baked chicken with oranges and that it will become a family favorite. I wish you success in the kitchen and bon appétit!
Ingredients: 1 whole chicken of approximately 1.7 kg, 1 whole orange, Fresh juice from 2 oranges, For the marinade: 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 1 teaspoon Himalayan pink salt, teaspoon chili flakes, teaspoon freshly ground pepper (I used mixed pepper), 1 teaspoon apple-orange spice mix (Deluxe range from Lidl), teaspoon ground ginger, 2-3 tablespoons fresh orange juice. Additionally for the sauce: 1 small cube of butter, 3-4 tablespoons fresh orange juice, teaspoon cornstarch. For the side: Couscous, Salt, 1 tablespoon butter.
