Zesty Ginger Citrus Chicken Delight
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of this Zesty Ginger Citrus Chicken Delight, a perfect marriage of sweet and tangy notes that dance on your palate. The chicken is marinated in a luscious blend of orange marmalade, pineapple, and ginger, making it incredibly flavorful and juicy. While it’s designed to be slowly cooked in a crockpot for optimum taste, you can also opt for a quick oven bake when you're short on time. Pair this dish with aromatic jasmine or basmati rice, and complement it with a medley of steamed vegetables for a wholesome meal that your family will look forward to devouring again and again.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless skinless chicken
2 lbs (cut into serving size pieces)
orange marmalade
1/4 cup (none)
lime juice
1 tablespoon (none)
crushed pineapple
1/4 cup (none)
soy sauce
2 teaspoons (none)
Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon (none)
grated gingerroot
1 tablespoon (none)
cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
garlic clove
1 (minced)
sugar
1/4 cup (none)
Instructions
1
In a gallon-sized zip lock bag, combine the orange marmalade, lime juice, crushed pineapple, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, grated ginger, cayenne pepper, minced garlic, and sugar. Mix well to create a harmonious marinade.
2
Cut the chicken into serving-sized pieces and place them into the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. Seal the bag and refrigerate overnight for the best flavor, or freeze for future cooking.
3
When ready to cook, if frozen, thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight.
4
For slow cooking, pour the entire contents of the bag into the crockpot. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-6 hours until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
5
For a quicker option, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the marinated chicken to a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the juices run clear and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6
If the sauce appears too runny after cooking in the crockpot, mix together 2 teaspoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the sauce. Cook on high for an additional 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
7
Serve over a bed of aromatic rice and with your choice of steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Ginger Citrus Chicken Delight?
It is a vibrant chicken dish featuring a sweet and tangy marinade of orange marmalade, pineapple, and ginger.
How much chicken is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 lbs of boneless skinless chicken.
How should I prepare the chicken?
The chicken should be cut into serving-sized pieces before being placed in the marinade.
What are the ingredients in the marinade?
The marinade includes orange marmalade, lime juice, crushed pineapple, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, grated gingerroot, cayenne pepper, minced garlic, and sugar.
How long should the chicken marinate?
For the best flavor, refrigerate the chicken in the marinade overnight.
Can I freeze the chicken in the marinade?
Yes, you can seal the bag and freeze it for future cooking.
How do I thaw the chicken if it has been frozen?
Thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight before you plan to cook it.
What are the slow cooker instructions?
Pour the contents into a crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-6 hours.
Can I bake this dish in the oven?
Yes, you can bake it in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 25-30 minutes.
What is the safe internal temperature for the chicken?
The chicken is safe to eat once it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
How can I thicken the sauce if it is too runny?
Mix 2 teaspoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the sauce, then cook on high for 10-15 minutes.
What side dishes go well with this chicken?
It is best served over aromatic jasmine or basmati rice with a side of steamed vegetables.
How much orange marmalade is used?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of orange marmalade.
What kind of ginger is needed?
Use 1 tablespoon of freshly grated gingerroot.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a mild kick from 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper but is generally family-friendly.
How much garlic should I add?
The recipe calls for 1 minced garlic clove.
Can I use any type of mustard?
The recipe specifically recommends 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard.
How much pineapple is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of crushed pineapple.
What type of soy sauce is used?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of soy sauce.
How much sugar is in the marinade?
There is 1/4 cup of sugar to balance the citrus flavors.
What is the preparation for the lime juice?
You will need 1 tablespoon of lime juice mixed directly into the marinade.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, it is excellent for meal prep as it can be marinated or frozen ahead of time.
Is Zesty Ginger Citrus Chicken Delight healthy?
Yes, it is considered a healthy meal option, especially when served with vegetables.
Can I skip the marinating time?
While overnight is best, marinating for at least a short period will help the flavor, though it's designed for long soaking.
What equipment is needed?
You will need a gallon-sized zip lock bag and either a crockpot or a baking dish.
How do I know the chicken is done without a thermometer?
The juices should run clear when the chicken is pierced.
Can I use chicken thighs instead?
While the recipe calls for boneless skinless chicken, thighs can be used but may require slightly different cooking times.
What gives the dish its citrus flavor?
The citrus profile comes from the combination of orange marmalade and lime juice.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe suitable for busy weeknights.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 main ingredients including the chicken and marinade components.