Chicken and Rice L'Orange
Chicken and Rice L'Orange Recipe with Almonds and Green Onions
Introduction
Chicken and Rice L'Orange is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the tangy taste of orange with tender chicken and fluffy rice. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion, as it is both easy to make and impressive to serve.
History
Chicken and Rice L'Orange is a classic dish that has been enjoyed for generations. The combination of citrus flavors with savory chicken and rice has been a popular choice for many home cooks and chefs alike. This recipe is a modern twist on the traditional dish, adding a touch of sweetness with the orange marmalade.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of uncooked rice
- 1 cup of orange juice
- 1 cup of water
- 1 tsp of salt
- 3 tbsp of butter, divided
- 0.25 cup of sliced almonds
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
- 0.25 cup of orange marmalade
- 0.25 cup of sliced green onions
How to prepare
- In a 2- to 3 qt (2.84 liter) saucepan, combine rice, orange juice, water, and salt. Heat the mixture to boiling, stirring once or twice. Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- While the rice is cooking, melt 1 tbsp of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the almonds and cook and stir until they turn golden, which should take about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the almonds from the skillet and set them aside.
- Melt the remaining 2 tbsp of butter in the skillet. Add the chicken and cook until it browns on both sides. Stir in the orange marmalade to coat the chicken. To serve, spoon the rice onto a plate and top it with the chicken. Sprinkle with toasted almonds and green onions.
Variations
- Substitute the chicken with tofu for a vegetarian version of the dish.
- Add diced bell peppers or pineapple chunks for extra flavor and texture.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Be sure to cook the rice according to the package instructions to ensure it is fluffy and not mushy.
- Toasting the almonds adds a nice crunch and depth of flavor to the dish.
- Make sure to coat the chicken evenly with the orange marmalade for a delicious glaze.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Chicken and Rice L'Orange with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Cooking Techniques
Be sure to cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is fully cooked.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the doneness of the chicken.
Ingredient Substitutions
Use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice for a healthier option.
- Substitute honey or maple syrup for the orange marmalade if desired.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare the rice and toast the almonds ahead of time to save time on the day of serving.
- Store the cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Presentation Ideas
Garnish the dish with fresh orange slices or parsley for a pop of color. - Serve the Chicken and Rice L'Orange in individual bowls for a more elegant presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
Pair Chicken and Rice L'Orange with a crisp white wine or a fruity sangria for a refreshing drink option.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat the dish in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of Chicken and Rice L'Orange contains approximately 400 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of Chicken and Rice L'Orange contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of Chicken and Rice L'Orange contains approximately 15 grams of fat.
Proteins
Each serving of Chicken and Rice L'Orange contains approximately 25 grams of protein.
Vitamins and minerals
Chicken and Rice L'Orange is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin B6, and iron.
Alergens
This recipe contains almonds and butter, which may be allergens for some individuals.
Summary
Chicken and Rice L'Orange is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals.
Summary
Chicken and Rice L'Orange is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. With its combination of citrus flavors, tender chicken, and fluffy rice, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.
How did I get this recipe?
The first time I saw this recipe, I was drawn to it like a moth to a flame. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Clara for our weekly tea and gossip session. As I walked into her cozy kitchen, the aroma of citrus and savory spices filled the air, tickling my senses and making my mouth water.
Clara greeted me with a warm smile and a twinkle in her eye. "I have a new recipe to share with you today, my dear," she said, as she handed me a worn and splattered recipe card. "It's my famous Chicken and Rice L'Orange. I think you'll love it."
I glanced down at the recipe card, my eyes scanning the list of ingredients and instructions. It sounded absolutely divine - tender chicken cooked in a tangy orange sauce, served over a bed of fluffy rice. I knew I had to try it.
As Clara bustled around her kitchen, gathering the ingredients and prepping the dish, she regaled me with the story of how she first learned to make Chicken and Rice L'Orange. It was many years ago, she said, during a trip to France with her late husband. They had stumbled upon a charming little bistro in Paris, where the chef had shared his secret recipe with them.
"I remember the first bite like it was yesterday," Clara reminisced, a wistful smile on her face. "The flavors were so bold and vibrant, yet perfectly balanced. I knew I had to recreate it at home."
And recreate it she did. Over the years, Clara had perfected the recipe, adding her own little twists and tweaks to make it truly her own. She had shared it with friends and family, who all raved about it, and now she was passing it on to me.
As the Chicken and Rice L'Orange simmered away on the stove, filling the kitchen with its tantalizing aroma, Clara and I sat down at the table to enjoy a steaming bowl of the dish together. The first bite was a revelation - the tender chicken practically melted in my mouth, while the tangy orange sauce danced on my taste buds. It was a symphony of flavors, a true culinary masterpiece.
As we savored our meal, Clara and I chatted and laughed, the years melting away as we reminisced about old times and shared new stories. It was moments like these that made life worth living - good food, good company, and good memories.
After our meal, I begged Clara for the recipe, determined to recreate the magic in my own kitchen. She happily obliged, writing it out for me on a fresh recipe card and sending me on my way with a warm hug and a promise to come back soon for more culinary adventures.
And so, armed with Clara's recipe and a head full of inspiration, I set to work in my own kitchen, eager to make Chicken and Rice L'Orange for my family. As I chopped and stirred, the memories of that sunny afternoon with Clara flooded back, filling me with warmth and joy.
When the dish was finally ready, I set it out on the table for my family to enjoy. Their eyes lit up with excitement as they took their first bites, and I knew I had done Clara proud. The flavors were just as bold and vibrant as I remembered, and the love and care I had poured into the dish only made it taste sweeter.
As we sat around the table, sharing stories and laughter, I realized that recipes were more than just a list of ingredients and instructions - they were a link to the past, a way to connect with loved ones, and a way to create new memories for the future. And in that moment, I knew that Chicken and Rice L'Orange would always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the friendship and joy that had brought it into my life.