Chicken Fancy

Chicken Fancy Recipe - A Delicious American Dish with Orange-Cranberry Sauce and Sliced Almonds

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4-6

Introduction

Chicken Fancy is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the tangy sweetness of orange juice and cranberry sauce with the savory goodness of tender chicken pieces. This recipe is perfect for a special dinner or a festive occasion.

History

Chicken Fancy has been a popular dish in American cuisine for many years. It is a classic recipe that has been passed down through generations, with each cook adding their own unique twist to the dish.

Ingredients

2.5 to 3 lb (1.36 kg) choice chicken pieces
0.33 cup flour
1 tsp salt
1 tsp onion powder
0.25 tsp ground black pepper
2 tbsp vegetable oil
2 cup orange juice
1 x 8 oz (227 g) can jellied cranberry sauce, cubed
1 tbsp prepared mustard
0.13 tsp ground cloves
2 tsp chicken base or 2 bouillon cubes
3 cup hot cooked rice
0.33 cup sliced almonds, toasted

How to prepare

Dust the chicken pieces with a mixture of flour, salt, onion powder, and pepper. Set aside any leftover seasoned flour.
In a large skillet, brown the chicken on all sides in oil.
Meanwhile, combine 1.5 cups of orange juice, cranberry sauce, mustard, cloves, and chicken base. Heat until the cranberry sauce is melted.
Pour the mixture over the chicken, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes or until the chicken is tender.
Blend the remaining 0.5 cup of orange juice into the reserved seasoned flour.
Pour the mixture into the pan juices and cook, stirring constantly, until thickened.
Serve the chicken over beds of fluffy rice.
Sprinkle with sliced almonds and garnish with orange and lemon slices, if desired.

Variations

Substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts for a richer flavor.
Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the sauce for extra flavor and texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to brown the chicken pieces well before adding the sauce to ensure a rich and deep flavor.

- Toasting the sliced almonds adds a nice crunch and nutty flavor to the dish.

- Be sure to stir constantly when thickening the sauce to prevent lumps from forming.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken Fancy can be served with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the chicken before simmering ensures a flavorful and tender result.

- Thickening the sauce with a flour and orange juice mixture creates a smooth and velvety texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use chicken broth instead of bouillon cubes for a richer flavor.

- Walnuts or pecans can be used instead of almonds for a different nutty flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Chicken Fancy can be prepared ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store the cooked dish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, for a pop of color and freshness.

Pairing Recommendations

Chicken Fancy pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Chicken Fancy contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Chicken Fancy contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Chicken Fancy contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Chicken Fancy contains approximately 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Chicken Fancy is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains nuts (almonds) and may not be suitable for those with nut allergies.

Summary

Chicken Fancy is a well-balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Chicken Fancy is a delicious and elegant dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a festive dinner. With its combination of sweet and savory flavors, tender chicken, and nutty almonds, this recipe is sure to impress your guests. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first discovered this recipe. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl visiting my Aunt Margaret in her cozy little cottage in the countryside. Aunt Margaret was known for her delicious home-cooked meals, and I always looked forward to my visits with her.

One afternoon, while we were sitting in her kitchen sipping tea and chatting, Aunt Margaret suddenly got up and disappeared into her pantry. She emerged a few moments later, holding an old, tattered recipe book in her hands. "I want to show you something special," she said with a twinkle in her eye.

She flipped through the pages of the book until she came to a recipe for Chicken Fancy. "This is one of my absolute favorite recipes," she said. "It's a bit of a secret family recipe, passed down through generations. I think you'll really enjoy it."

I watched intently as Aunt Margaret gathered the ingredients and began preparing the dish. The aroma of garlic and herbs filled the kitchen, and my mouth watered in anticipation. As the chicken sizzled in the pan, Aunt Margaret shared stories of how she had first learned to make the recipe from her own grandmother, who had learned it from her mother before her.

I listened with rapt attention, hanging on every word as Aunt Margaret shared tips and tricks for making the perfect Chicken Fancy. She explained the importance of marinating the chicken in a blend of spices and herbs for at least an hour before cooking, to ensure that the flavors would penetrate the meat and create a rich, savory dish.

As the chicken finished cooking, Aunt Margaret plated it up with a side of creamy mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables. The dish looked and smelled absolutely divine, and I couldn't wait to dig in.

With the first bite, I knew I had discovered something truly special. The chicken was tender and juicy, with a perfect balance of flavors that danced on my taste buds. The herbs and spices had infused the meat with a depth of flavor that I had never experienced before, and I savored every bite.

From that moment on, Chicken Fancy became a staple in my own cooking repertoire. I made it for special occasions, family gatherings, and lazy Sunday dinners. Each time I prepared the dish, I thought of Aunt Margaret and the special bond we shared over our love of good food and family recipes.

Over the years, I have made a few tweaks and additions to the original recipe, adding my own personal touch to make it truly my own. I have shared it with friends and family, who have all raved about its deliciousness and asked for the recipe.

But no matter how many times I make Chicken Fancy, it will always hold a special place in my heart as the dish that brought me closer to my Aunt Margaret and the rich culinary traditions of our family. It is a reminder of the joy and comfort that can be found in a simple, home-cooked meal shared with loved ones.

So whenever I gather in my own kitchen to prepare Chicken Fancy, I do so with a sense of gratitude and nostalgia for the memories and traditions that have shaped me into the cook I am today. And as I take that first bite of tender, flavorful chicken, I am transported back to that fateful day in Aunt Margaret's kitchen, where a simple recipe became so much more than just a dish – it became a part of who I am.