Description
This Zesty Orange Glazed Chicken recipe offers a crispy, flavorful dish perfect for family dinners. Tender skinless chicken coated in crunchy panko is oven-roasted and glazed with a sweet and tangy orange sauce made from frozen orange juice, dark brown sugar, and oregano, garnished with fresh navel orange slices for vibrant citrus notes. The dish pairs beautifully with hearty grains and roasted vegetables, making a colorful and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Coating
- 4 pieces skinless chicken
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Orange Glaze
- 1 cup frozen orange juice
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 pieces navel oranges (for topping, sliced)
Optional Ingredients
- 1 block firm tofu (for vegetarian option)
- 1 piece lemon (for citrus variation)
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Season the skinless chicken evenly with freshly ground pepper.
- Coating the Chicken: Coat the seasoned chicken pieces thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs to ensure a crisp texture once roasted.
- Roasting: Place the coated chicken pieces in a roasting pan and roast in the preheated oven for 20 to 30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden and crispy.
- Making the Orange Glaze: While the chicken roasts, combine frozen orange juice, water, dark brown sugar, and dried oregano in a bowl. Stir until the sugar is dissolved to create the flavorful glaze.
- Glazing and Topping: Pour the prepared orange glaze evenly over the roasting chicken. Add slices of navel orange on top for extra citrus flavor and presentation.
- Basting: Baste the chicken frequently with the juices accumulating in the roasting pan to keep it moist and enhance flavor during the remaining roasting time.
- Serving: Once fully cooked and glazed, serve the crispy orange chicken with your choice of farro or rice and colorful roasted beets for a complete, vibrant meal.
Notes
- Firm tofu can be substituted for chicken to make this dish vegetarian; coat and cook similarly.
- For a different citrus twist, add fresh lemon juice along with the orange glaze.
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
- Frequent basting keeps the chicken moist and flavorful.
- Use fresh navel oranges for best topping flavor and visual appeal.
