Imagine a culinary journey that transforms ordinary chicken into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece with just a few simple ingredients. Our Chicken Breasts a la Orange is not just a recipe; it's a flavor explosion that combines the tangy sweetness of orange with perfectly seared chicken, creating a dish that will have your family and guests begging for seconds. In just 40 minutes, you'll go from kitchen novice to gourmet chef, impressing everyone with this elegant French-inspired creation that looks and tastes like it came straight from a high-end restaurant.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Orange slices for garnish
Instructions
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil to prevent sticking.
- Sear chicken breasts for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and nearly cooked through, ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Remove chicken from skillet and set aside on a warm plate, covering loosely with foil to keep warm.
- In the same skillet, combine orange juice, chicken broth, sugar, and soy sauce, stirring to dissolve any browned bits from the chicken.
- Reduce heat to medium and simmer the sauce for 8-10 minutes, allowing it to thicken and become slightly syrupy.
- Return chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon sauce over them, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes to reheat and coat with the glaze.
- Plate the chicken and drizzle remaining orange sauce over each breast.
- Garnish with fresh orange slices and serve immediately.
Tips
- • Temperature is key: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F for perfect doneness • Pat chicken dry before seasoning to achieve a beautiful golden-brown sear • Don't rush the sauce reduction - letting it simmer creates a rich, glossy glaze • Use fresh orange juice for the most vibrant flavor • Let chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain its juiciness • For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of orange zest to the sauce • Choose a heavy-bottomed skillet for even heat distribution and better caramelization
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 110mg