Zesty & Savory: The Ultimate Blood Orange Chicken Recipe

Blood oranges, with their vibrant color and unique tangy-sweet flavor, bring a touch of sunshine to any dish, especially during the cooler months. This Blood Orange Chicken recipe perfectly balances sweet, savory, and citrusy notes, creating a meal that’s both exciting and comforting. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that’s a step above the ordinary or a flavorful dish to impress guests, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.

## Why Blood Oranges Shine in Chicken Dishes

Blood oranges possess a distinctive flavor profile that sets them apart from regular oranges. Their juice offers a blend of raspberry, citrus, and a hint of floral notes, making them an excellent complement to poultry. When used in sauces and marinades, blood orange juice tenderizes the chicken, infuses it with its complex flavor, and creates a beautiful, glossy glaze. The natural sweetness of the fruit also helps to balance savory elements like soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, resulting in a harmonious and delectable dish.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather our ingredients. This recipe is designed to serve approximately 4 people. You can easily adjust the quantities to suit your needs.

**For the Chicken:**

* 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
* 1/4 cup cornstarch
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil

**For the Blood Orange Sauce:**

* 1 cup freshly squeezed blood orange juice (about 4-5 blood oranges, depending on size)
* 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
* 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
* 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
* 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon orange zest
* 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
* 1 tablespoon cornstarch
* 2 tablespoons water

**For Garnish (optional):**

* Blood orange slices
* Chopped green onions
* Sesame seeds

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s get cooking! Follow these detailed instructions for a perfectly executed Blood Orange Chicken.

**Step 1: Prepare the Chicken**

1. In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Toss until the chicken is evenly coated. The cornstarch helps to create a crispy exterior when the chicken is seared.

**Step 2: Sear the Chicken**

1. Heat the olive oil (or vegetable oil) in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Make sure the pan is hot before adding the chicken; this will help to prevent sticking and ensure proper searing.
2. Add the chicken to the skillet in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Work in batches if necessary. Overcrowding can lower the temperature of the pan and result in steamed chicken instead of seared chicken.
3. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, or until it is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

**Step 3: Make the Blood Orange Sauce**

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the blood orange juice, soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, orange zest, and red pepper flakes (if using). Ensure all ingredients are well combined.
2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. This will help to thicken the sauce later on.
3. Pour the blood orange sauce mixture into the same skillet you used to sear the chicken. Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These browned bits add depth of flavor to the sauce.
4. Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Continue to simmer for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.

**Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce**

1. Add the seared chicken back to the skillet with the blood orange sauce. Toss to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce.
2. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors of the sauce. The sauce should cling to the chicken, creating a beautiful glaze.

**Step 5: Serve and Garnish**

1. Remove the skillet from the heat and transfer the Blood Orange Chicken to a serving dish.
2. Garnish with blood orange slices, chopped green onions, and sesame seeds, if desired. These garnishes add visual appeal and enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
3. Serve the Blood Orange Chicken hot over rice, quinoa, or noodles. It also pairs well with steamed vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or bok choy.

## Tips for Perfect Blood Orange Chicken

* **Use Freshly Squeezed Blood Orange Juice:** Freshly squeezed juice provides the best flavor. Avoid using bottled juice, as it often contains added sugars and preservatives.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** When searing the chicken, work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding can lower the temperature and result in steamed chicken instead of seared chicken.
* **Adjust the Sweetness and Heat:** Taste the sauce and adjust the sweetness and heat to your liking. Add more honey or maple syrup for a sweeter sauce, or more red pepper flakes for a spicier sauce.
* **Use High-Quality Soy Sauce:** Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness of the dish. High-quality soy sauce will also have a richer, more complex flavor.
* **Zest the Orange Before Juicing:** Zesting the orange before juicing is easier and more efficient.
* **Marinate the Chicken (Optional):** For even more flavor, marinate the chicken in a portion of the blood orange sauce for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight, before searing. This will allow the chicken to absorb the flavors of the sauce and become more tender.

## Variations and Substitutions

* **Chicken Breast:** You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breast, but be careful not to overcook the chicken breast, as it can become dry. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
* **Other Citrus:** If blood oranges are not available, you can use regular oranges or tangerines as a substitute. However, the flavor profile will be slightly different.
* **Vegetarian Option:** Replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version. Press the tofu to remove excess water before searing.
* **Spicy Blood Orange Chicken:** Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of chili oil to the sauce for a spicier kick.
* **Honey Garlic Blood Orange Chicken:** Add a tablespoon of honey to the sauce and increase the amount of minced garlic for a honey garlic variation.
* **Gluten-Free Option:** Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make the dish gluten-free.

## Serving Suggestions

Blood Orange Chicken is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways. Here are a few serving suggestions:

* **Over Rice:** Serve the chicken over a bed of fluffy white rice, brown rice, or jasmine rice.
* **With Noodles:** Pair the chicken with lo mein noodles, udon noodles, or rice noodles.
* **With Quinoa:** Serve the chicken over quinoa for a healthier option.
* **With Steamed Vegetables:** Accompany the chicken with steamed broccoli, asparagus, bok choy, or green beans.
* **In Lettuce Wraps:** Use the chicken as a filling for lettuce wraps, adding fresh herbs and crunchy vegetables.
* **As a Salad Topping:** Top a green salad with the chicken for a flavorful and protein-packed meal.

## Storage and Reheating Instructions

* **Storage:** Store leftover Blood Orange Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the chicken in the microwave, oven, or skillet until heated through. If reheating in the skillet, add a splash of water or broth to prevent the chicken from drying out.
* **Freezing:** While the chicken can be frozen, the sauce may become slightly watery upon thawing. To freeze, transfer the chicken and sauce to an airtight container and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

*Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*

* Calories: 350-400 per serving
* Protein: 30-35g
* Fat: 15-20g
* Carbohydrates: 20-25g
* Fiber: 2-3g
* Sugar: 10-15g

## Conclusion

This Blood Orange Chicken recipe is a delightful way to enjoy the unique flavors of blood oranges. Its balance of sweet, savory, and citrusy notes makes it a crowd-pleaser, perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. With its easy-to-follow instructions and customizable variations, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to create a dish that will tantalize your taste buds and impress your friends and family. Enjoy!