Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Spicy Honey Orange Chicken with Savory Mushrooms?
It is an elevated twist on a classic dish featuring chicken breasts infused with a spicy-sweet marinade and savory mushrooms.
How many chicken breasts are required for this recipe?
The recipe requires 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts.
How should the chicken be prepared before cooking?
The chicken should be cleaned, dried, and pounded to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
What ingredients are used to dredge the chicken?
The chicken is dredged in a mixture of flour, half of the chili powder, and half of the lemon pepper.
How do I cook the jasmine rice for this dish?
Combine 1/2 cup of rice with 1 cup of water, bring to a boil, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.
What type of oil is used for sautรฉing the chicken?
One tablespoon of olive oil is used for sautรฉing.
When should I add the garlic to the pan?
Add the minced garlic to the olive oil and sautรฉ until fragrant before adding the chicken.
How long should I sear the chicken initially?
Sear the chicken for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and halfway cooked.
At what temperature should I keep the chicken warm while preparing the sauce?
Keep the chicken warm in a low oven set at 170ยฐF.
How do I deglaze the skillet?
Carefully pour in 1/2 cup of wine to the pan and scrape the browned bits from the bottom.
How much should the wine be reduced during deglazing?
The wine should be allowed to simmer until it is reduced by half.
What ingredients make up the orange honey sauce?
The sauce consists of orange juice, honey, chili powder, lemon pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Can I adjust the spiciness of this recipe?
Yes, you can adjust the chili powder and red pepper flakes to suit your personal spice preference.
When do the mushrooms get added to the dish?
Add the rinsed mushroom pieces to the skillet when you return the chicken to finish cooking.
What type of mushrooms are recommended?
The recipe calls for 4 ounces of mushroom pieces, drained and rinsed.
How long does the chicken simmer in the sauce?
The chicken and mushrooms should simmer in the sauce for about 10-12 minutes.
How can I ensure the chicken stays juicy?
Spoon the sauce over the chicken occasionally while it is simmering in the skillet.
How should this dish be served?
Serve the chicken and mushrooms over a bed of jasmine rice, drizzled with the savory sauce.
Is this recipe considered a quick meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick meal suitable for a flavorful dinner.
What kind of wine should be used?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of wine for deglazing; typically a dry white wine works best for this flavor profile.
Can I use bottled orange juice?
Yes, you can use either freshly squeezed or bottled orange juice.
What provides the 'zesty' flavor in the recipe?
The combination of orange juice and lemon pepper provides the zesty citrus notes.
Does the lemon pepper contain salt?
The recipe specifically calls for 'No-Salt Lemon Pepper'.
How much honey is used for the sweetness?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of honey.
What is the purpose of pounding the chicken?
Pounding the chicken ensures an even thickness which leads to uniform cooking.
How much water is needed for the rice?
You will need 1 cup of water for every 1/2 cup of jasmine rice.
Can I substitute jasmine rice?
Yes, though jasmine rice is recommended for its aroma, you can use other rice types while adjusting water ratios accordingly.
What is the total estimated simmering time for the sauce?
The sauce simmers briefly to reduce the wine, then for another 10-12 minutes with the chicken.
Is this recipe spicy?
Yes, it uses chili powder and red pepper flakes to create a spicy kick.
Are the mushrooms fresh or canned?
The preparation instructions for 'drained and rinsed' suggest the use of high-quality canned or jarred mushroom pieces.