Zesty Orange-Balsamic Chicken Skillet
This delightful Zesty Orange-Balsamic Chicken Skillet combines tender, pan-seared chicken breasts with a luscious citrus-glazed sauce that perfectly balances sweetness and tang. Coming from a cherished recipe my mother discovered during a spring cleaning, this dish was originally featured in a Weight Watchers Cookbook, making it not only delicious but also a mindful choice for health-conscious diners. The orange marmalade infuses the chicken with a bright flavor, while the balsamic vinegar adds depth and authenticity. Quick to prepare and easy to enjoy, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend dinner with friends and family.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Boneless skinless chicken breasts
16 ounces (Pounded to 1/2 inch thickness)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (For seasoning)
Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (For seasoning)
Flour
1/4 cup (For dredging)
Margarine
1 tablespoon (Melted)
Chicken broth (no salt added)
2/3 cup (For sauce)
Cornstarch
1 1/2 teaspoons (To thicken sauce)
Orange marmalade (low-sugar or sugar-free)
1/2 cup (For sauce)
Balsamic vinegar
1 1/2 tablespoons (For sauce)
Instructions
1
Begin by placing the chicken breasts between two sheets of heavy-duty plastic wrap or parchment paper. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound them until they reach an even thickness of about 1/2 inch.
2
Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Dredge each piece in flour, shaking off any excess.
3
In a large non-stick skillet, melt the margarine over medium-high heat until bubbling. Carefully add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping once, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove the chicken from the skillet and keep it warm on a plate covered with foil.
4
In the same skillet, combine the chicken broth and cornstarch. Stir well to dissolve the cornstarch, then add the orange marmalade. Cook while stirring continuously until the sauce has thickened, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
5
Once thickened, add the balsamic vinegar to the sauce and reduce the heat to medium. Stir to combine all flavors.
6
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, turning the pieces in the sauce to ensure they are well-coated. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the chicken is heated through and glazed with the sauce.
7
Serve hot, drizzled with any remaining sauce from the skillet, garnished with additional orange zest or herbs if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Zesty Orange-Balsamic Chicken Skillet?
It is a healthy skillet dish featuring tender chicken breasts coated in a citrus glaze made with orange marmalade and balsamic vinegar.
How should the chicken breasts be prepared before cooking?
The chicken should be pounded to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch using a meat mallet or rolling pin between sheets of plastic wrap.
Why do I need to pound the chicken breasts?
Pounding ensures the chicken cooks evenly and quickly, which helps prevent it from drying out in the skillet.
What is the purpose of dredging the chicken in flour?
Dredging provides a light coating that helps the chicken brown beautifully and allows the orange-balsamic sauce to cling to the meat.
How long does it take to cook the chicken in the skillet?
The chicken typically takes 8 to 10 minutes to cook, flipping once, until it is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
What kind of marmalade should I use for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using low-sugar or sugar-free orange marmalade to maintain a mindful, health-conscious nutritional profile.
How do I make the orange-balsamic sauce?
In the same skillet used for the chicken, combine chicken broth, cornstarch, and marmalade, then stir until thickened before adding balsamic vinegar.
When do I add the balsamic vinegar?
Balsamic vinegar is added after the sauce has thickened and the heat has been reduced to medium.
Can I use butter instead of margarine?
Yes, you can substitute butter for margarine, though it may slightly change the fat content and nutritional values.
Is this recipe suitable for Weight Watchers?
Yes, this dish was originally featured in a Weight Watchers Cookbook and is designed to be a healthy choice for diners.
How much chicken is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 16 ounces (1 pound) of boneless skinless chicken breasts.
What type of broth should I use?
The recipe suggests using no-salt-added chicken broth to keep the sodium content low.
How many ingredients are needed for the sauce?
The sauce is made from four primary ingredients: chicken broth, cornstarch, orange marmalade, and balsamic vinegar.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, you can use boneless skinless chicken thighs, though the cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
As written, it contains flour. To make it gluten-free, substitute the dredging flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
How do I know when the sauce has thickened enough?
The sauce should reach a luscious, glaze-like consistency after about 2-3 minutes of continuous stirring.
What should I serve with this dish?
It pairs well with steamed vegetables, brown rice, or a fresh side salad to complement the zesty glaze.
Can I store and reheat leftovers?
Yes, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet to preserve the sauce texture.
Can I use fresh orange juice instead of marmalade?
While you can use juice, the marmalade provides a specific thickness and concentrated orange flavor that juice alone may lack.
What garnishes go well with this chicken?
Fresh orange zest or chopped herbs like parsley or thyme make excellent garnishes for this dish.
Is this dish spicy?
No, this dish is not spicy; it focuses on a balance of sweetness from the orange and tanginess from the vinegar.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
This specific recipe is designed as a quick skillet meal. A slow cooker version would require different ratios to prevent the chicken from becoming mushy.
How do I prevent the cornstarch from clumping?
Stir the cornstarch into the cold or room temperature chicken broth thoroughly before heating it in the skillet.
What is the flavor profile of this recipe?
It offers a bright citrus flavor from the marmalade paired with the deep, acidic richness of balsamic vinegar.
Is this a good recipe for a weeknight?
Yes, it is specifically noted as being quick to prepare and easy to enjoy, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Can I use a different type of vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar can be used, but balsamic is preferred for its unique sweetness and depth.
Do I need to grease the skillet?
Yes, the recipe uses 1 tablespoon of melted margarine to cook the chicken and prevent sticking.
Can I add vegetables to the skillet?
Yes, bell peppers or snap peas could be sautéed in the skillet before making the sauce for a more complete one-pan meal.
How many servings does this provide?
Based on the 16 ounces of chicken, this recipe typically serves 4 people.
What makes the chicken 'zesty'?
The combination of the citrus oils in the orange marmalade and the sharp tang of the balsamic vinegar creates the zesty flavor.