Chicken Breast with Orange Glaze
Highlighted under: Global Flavors
This Chicken Breast with Orange Glaze is a delightful dish that perfectly balances savory and sweet flavors, making it a standout choice for any dinner table.
Discover the perfect blend of flavors with this Chicken Breast with Orange Glaze. It's a dish that's sure to impress your family and friends, combining juicy chicken with a tangy orange sauce.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Tangy and sweet orange glaze that enhances the chicken's flavor
- Quick and easy preparation for a weeknight dinner
- Healthy and satisfying, making it perfect for any occasion
The Perfect Balance of Flavors
The Chicken Breast with Orange Glaze showcases a beautiful harmony between savory and sweet. The zesty orange juice complements the tender chicken perfectly, creating a dish that is both refreshing and satisfying. The honey adds a rich sweetness that not only enhances the glaze but also caramelizes beautifully during cooking, resulting in a mouthwatering glaze that clings to each bite.
In this recipe, the addition of soy sauce brings an umami depth that rounds out the flavors. The minced garlic and grated ginger add aromatic and spicy notes, creating a multi-layered taste experience. This combination makes the dish versatile enough to pair with various sides, from rice to roasted vegetables, ensuring that every meal feels special.
Quick and Easy Weeknight Dinner
One of the best aspects of this Chicken Breast with Orange Glaze is its quick preparation time. With just a few simple steps, you can have a delicious and impressive dinner ready in under 30 minutes. It's ideal for busy weeknights when you want something homemade but don't have the time to spend hours in the kitchen.
The straightforward cooking method—seasoning, searing, and glazing—makes it accessible for cooks of all skill levels. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced chef, this recipe allows you to create a restaurant-quality dish with minimal effort, ensuring that you can enjoy gourmet flavors without the stress.
Healthy and Satisfying Meal Option
This recipe not only tantalizes your taste buds but also aligns with a healthy lifestyle. Chicken breast is a lean source of protein, making it an excellent choice for those looking to maintain or lose weight. The use of fresh orange juice and honey ensures that you are using natural ingredients, free from artificial additives.
Serving this dish with a side of steamed vegetables or a leafy green salad enhances its nutritional profile, making it a well-rounded meal. Moreover, the flavors are so delightful that even the pickiest eaters in your family will be asking for seconds, proving that healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to prepare this delicious dish:
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Make sure to have everything ready before you start cooking!
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make the Chicken Breast with Orange Glaze:
Prepare the Glaze
In a bowl, mix together the orange juice, honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Set aside.
Cook the Chicken
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a little oil. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
Add the Glaze
Once the chicken is cooked, pour the orange glaze over the chicken in the skillet. Let it simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the glaze to thicken and coat the chicken.
Serve
Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve with your favorite side dishes.
Enjoy your delicious Chicken Breast with Orange Glaze!
Tips for Perfect Chicken
To achieve the perfect sear on your chicken breasts, ensure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken. This will help lock in the juices and create that desirable golden-brown crust. Additionally, let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking before slicing; this allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender bite.
If you find your chicken breasts are uneven in thickness, consider pounding them to an even thickness to ensure they cook uniformly. This simple technique can help prevent overcooking and drying out the chicken.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken Breast with Orange Glaze pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it alongside fluffy jasmine rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious glaze. Alternatively, a fresh cucumber salad or roasted asparagus can provide a nice contrast in textures and flavors, making your meal both colorful and nutritious.
For a heartier option, try it with mashed sweet potatoes or creamy polenta. These sides not only complement the citrus notes of the chicken but also add a comforting element to your meal, perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the chicken and glaze in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to three days. When reheating, consider using a skillet over medium heat to maintain the chicken's moisture. Adding a splash of orange juice can help revive the glaze and prevent it from drying out.
For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked chicken in the glaze. Make sure to use a freezer-safe container and consume it within three months for the best quality. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating, and enjoy a quick and delicious meal any day of the week.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.
→ What can I serve with this dish?
It pairs well with rice, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad.
→ Can I make the glaze in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the glaze up to a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator.
→ Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it's great for meal prep! Just store the cooked chicken and glaze in airtight containers.
Chicken Breast with Orange Glaze
This Chicken Breast with Orange Glaze is a delightful dish that perfectly balances savory and sweet flavors, making it a standout choice for any dinner table.
Created by: Elara Whitfield
Recipe Type: Global Flavors
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
How-To Steps
In a bowl, mix together the orange juice, honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Set aside.
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a little oil. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
Once the chicken is cooked, pour the orange glaze over the chicken in the skillet. Let it simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the glaze to thicken and coat the chicken.
Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve with your favorite side dishes.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 20g
- Protein: 40g