Zesty Persian Citrus Chicken
Experience the vibrant flavors of Persian cuisine with this delightful Zesty Persian Citrus Chicken. Tender chicken breasts are marinated in fresh lemon juice, providing a bright and tangy base. Coupled with sweet, juicy oranges and a hint of earthy turmeric, this dish offers a beautiful balance of flavors. This recipe combines succulent sautéed chicken with a luscious orange and onion sauce, making it perfect for a special occasion or a comforting weeknight dinner. Serve this dish with fragrant basmati rice or a fresh green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chicken breasts
4 (large, boneless, skinless, cut into 1-inch cubes)
Lemon
1 (juiced)
Seedless oranges
4 (peeled and sectioned)
Salt
1/2 (teaspoon)
Pepper
1/2 (teaspoon)
Turmeric
1/4 (teaspoon)
Onion
1/2 (cup, chopped)
Butter
5 (tablespoons, divided)
Vinegar
1/4 (cup)
Sugar
6 (tablespoons)
Instructions
1
Begin by cutting the chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes and marinate them in lemon juice for 1 hour to enhance their flavor and tenderness.
2
While the chicken is marinating, use a vegetable peeler to create thin strips of orange zest, about 2 tablespoons, and set them aside.
3
Peel the seedless oranges carefully, aiming to remove as much of the white pith as possible. Once peeled, divide the oranges into individual sections, discarding any seeds.
4
In a medium saucepan, combine the orange sections, salt, pepper, and turmeric, stirring gently to combine.
5
In a skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the chopped onion and sauté until browned, approximately 10 minutes.
6
Add the reserved orange zest to the skillet with the caramelized onions and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring to infuse the flavors.
7
Transfer the onion mixture into the saucepan with the orange sections, then add vinegar and sugar. Cook for 15 minutes over low heat, stirring gently to keep the orange sections intact.
8
With the sauce simmering, heat the remaining butter in the skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and sauté the cubes until golden brown and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes.
9
To serve, plate the cooked chicken pieces and generously spoon the vibrant orange mixture over the top. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Persian Citrus Chicken?
It is a vibrant Persian-inspired dish featuring tender chicken breasts marinated in lemon juice and served with a sweet and tangy orange and turmeric sauce.
What kind of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch cubes for even cooking and tenderness.
How long should the chicken be marinated?
The chicken should be marinated in lemon juice for 1 hour to enhance both its flavor and its tenderness.
What role does the lemon juice play in the marinade?
The lemon juice provides a bright, tangy base and acts as a tenderizer for the chicken breast meat.
How do I prepare the oranges for this dish?
You need to create 2 tablespoons of zest strips using a peeler, then peel the oranges fully to remove the white pith and divide them into sections.
How much orange zest is required?
The recipe requires approximately 2 tablespoons of thin orange zest strips.
What spices are used in the orange sauce?
The sauce is seasoned with 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of earthy turmeric.
How long should I sauté the onions?
The chopped onions should be sautéed in butter for approximately 10 minutes until they are nicely browned and caramelized.
When do I add the orange zest to the pan?
Add the reserved orange zest to the skillet with the caramelized onions and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to infuse the flavors.
How long does the orange sauce need to simmer?
The orange sections, onion mixture, vinegar, and sugar should be cooked together for 15 minutes over low heat.
How do I keep the orange sections from falling apart?
Stir the mixture gently while it simmers over low heat to ensure the orange sections remain intact.
How should the chicken be cooked?
The chicken cubes should be sautéed in butter over medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked.
What is the final serving suggestion for this recipe?
Plate the cooked chicken pieces first and then generously spoon the vibrant orange sauce mixture over the top.
What are the recommended side dishes?
This dish is best served with fragrant basmati rice or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
How much sugar is used in the sauce?
The recipe calls for 6 tablespoons of sugar to balance the tanginess of the citrus and vinegar.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy recipe featuring lean chicken and fresh citrus fruit.
What type of oranges should I buy?
Seedless oranges are recommended to make the peeling and sectioning process easier and to ensure a better texture in the sauce.
How much vinegar is needed for the recipe?
You will need 1/4 cup of vinegar to add acidity to the orange sauce.
How much butter is used in total?
A total of 5 tablespoons of butter is used, divided between sautéing the onions and cooking the chicken.
What type of onion should I use?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of chopped onion, which is typically half of a medium-sized onion.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is tagged for meal prep as the chicken and sauce hold up well when stored.
Can I substitute the turmeric?
While turmeric provides a unique earthy flavor and golden color, you can omit it if necessary, though the flavor profile will change slightly.
How large should the chicken pieces be?
The chicken should be cut into 1-inch cubes to ensure they cook quickly and absorb the marinade efficiently.
Is this a spicy dish?
No, this is a zesty and sweet dish rather than a spicy one, as it uses turmeric and pepper rather than chili heat.
What is the texture of the sauce?
The sauce is described as luscious and vibrant, containing whole orange sections and caramelized onions.
How many oranges do I need?
You will need 4 seedless oranges for this recipe.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
While fresh lemon juice is preferred for the best flavor, bottled juice can be used as a substitute for the marinade.
Is this a traditional Persian recipe?
It is a Persian-inspired dish that utilizes traditional flavors like citrus, turmeric, and onion.
Can I use a different cooking oil?
While butter is used for its flavor in this recipe, you can substitute it with olive oil or a neutral cooking oil if preferred.
How long does the entire process take?
Including the 1-hour marination time, the recipe takes about 1.5 to 2 hours from start to finish.