Are you looking for a quick dinner idea that's both healthy and bursting with flavor? Look no further! This Chicken and Tangerine recipe is a delicious and surprisingly easy dish that's perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. The sweet and tangy tangerine sauce perfectly complements the savory chicken, creating a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. This recipe is a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its finest, offering a delicious dish without requiring extensive culinary skills. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this simple yet elegant recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup tangerine juice (about 2-3 tangerines)
- 1/4 cup tangerine zest (about 2-3 tangerines)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked rice or quinoa (for serving)
Instructions:
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Create the Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth, tangerine juice, tangerine zest, soy sauce, and honey. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth. Slowly pour the cornstarch mixture into the simmering sauce, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens. This usually takes about 1-2 minutes.
Step 5: Combine and Simmer
Return the chicken to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened to your liking.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot over cooked rice or quinoa.
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce and honey for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- If you don't have tangerines, you can substitute with oranges or mandarins. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious!
- Adjust the amount of honey to your liking. If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of honey.
- Don't overcook the chicken, or it will become dry. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Variations:
- Add some vegetables to the dish, such as sliced bell peppers, broccoli florets, or snow peas. Add them along with the onion and garlic.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Serve the chicken and tangerine over noodles instead of rice or quinoa.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 35-40g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 20-25g
- Fat: Approximately 10-15g
This easy recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a healthy and delicious meal quickly. This chicken and tangerine dish is a testament to how simple ingredients can create an extraordinary culinary experience. Enjoy!