Sweet and Savory BBQ Citrus Chicken
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Sweet and Savory BBQ Citrus Chicken, a tantalizing dish that combines the sweetness of orange marmalade with the richness of barbecue sauce. Whether prepared in a slow cooker or baked in the oven, this dish promises tender, juicy chicken infused with a deliciously sticky glaze. Perfectly paired with steamed broccoli and creamy mashed sweet potatoes, it’s ideal for weeknight dinners or gatherings with friends and family. This recipe is versatile and can easily be adapted with different flavors of marmalade, making it a fantastic staple in your cooking repertoire.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Orange marmalade
1 cup (none)
Soy sauce
2 tablespoons (none)
Favorite barbecue sauce
1 cup (none)
Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
12 breasts or 24 thighs (none)
Cornstarch
1 tablespoon (none)
Cold water
2 tablespoons (none)
Instructions
1
In a medium-sized microwave-safe bowl, combine the orange marmalade and soy sauce. Heat uncovered in the microwave on high for 1 minute until softened, or alternatively, melt it gently in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring often.
2
Once the mixture is softened, stir in your favorite barbecue sauce until well combined.
3
For the slow cooker method, place the boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs in the crock pot. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken, ensuring every piece is well coated. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 6 hours until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
4
For the oven method, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Place the chicken in a large, ovenproof casserole dish with a capacity of at least 16 cups (4 L). Pour the sauce over the chicken and stir to evenly coat all pieces. To catch any drips, set the dish on a baking sheet.
5
Cover the casserole dish with a lid or aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 1 3/4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through, feels springy when pressed, and the sauce is bubbly.
6
To thicken the sauce after cooking, transfer the cooked chicken to a large serving bowl. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with cold water until dissolved.
7
Carefully ladle the liquid from the slow cooker or casserole into a medium-sized saucepan. Set it over high heat and bring to a boil.
8
Once boiling, stir in the cornstarch mixture and reduce the heat to medium. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens, about 2 minutes. Pour the thickened sauce over the chicken before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sweet and Savory BBQ Citrus Chicken?
It is a flavorful dish that combines orange marmalade and barbecue sauce to create a sticky glaze for tender, juicy chicken.
What are the primary ingredients for the sauce?
The sauce is made from orange marmalade, soy sauce, and your favorite barbecue sauce.
How do I prepare the orange marmalade mixture?
Combine marmalade and soy sauce in a microwave-safe bowl and heat on high for 1 minute, or melt in a saucepan over medium heat.
Can I cook this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, place the chicken in a crock pot, pour the sauce over it, and cook on high or low settings.
How long does the chicken cook in a slow cooker on high?
The chicken should cook for 4 hours on the high setting in a slow cooker.
How long does the chicken cook in a slow cooker on low?
On the low setting, the chicken requires 6 hours of cooking time until tender.
What is the oven temperature for the baking method?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) if you choose the baking method.
How long does the chicken bake in the oven?
The chicken takes approximately 1 3/4 hours to bake in a covered casserole dish.
What size casserole dish is needed for the oven method?
You should use a large, ovenproof casserole dish with a capacity of at least 16 cups (4 L).
How do I prevent drips in the oven?
Set the casserole dish on a baking sheet to catch any sauce that might drip during the baking process.
What type of chicken is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs.
How many chicken breasts or thighs are needed?
You will need either 12 chicken breasts or 24 chicken thighs.
How can I tell if the baked chicken is done?
The chicken is done when it is cooked through, feels springy when pressed, and the sauce is bubbly.
How do I thicken the BBQ citrus sauce?
Mix cornstarch with cold water, add it to the boiling cooking liquid in a saucepan, and stir until thickened.
What are the measurements for the thickening slurry?
Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water.
How long should I boil the sauce to thicken it?
Once the cornstarch mixture is added, stir continuously over medium heat for about 2 minutes.
Can I use different flavors of marmalade?
Yes, the recipe is versatile and can be adapted with different marmalade flavors.
What side dishes go well with this chicken?
It pairs perfectly with steamed broccoli and creamy mashed sweet potatoes.
Is this recipe suitable for a crowd?
With 12 breasts or 24 thighs, this recipe is ideal for gatherings with friends and family.
Should the casserole dish be covered during baking?
Yes, cover the dish with a lid or aluminum foil while it bakes in the oven.
How much orange marmalade is used?
The recipe requires 1 cup of orange marmalade.
How much soy sauce is needed?
You will need 2 tablespoons of soy sauce for this recipe.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as a comfort food dish due to its rich, savory, and sweet flavor profile.
What is the texture of the sauce?
The sauce is a deliciously sticky glaze that infuses the chicken during the cooking process.
How much barbecue sauce is required?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of your favorite barbecue sauce.
Can I prep the sauce on the stovetop instead of the microwave?
Yes, you can melt the marmalade and soy sauce gently in a saucepan over medium heat while stirring often.
What should I do with the chicken while thickening the sauce?
Transfer the cooked chicken to a large serving bowl while you prepare the thickened sauce on the stove.
Does the recipe work for weeknight dinners?
Yes, especially the slow cooker method, which makes it an easy and convenient option for weeknights.
What is the primary flavor profile of this dish?
It is characterized by a balance of sweet citrus from the marmalade and savory richness from the BBQ sauce.
Are there any special preparations for the chicken pieces?
The recipe suggests no specific preparation beyond ensuring they are boneless and skinless.