Citrus-Molasses Roasted Chicken with Glaze
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of our Citrus-Molasses Roasted Chicken with Glaze, a delightful dish that elevates simple ingredients into a gourmet experience. The sweet and tangy profile of fresh navel oranges combined with rich molasses creates a mouthwatering glaze that sings with smoky depth from the red wine vinegar. As the chicken bakes, it transforms into a stunning mahogany hue, promising a feast for both the eyes and palate. Perfect for a family dinner or entertaining guests, this dish will impress while keeping your cooking efforts to a minimum. Just make sure to keep an eye on the glaze to avoid burning, as that can overshadow the dish's intentions. This recipe is adapted from a cherished find to ensure it’s just as phenomenal in your own kitchen as it is intended to be!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Navel oranges
5-6 (Juiced)
Red wine vinegar
1/2 cup (None)
Molasses
1/2 cup (None)
Boneless skinless chicken breast halves
4 (None)
Salt
to taste (None)
Pepper
to taste (None)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
2
Juice the navel oranges until you have approximately 3 cups of fresh juice. This will provide the perfect citrus base for your glaze.
3
In a large skillet, combine the orange juice, molasses, and red wine vinegar. Heat over high flame, bringing the mixture to a boil, while skimming off any foam that forms.
4
Continue boiling the mixture, stirring occasionally, until it reduces down to about half a cup of thick glaze. This process should take around 10 to 15 minutes.
5
Once thickened, set aside half of the glaze in a separate container. This will be used for serving later.
6
Place the chicken breast halves onto the prepared baking sheet. Generously season the chicken with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.
7
Using a brush, coat the chicken breasts with the reduced glaze, ensuring an even coverage.
8
Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, brushing with the glaze two additional times to maintain flavor and achieve a beautiful coating.
9
The chicken is ready when the juices run clear when pierced. Serve hot, drizzling the reserved glaze over the chicken for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy your meal!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Citrus-Molasses Roasted Chicken with Glaze?
It is a gourmet chicken dish featuring a sweet and tangy glaze made from fresh navel oranges, molasses, and red wine vinegar, baked until it reaches a mahogany hue.
What type of oranges are recommended for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for navel oranges to achieve the best citrus flavor.
How many oranges do I need to juice?
You will typically need about 5 to 6 navel oranges to produce the required amount of juice.
How much orange juice is needed for the glaze?
You need approximately 3 cups of fresh orange juice for the glaze base.
What type of vinegar is used in the glaze?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of red wine vinegar to add a smoky depth and tanginess.
What is the role of molasses in this recipe?
Molasses acts as a sweetener and helps create a thick, rich glaze that gives the chicken its signature mahogany color.
How many chicken breast halves does this recipe serve?
The recipe is designed for 4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves.
What temperature should the oven be preheated to?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
How do I prepare the baking sheet for this recipe?
Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil to ensure easy cleanup after roasting.
How do I make the glaze?
Combine orange juice, molasses, and vinegar in a large skillet and boil over high heat until reduced.
Should I remove the foam while boiling the glaze?
Yes, you should skim off any foam that forms while the mixture is boiling.
How much should the glaze mixture reduce?
The mixture should reduce from several cups down to about half a cup of thick glaze.
How long does it take to reduce the glaze?
The reduction process typically takes about 10 to 15 minutes of boiling.
Do I use all the glaze for brushing the chicken?
No, you should set aside half of the glaze to be used as a fresh drizzle for serving later.
How should I season the chicken?
Generously season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper before applying the glaze.
How many times should I brush the chicken with glaze during baking?
Brush the chicken once before putting it in the oven and two additional times during the baking process.
How long does the chicken need to bake?
The chicken should bake for 35 to 40 minutes in the preheated oven.
How do I know when the roasted chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is ready when the juices run clear when the meat is pierced.
What is the best way to serve this dish?
Serve the chicken hot and drizzle the reserved portion of the reduced glaze over it for an extra burst of flavor.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe that minimizes cooking effort while providing a gourmet experience.
What precautions should I take with the glaze?
Keep a close eye on the glaze during reduction and baking to avoid burning, which can affect the final taste.
Can I use bottled orange juice instead?
While fresh juice is recommended for the best flavor, bottled juice can be a substitute if fresh oranges are unavailable.
What flavor profile can I expect?
Expect a vibrant combination of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors with a rich citrus backbone.
What kind of chicken cuts are used?
The recipe specifies boneless skinless chicken breast halves.
Does the recipe include fiber or sugar data?
The provided nutritional data for fiber and sugar is currently not specified in the raw recipe information.
What category does this recipe fall under?
This is a main course dish suitable for family dinners or entertaining.
What are the main tags for this recipe?
Key tags include chicken, citrus, molasses, roasted, glaze, and orange.
Can I make this for a large group?
Yes, the recipe can be scaled up by increasing the amount of chicken and glaze ingredients proportionally.
Why is a rimmed baking sheet recommended?
A rimmed sheet prevents any juices or glaze from spilling off the edges into your oven.
What gives the glaze its smoky depth?
The addition of red wine vinegar provides the smoky depth that balances the sweetness of the molasses and oranges.