Citrus Herb Chicken Delight
Experience the vibrant flavors of summer with this Citrus Herb Chicken Delight. This dish features succulent chicken quarters simmered to perfection in a luscious sauce infused with fresh orange juice, tender vegetables, and aromatic herbs. The bright, zesty flavors not only lift your spirits but will also fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas, making it the perfect meal for any occasion. Serve alongside crusty bread to soak up the delightful sauce, or pair it with your favorite pasta for a refreshing twist. The quick preparation and rewarding outcome make this a staple in our home, especially in the often-gray Pacific Northwest. A true delight for the senses!
N/A
Servings
212
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
5 tablespoons (best quality, divided)
whole chicken
2.5-3 lbs (quartered (4 half breasts can be used))
salt
to taste
black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
yellow onion
1 cup (finely chopped)
carrots
2 (peeled and chopped, about 1 cup)
garlic
4 cloves (minced)
chicken broth
1 cup
fresh orange juice
1/2 cup
canned crushed tomatoes
1/2 cup
dried rosemary
1 tablespoon
sweet red pepper
1 (cut into julienne)
zucchini
1/2 large (sliced diagonally)
yellow squash
1/2 large (sliced diagonally)
fresh flat-leaf parsley
1/3 cup (chopped, for garnish)
orange
1 (zest of, grated)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Pat the chicken pieces dry with a paper towel, season liberally with salt and pepper, and add them to the skillet. Cook the chicken gently for 5 minutes on each side, ensuring not to brown them too much as they will continue to cook in the sauce. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
2
Add the chopped onions, carrots, and minced garlic to the remaining oil in the skillet. Cover and cook over medium-low heat until the vegetables are tender, approximately 25 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
3
Once the vegetables are tender, uncover the skillet and pour in the chicken broth, fresh orange juice, crushed tomatoes, and dried rosemary. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Allow the mixture to simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes, letting the flavors meld.
4
Return the chicken pieces to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them. Cover and simmer for an additional 20-25 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender, ensuring to baste the chicken with the sauce and turn it once after 15 minutes to ensure even cooking.
5
In a separate skillet, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the julienne-cut sweet red pepper and sauté for 5 minutes. Then, add the sliced zucchini and yellow squash, seasoning with salt and pepper. Increase the heat slightly and toss the vegetables until they are tender yet retain some firmness.
6
Once the vegetables are fully cooked, transfer them to the skillet with the chicken and allow everything to simmer together for 5 more minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Before serving, sprinkle with chopped parsley and grated orange zest for a fresh finish. Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
12.5g
Fat
6.25g
Carbs
16.25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Citrus Herb Chicken Delight?
It is a vibrant summer dish featuring succulent chicken quarters simmered in a sauce of fresh orange juice, tender vegetables, and aromatic herbs.
What kind of chicken can I use for this recipe?
You can use a 2.5-3 lb whole chicken that has been quartered, or you can use four half chicken breasts.
How much olive oil is required?
The recipe requires 5 tablespoons of best quality olive oil, divided into 3 tablespoons for the chicken and 2 tablespoons for the vegetables.
How should I prepare the chicken before cooking?
Pat the chicken pieces dry with a paper towel and season them liberally with salt and pepper.
How long do I cook the chicken in the skillet initially?
Cook the chicken gently for 5 minutes on each side, ensuring not to brown it too much.
Which vegetables are cooked with the onions?
The onions are cooked with chopped carrots and minced garlic.
How long does it take for the carrots and onions to become tender?
It takes approximately 25 minutes over medium-low heat while covered.
What ingredients make up the simmering sauce?
The sauce includes chicken broth, fresh orange juice, crushed tomatoes, and dried rosemary.
How long should the sauce simmer before adding the chicken back?
Allow the sauce mixture to simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes to let the flavors meld.
How long does the chicken simmer in the sauce?
The chicken should simmer in the covered skillet for 20-25 minutes until fully cooked.
Do I need to turn the chicken while it is simmering?
Yes, baste the chicken with the sauce and turn it once after 15 minutes of simmering.
How is the sweet red pepper prepared?
The red pepper should be cut into julienne strips and sautéed for 5 minutes.
What other vegetables are added at the end?
Sliced zucchini and yellow squash are sautéed and then added to the dish.
How long do the vegetables and chicken simmer together at the end?
Once combined, let everything simmer together for an additional 5 minutes.
What are the garnishes for Citrus Herb Chicken Delight?
The dish is finished with a sprinkle of chopped parsley and grated orange zest.
What is the calorie count for this dish?
Each serving contains approximately 212 calories.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 16.25g of protein per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
The fat content is 12.5g per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
There are 6.25g of carbohydrates per serving.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 16 ingredients required in total.
What type of orange juice should be used?
The recipe specifies 1/2 cup of fresh orange juice.
What kind of rosemary is used?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of dried rosemary.
How many cloves of garlic are needed?
You will need 4 cloves of minced garlic.
What type of tomatoes are used in the sauce?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of canned crushed tomatoes.
How should the zucchini and squash be sliced?
They should be sliced diagonally.
Is there any specific serving suggestion?
It is recommended to serve alongside crusty bread or your favorite pasta.
What type of parsley should be used for the garnish?
Use fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped.
Does the recipe provide fiber or sugar information?
No, the fiber and sugar values are not provided in the current nutritional facts.
What are some of the tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include chicken, one dish meal, citrus, summer flavors, and comfort food.
Can I use chicken broth in this recipe?
Yes, 1 cup of chicken broth is used to help form the base of the sauce.