Chicken L'Orange

Chicken L'Orange Recipe from France - Ingredients, Preparation, and More

Region / culture: France | Preparation time: 1 hour | Cooking time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Chicken L'Orange is a classic dish that combines the tangy sweetness of oranges with tender chicken breasts. This dish is perfect for a special occasion or a fancy dinner party.

History

Chicken L'Orange is a French-inspired dish that gained popularity in the United States in the 1960s. It is a variation of the traditional French dish Duck à l'Orange, which features roasted duck with an orange sauce. The American version typically uses chicken breasts instead of duck, making it a more accessible and budget-friendly option.

Ingredients

1 cup of orange juice
8 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (about 2 lb or 907 g)
0.5 cup of all-purpose flour, mixed with 1 tsp of salt, 1 tsp of paprika, and 0.5 tsp of white pepper
6 tsp of butter or margarine
0.5 cup of white wine or chicken broth
0.5 cup of toasted slivered almonds
1 cup of mandarin orange segments (about 11 oz or 312 g), drained

How to prepare

Pour orange juice over chicken in a shallow dish.
Marinate for 1 hour at room temperature or up to 24 hours in the refrigerator, turning once.
Marinating the chicken overnight increases juiciness and flavor.
Drain the chicken and reserve the marinade.
Coat the chicken with flour.
Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add 4 chicken breasts; brown on both sides and drain on a paper towel; repeat with the remaining chicken.
Stir the reserved marinade and wine drippings in the skillet; return the chicken to the pan.
Reduce the heat to low; cover and simmer for 20 minutes; uncover and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes more until the chicken is tender.
Remove the chicken to a platter; sprinkle with almonds.
Add orange segments to the sauce in the skillet and heat over medium heat just until bubbly.
Pour the sauce over the chicken.

Variations

Substitute duck breasts for chicken breasts for a more traditional take on the dish.
Add a splash of Grand Marnier or orange liqueur to the sauce for an extra burst of orange flavor.
Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

- Browning the chicken before simmering helps to seal in the juices and create a flavorful crust.

- Be sure to simmer the chicken on low heat to ensure it cooks evenly and stays tender.

- Toasted slivered almonds add a crunchy texture to the dish and complement the citrus flavors.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Chicken L'Orange with steamed rice or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Marinating

- Browning

- Simmering

Ingredient Substitutions

Use bone-in chicken breasts instead of boneless for a richer flavor.

- Substitute sliced almonds for slivered almonds if desired.

- Use olive oil instead of margarine for a healthier option.

Make Ahead Tips

You can marinate the chicken in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the chicken on a platter and garnish with fresh orange slices and parsley for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Chicken L'Orange with a crisp white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the citrus flavors.

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 L'Orange contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Chicken L'Orange contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Chicken L'Orange contains approximately 12 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Chicken L'Orange contains approximately 30 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Chicken L'Orange is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains nuts (almonds) and dairy (butter), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Chicken L'Orange is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Chicken L'Orange is a delicious and elegant dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a tangy orange sauce. With a few simple ingredients and cooking techniques, you can create a restaurant-quality meal at home. Enjoy this classic recipe for a special dinner with family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with a sense of awe. It was a rainy Sunday afternoon, and I was rummaging through a dusty old cookbook that I had found tucked away in a forgotten corner of the attic. As I flipped through the yellowed pages, my eyes landed on a recipe for Chicken L'Orange, a dish I had never heard of before.

Intrigued, I read through the ingredients list and instructions. The combination of tender chicken, tangy oranges, and fragrant herbs sounded absolutely divine. I knew I had to try making it for myself.

I remembered my dear friend, Mrs. Jenkins, who had a knack for cooking up delicious meals. I decided to pay her a visit and ask for her advice on how to make Chicken L'Orange.

As I knocked on her door, the warm aroma of spices and herbs wafted through the air. Mrs. Jenkins greeted me with a big smile and invited me in. I explained to her about the recipe I had found and my eagerness to try it out.

Mrs. Jenkins chuckled and said, "Ah, Chicken L'Orange! That's a classic French dish that my grandmother used to make. Let me show you how to make it."

She led me to her cozy kitchen and we got to work. Mrs. Jenkins showed me how to season the chicken with a blend of herbs and spices, and then brown it in a hot skillet. She then squeezed fresh orange juice over the chicken and let it simmer in a fragrant sauce of orange zest, garlic, and honey.

As the dish cooked, the kitchen filled with the mouth-watering aroma of citrus and herbs. Mrs. Jenkins and I chatted about our favorite recipes and shared stories of our culinary adventures.

Finally, the Chicken L'Orange was ready. Mrs. Jenkins served it up on a platter, garnished with fresh orange slices and a sprinkle of parsley. The tender chicken glistened with a sticky glaze, and the aroma was simply intoxicating.

I took my first bite and was transported to a world of flavor. The tangy sweetness of the oranges paired perfectly with the savory chicken, creating a symphony of tastes on my palate. It was truly a culinary masterpiece.

As I savored each delicious bite, Mrs. Jenkins smiled and said, "Now you know the secret to making Chicken L'Orange. Remember, cooking is about love and passion. When you put your heart into it, every dish you make will be a work of art."

I thanked Mrs. Jenkins for her guidance and left her house feeling inspired. From that day on, Chicken L'Orange became a staple in my cooking repertoire. I shared the recipe with my family and friends, and it quickly became a favorite at gatherings and dinner parties.

Over the years, I have made Chicken L'Orange countless times, each batch better than the last. I have tweaked the recipe here and there, adding my own personal touch to make it truly my own.

And now, as I stand in my kitchen, preparing a steaming pot of Chicken L'Orange for my grandchildren, I can't help but smile. This recipe holds a special place in my heart, a reminder of the day I learned the art of cooking from a dear friend.

As the fragrant aroma of citrus and herbs fills the air, I know that this dish will be a hit once again. And as I serve it up to my family, I will pass on the recipe with love, knowing that it will be cherished for generations to come. Cooking is not just about making food, it's about creating memories and sharing moments of joy with the ones you love. And for me, Chicken L'Orange will always be a symbol of that.