Imagine a chicken dish so tantalizing, it transforms an ordinary weeknight dinner into a culinary adventure. Our Spiced Citrus Chicken isn't just another recipe—it's a zesty journey that combines the bright, vibrant flavors of orange juice with a perfect blend of warming spices. Whether you're a busy home cook or a meal prep enthusiast, this Once A Month Cooking (OAMC) friendly recipe promises restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure even seasoning and better browning.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine orange juice, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper to create a marinade. Whisk ingredients until well blended.
- Place chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour marinade over them, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor penetration. If preparing for Once A Month Cooking (OAMC), this is an ideal marinating stage.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Remove chicken from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before cooking.
- Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of oil to prevent sticking.
- Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Reserve marinade for basting.
- Sear chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown, creating a flavorful crust.
- Brush reserved marinade over chicken and transfer skillet to preheated oven.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), using a meat thermometer to check doneness.
- Remove from oven and let chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
- Optional: Garnish with fresh orange zest or chopped parsley for added brightness.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Always let chicken come to room temperature before cooking to ensure even heat distribution and prevent drying out.
- Marinating Magic: For the most intense flavor, aim to marinate for the full 4 hours. If time is short, even 30 minutes can make a significant difference.
- Searing Secrets: Use a hot skillet and don't overcrowd the pan to achieve that beautiful golden-brown crust that locks in moisture.
- Thermometer Trust: Never rely on guesswork—use a meat thermometer to guarantee your chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- Resting Ritual: Those crucial 5 minutes of resting after cooking allow juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is succulent and tender.
- Meal Prep Bonus: This recipe is perfect for OAMC, so consider doubling the batch and freezing portions for future quick and delicious meals.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 95mg
