Introduction
Get ready to treat your taste buds with a delightful and easy-to-make dish featuring succulent chicken pieces coated in a tangy orange barbecue sauce. This recipe combines the sweetness of orange marmalade with the smokiness of barbecue sauce, creating a perfect harmony of flavors. Ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings, this dish is sure to impress everyone at the table.
Ingredients
18-ounce jar orange marmalade (e.g., Smucker’s brand)
¾ cup Sweet Baby Ray’s Original barbecue sauce
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast (approximately 3 large pieces), cut into 1½-inch pieces and patted dry with a paper towel
3 tablespoons olive oil
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes
Total Time
45 minutes
Yield
Serves 4-6
This recipe offers a delectable way to prepare chicken that is both simple and satisfying. The approach of marinating the chicken in a flavorful sauce while cooking ensures each bite is bursting with taste. Enjoy the juicy chicken with your favorite sides for a complete meal!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the orange marmalade and barbecue sauce until well combined; set aside.
Step 2: Brown the First Batch of Chicken
Heat a large (12-inch) skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add half of the chicken pieces to the skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.
Step 3: Cook the First Batch
Cook and brown the chicken on all sides for 7-9 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.
Step 4: Brown the Second Batch of Chicken
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the hot skillet, then add the remaining chicken pieces. Cook and brown for another 7-9 minutes.
Step 5: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Return all the cooked chicken to the skillet, along with any accumulated juices, and pour the orange sauce mixture over the chicken.
Step 6: Cook with Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium and cook the chicken with the sauce for 15 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce reduces by almost half and thickens to coat the chicken well.
Step 7: Serve
Once the sauce has thickened, remove from heat and serve.
Notes
Chicken Preparation
Ensure the chicken is patted dry before cooking to achieve better browning and prevent steaming.
Cooking Temperature
Monitor the skillet’s heat to prevent the sauce from burning; adjust as needed.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs well with rice, noodles, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Cook techniques
Whisking
Whisking is a technique used to blend ingredients together smoothly. In this recipe, whisking orange marmalade and barbecue sauce creates a cohesive glaze that enhances the flavor of the chicken.
Searing
Searing involves cooking meat at high heat to create a golden-brown crust. This technique not only adds flavor through the Maillard reaction but also locks in juices, keeping the chicken tender during the cooking process.
Deglazing
Once the chicken is cooked, deglazing the skillet with the sauce helps to lift the flavorful bits stuck to the pan. This technique enhances the overall taste of the dish and ensures that none of the flavor is wasted.
Reducing
Reducing the sauce involves simmering it until it thickens and intensifies in flavor. In this recipe, reducing the orange sauce mixture allows it to coat the chicken evenly, creating a delicious and glossy finish.
Resting
Allowing the cooked chicken to rest after searing is important. This technique helps redistribute the juices throughout the meat, ensuring each bite is moist and flavorful.
FAQ
Can I use other types of fruit preserves instead of orange marmalade?
Yes, you can substitute other fruit preserves such as apricot or peach for similar sweetness and flavor profiles.
Is it necessary to pat the chicken dry before cooking?
Patting the chicken dry helps achieve a better sear by removing excess moisture, allowing for a crispy exterior.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
You can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Cook the chicken fresh, then combine with the sauce before serving.
What can I serve with this orange barbecue chicken?
This dish pairs well with rice, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad to balance the sweetness of the sauce.
How can I tell when the chicken is fully cooked?
Chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and is no longer pink in the center. A meat thermometer is a useful tool for this.
Conclusion
This dish combines the sweetness of orange marmalade with the savory depth of barbecue sauce, creating a deliciously sticky glaze that elevates simple chicken breast into a standout meal. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, this recipe is easy to make and will surely impress your guests with its delightful flavor.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Orange Marmalade Glazed Meatballs
Mix ground beef or turkey with breadcrumbs, an egg, and seasonings. Shape into meatballs and bake, then toss them in a mixture of orange marmalade and barbecue sauce.
Grilled Orange BBQ Chicken Skewers
Marinate chunks of chicken in a blend of orange marmalade, barbecue sauce, and spices. Thread onto skewers and grill for a smoky flavor.
Sweet and Spicy Chicken Stir Fry
Stir fry chicken with your choice of vegetables, adding a sauce made of orange marmalade, soy sauce, and chili flakes for a sweet and spicy kick.
Crockpot Orange Chicken
Combine chicken pieces with orange marmalade, barbecue sauce, and a splash of soy sauce in a slow cooker. Cook on low for several hours for tender, flavorful chicken.
Orange BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Slow-cook pork shoulder with a sauce made of orange marmalade and barbecue sauce, then shred and serve on buns with coleslaw for crunch.
