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This vibrant cilantro orange chicken is my go-to weeknight dinner when I want something that tastes like it took hours but comes together in minutes. The bright citrus marinade transforms ordinary chicken into something extraordinary while the rice and beans create a complete meal that satisfies everyone at my table.
This recipe saved me countless times during busy weeknights. I first made it when we had unexpected guests and only 20 minutes to prepare dinner. Everyone raved about it and now it's requested at nearly every family gathering.
Ingredients
- Cilantro: Freshly chopped adds bright herbaceous notes that pair perfectly with the citrus
- Garlic: Provides essential savory depth to balance the sweetness
- Fresh orange juice and zest: Brings natural sweetness and acidity that tenderizes the chicken
- Brown sugar: Helps create caramelization and balances the acidity
- Avocado oil: Has a high smoke point perfect for broiling at high temperatures
- White vinegar: Adds tanginess and helps tenderize the chicken
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs: Stay juicy and flavorful even under high heat
- Precooked yellow rice: Saves time while providing a flavorful base
- Black beans: Add protein and fiber making this a complete meal
- Fresh fruits: Like pineapple, mango, or avocado provide a refreshing contrast
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare Your Skewers:
- If using wooden skewers soak them in water for at least 20 minutes to prevent burning. This step is crucial for even cooking and preventing your skewers from becoming charcoal under the broiler. The water creates steam inside the wood preventing it from catching fire.
- Prep Your Oven:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Position your oven rack about 6 inches from the heating element and preheat your broiler. The high heat will create a beautiful caramelized exterior while keeping the inside juicy.
- Make The Cilantro Orange Sauce:
- Combine finely chopped cilantro, freshly grated garlic, orange juice with a bit of zest, brown sugar, avocado oil, white vinegar, and salt in a small bowl. Whisk thoroughly until the sugar dissolves and the mixture emulsifies. This sauce is the heart of the dish providing both flavor and moisture.
- Marinate The Chicken:
- Place chicken pieces in a large mixing bowl and pour half of the prepared sauce over them. Toss thoroughly to ensure each piece is evenly coated, reserving the other half of sauce for later. The acids in the orange juice and vinegar begin tenderizing the meat immediately.
- Arrange For Cooking:
- Thread marinated chicken pieces onto skewers if using or place them directly on the prepared baking sheet. Leave a small space between pieces to ensure even cooking. Add a light sprinkle of extra salt over the chicken for enhanced flavor development.
- Broil To Perfection:
- Place the chicken under the broiler for approximately 12 minutes until thoroughly cooked with a golden caramelized exterior. The high heat creates a delicious contrast between the crisp exterior and juicy interior. Watch carefully as broilers can vary in intensity.
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The secret to this recipe truly lies in the quality of your oranges. I discovered this by accident when I made it once with some extraordinarily sweet oranges from my neighbor's tree. The natural sweetness combined with the slight bitterness of the zest created a depth of flavor that store-bought juice simply cannot match.
Sauce Versatility
This cilantro orange sauce isn't just for chicken. I regularly use it as a marinade for shrimp or firm white fish like halibut or mahi mahi. The bright acidity works particularly well with seafood creating a refreshing yet satisfying meal. For vegetarians try brushing it over thick slices of extra firm tofu before broiling or grilling. The sauce also makes an excellent dressing for grain bowls or salads when thinned with a bit more oil.
Make Ahead Options
This entire meal works beautifully for meal prep. You can prepare the cilantro orange sauce up to three days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The chicken can marinate overnight which actually improves the flavor penetration. If making ahead, prepare the chicken skewers but wait to broil until just before serving. The full cooked meal will keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days making it perfect for busy weekday lunches.
Serving Suggestions
Create a DIY build your own bowl setup for family dinners. Place the broiled chicken, rice, beans, and optional toppings in separate bowls allowing everyone to customize their meal. For a more formal presentation arrange the rice in a ring around the outside of a large platter, top with beans, and place the chicken skewers in the center. Garnish with additional fresh cilantro, orange segments, and your fruit salsa. This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Mexican beer with a lime wedge.
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Whether for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this cilantro orange chicken never fails to impress!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breast, but be careful not to overcook as breast meat tends to dry out faster than thighs. Reduce the broiling time to about 8-10 minutes and check for doneness.
- → How can I make this dish spicy?
To add heat, incorporate 1-2 minced jalapeños or 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the cilantro orange sauce. You could also add a dash of hot sauce before serving.
- → Can this be prepared ahead of time?
You can marinate the chicken in the sauce for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator. The sauce itself can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- → What can I substitute for avocado oil?
Olive oil or any neutral cooking oil like canola or vegetable oil would work well as substitutes. Choose an oil with a relatively high smoke point since you'll be broiling at high heat.
- → Is this dish gluten-free?
The chicken with cilantro orange sauce is naturally gluten-free. Just check that your pre-made yellow rice doesn't contain any gluten ingredients if you're serving this to someone with gluten sensitivity.
- → What fruits work best for the optional salsa?
Pineapple and mango pair exceptionally well with the cilantro-orange flavors. Avocado adds creaminess, while papaya or peach would also work nicely. Choose ripe but firm fruit for the best texture.