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Basil Orange Chicken Recipe

Unlock a burst of sunshine with this vibrant Basil Orange Chicken recipe! A simple yet incredibly flavorful marinade transforms chicken into a juicy, tender masterpiece. Marinate for maximum flavor, then pan-sear or grill for a delicious dinner ready in under an hour. This recipe is perfect for weeknight meals or impressing guests!

Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 35 mins
Calories 249.9 kcal
Protein 54g
Rating 4.3 (4 Reviews)
Basil Orange Chicken

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Passionate home cook & Forktionary contributor.

Ingredients for Basil Orange Chicken

  • Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast Halves
  • 1/2 cup orange juice
  • 1/4 cup canola oil
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • Fresh Basil
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

How to Make Basil Orange Chicken

  1. Rinse 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts and pat thoroughly dry.
  2. Place chicken in a large sealable plastic bag.
  3. In a bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup canola oil, 2 tablespoons honey, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil.
  4. Pour marinade over chicken in the bag, ensuring it's fully coated. Seal tightly.
  5. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight, turning occasionally.
  6. Remove chicken from bag, reserving the marinade.
  7. Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  8. Brown chicken on both sides for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown.
  9. Arrange chicken in a glass baking dish.
  10. Pour reserved marinade over the chicken.
  11. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear.
  12. Serve hot or cold. Garnish with extra fresh basil, if desired.

Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor

Chef's secret: layers of flavor make a dish truly memorable! Consider what a little extra something could bring – perhaps a touch of acidity like a good vinegar or citrus zest, a hint of smokiness from paprika, a bit of umami from mushrooms or soy sauce, or a sprinkle of toasted nuts for texture. Experiment and taste as you go!

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

3 g

Sugar

29g

Fat

7g

Carbs

2g

Recipe Categories (Choose a category and find related recipes!)

60 Minutes Or Less Time To Make Course Main Ingredient Cuisine Preparation Occasion North American Main Dish Poultry Easy Dinner Party Kid Friendly Chicken Dietary Low Sodium Low Saturated Fat High Protein Low Carb Inexpensive High In Something Low In Something Meat Chicken Breasts Taste Mood Savory To Go