Orange Ginger Chicken
This chicken is bright, citrusy with the spiciness of fresh ginger. The soy sauce used in the marinade and sauce is subtle, but it helps blend the citrus, ginger, and garlic, adding a lovely hint of umami flavor.
This chicken is bright, citrusy with the spiciness of fresh ginger. The soy sauce used in the marinade and sauce is subtle, but it helps blend the citrus, ginger, and garlic, adding a lovely hint of umami flavor.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- â½ teaspoon salt
- pinch cayenne pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 4 cloves (minced)
- â¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoons grated orange zest
- 1 teaspoons grated lime zest
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (juice of about 1 lime)
- 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon honey
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- 2 pounds boneless (skinless chicken breast)
- Carbohydrate 2.68020111533907 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 1.83242111200533 g
- Fiber 0.763711115930783 g
- Protein 1.1152188910142 g
- Saturated Fat 0.255556666788761 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (201g)
- Sodium 2.75763889400314 mg
- Sugar 1.91648999940828 g
- Trans Fat 0.0970763889877949 g
- Calories 28 calories
Step-by-step
- In a large bowl, whisk orange zest and juice, lime zest and juice, soy sauce, honey, ginger, garlic, cilantro, salt, cayenne, and pepper.
- Add the olive oil, whisking constantly until combined.
- Transfer ¼ cup of the orange-ginger mixture to a separate small bowl; cover and refrigerate.
- Add the chicken to the bowl with the remaining orange marinade and toss them in the sauce.
- Marinate for at least 1 hour and up to 24 hours.
- Preheat your gas grill with all burners on high and close the lid.
- When the grill is hot (after about 15 minutes), turn the 2 burners closest to the front to low, keeping the back burner on high.
- Remove the chicken from the bag and arrange on the grates over the low heat burners.
- Cover and cook until the underside of the chicken is just beginning to develop light grill marks, 6 to 9 minutes.
- Flip the chicken, cover, and continue to cook until the chicken is firm to the touch, 6 to 9 minutes longer.
- To get a nice char on the chicken, now move the chicken to the part of the grill over high flames and cook uncovered until each side has solid grill marks, 5 to 6 minutes, flipping halfway.
- The chicken should be completely firm to the touch and register 160 degrees F on an instant-read thermometer.
- Transfer the chicken to a plate, tent with foil, and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Stir the refrigerated orange-ginger sauce and drizzle or brush it on the chicken before serving.
Orange Ginger Chicken: A Burst of Sunshine on Your Plate
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a healthy and delicious meal can feel like a Herculean task. But trust me, this Orange Ginger Chicken recipe is a game-changer. It’s quick, flavorful, and requires minimal cleanup – the perfect trifecta for a weeknight dinner. The vibrant citrus notes of the orange and lime perfectly complement the subtle heat of the ginger, creating a harmony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Plus, grilling it adds a delightful smoky char that elevates this dish beyond the ordinary.
I discovered this recipe during a much-needed family vacation to the sunny shores of Southern California. We were staying in a charming little bungalow just a short walk from the beach, and the local farmer’s market was brimming with fresh, seasonal ingredients. It was there, amid the colorful display of exotic fruits and vegetables, that I stumbled upon the inspiration for this dish. The aroma of the fresh oranges and ginger was irresistible, and I knew I had to incorporate them into something special. I experimented with different flavor combinations, tweaking the recipe until I achieved the perfect balance of sweet, sour, and spicy. Now, it’s a staple in our household, a reminder of that beautiful vacation and a testament to the power of simple, fresh ingredients.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. You can easily adjust the spice level to suit your preference – add more cayenne for extra heat, or leave it out entirely for a milder flavor. It’s also incredibly adaptable to different cooking methods. If you don’t have a grill, you can easily pan-fry or bake the chicken. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. And don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices – a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a dash of sesame oil can add an extra layer of complexity and depth of flavor.
Beyond the ease of preparation and delicious taste, this Orange Ginger Chicken is also a fantastic source of lean protein. It’s packed with essential nutrients, making it a healthy and satisfying meal for the whole family. And let’s not forget the stunning presentation – the vibrant color and appetizing aroma will undoubtedly impress your guests. Serving it with a side of fluffy rice or quinoa makes for a perfectly balanced and wholesome dinner.
So, if you're looking for a quick, healthy, and delicious weeknight dinner that’s both satisfying and impressive, this Orange Ginger Chicken recipe is a must-try. It’s a true testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly extraordinary. It's the perfect example of how even the busiest of schedules can still allow for a delicious, home-cooked meal that everyone will love. From my kitchen to yours, enjoy!
