Orange Juice Chicken and Rice

Orange Juice Chicken and Rice

In the world of culinary adventures, there are certain flavor combinations that never fail to impress. One such delightful pairing is the tangy sweetness of Orange Juice with the succulent goodness of chicken. Orange Juice Chicken is a quick and easy recipe that combines the robust flavors of a roux-style sauce infused with orange and a hint of ginger.

Ingredients for Orange Juice Chicken and Rice:

To create this tantalizing Orange Juice Chicken, you will need the following ingredients:

• Chicken: Choose boneless chicken breasts for ease of preparation and a tender texture.
• Butter: Adds richness and enhances the overall flavor profile. Use butter to stir-fry the chicken, as well as adding more to the Orange Juice Sauce to create the base of the roux. Butter, as opposed to other fats, contributes to the creamy texture of the Orange Juice Sauce.
• Onion salt: Infuses a savory note into the chicken and flavors each piece perfectly. The onion flavor complements the sweetness of the Orange Juice.
• Black pepper: Provides a subtle kick and balances the flavors. Use directly on the chicken and don’t skimp on this flavor in the Orange Juice Sauce.

• All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce and helps to create a smooth consistency.
• Brown sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness. Brown sugar complements the Orange Juice with its subtle molasses undertones.
• Kosher salt: Enhances the overall seasoning and balances the flavors. I prefer Redmond Real Salt or a kosher salt because of the larger grains. If you use table salt, use approximately half the amount the recipe calls for.
• Ground ginger (not fresh ginger): Ginger imparts a subtle warmth and depth to the sauce. Definitely use the ground ginger spice, not fresh ginger. Did you know ground ginger and fresh ginger actually have different flavor profiles?? Ground dried ginger contains the stronger-more aromatic flavor, which is precisely the flavor that shines in this recipe.
• Ground coriander: Offers a delicate citrus undertone and harmonizes with the Orange Juice. Don’t leave this ingredient out!
• Orange Juice concentrate (not diluted): Provides the dominant citrus flavor and refreshing zest. Concentrate is desired over fresh squeezed Orange Juice so the orange flavor is not diluted.
• Chicken broth: Adds depth to the sauce and enhances the savory elements.
• Oranges (sliced for garnish): Presents a vibrant and visually appealing touch to the final dish.

How to Make Orange Juice Chicken and Rice:

1. To start, the chicken breast is expertly sliced, ensuring even cooking and maximum tenderness. As it sizzles in the skillet with melted butter, the chicken absorbs the rich flavors, developing a golden-brown crust. A sprinkle of onion salt and black pepper ensures each piece of chicken can stand alone in flavor. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, a magical transformation takes place. Melted butter is combined with flour, brown sugar, kosher salt, ground ginger, ground coriander, and black pepper, creating a roux that serves as the foundation for the Orange Juice sauce. As the Orange Juice concentrate and chicken broth join the mix, the sauce gradually thickens. Add the already cooked chicken, coating each piece of chicken with a velvety texture.
3. The final touch comes in the form of fresh orange slices, artistically arranged as a garnish. Their bright colors provide a refreshing burst of citrus, perfectly complementing the vibrant flavors of the dish.

Orange Juice Chicken and Rice is a culinary masterpiece that combines the sweetness of Orange Juice, the savory richness of chicken, and a subtle hint of ginger and pepper. With its simple preparation and short cooking time, it is a perfect choice for a quick yet satisfying meal. This delightful recipe showcases how a few key ingredients can transform a classic dish into an extraordinary culinary experience. So, gather your ingredients, get cooking, and prepare to savor the tangy delight of Orange Juice Chicken and Rice!

–Kim

Print Recipe

Orange Juice Chicken and Rice

Orange Juice Chicken and Rice is a 30-minute meal: a tangy roux-style orange sauce with a zesty ginger and pepper twist on chicken and rice.

Prep Time30 minutes mins

Course: Main Course

Keyword: chicken, coconut rice, ginger, orange, orange juice, orange sauce

Servings: 4 people

Author: Kim Melanson

Ingredients

• 1 – 1½ pounds chicken
• 2 Tablespoons butter
• 1-2 Tablespoons onion powder
• ½-1 teaspoon kosher salt according to taste
• ½-1 teaspoon black pepper according to taste
• 2-4 cups uncooked rice cooked as desired

Orange Juice Sauce:

• 6 Tablespoons butter
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 Tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger (not fresh ginger)
• 1 ½ teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 ½ cups orange juice concentrate (not diluted)
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 2 oranges sliced for garnish

Instructions

• Cut chicken breasts crosswise into slices.

  Heat butter in a skillet on medium-high heat. Add chicken. Coat chicken pieces in melted butter, then sprinkle onion salt and pepper over chicken. Stir to coat and continue to cook until chicken is completely cooked.

  Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
• In same skillet on medium-high heat, melt 6 Tablespoons butter. Add flour, brown sugar, salt, ground ginger, and black pepper and stir into butter to create a roux.

  Add orange juice concentrate and chicken broth. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and no lumps remain. Continue to whisk or stir until the mixture thickens.
• Add cooked chicken to orange juice sauce and stir to coat chicken. Continue to simmer until chicken is warmed again. Add more water if needed to create a flowing sauce.

  Serve over rice. Garnish with orange slices.