Chinese Citrus Roasted Orange Chicken
Try this Chinese Citrus Roasted Orange Chicken recipe.
Try this Chinese Citrus Roasted Orange Chicken recipe.
- 2 bay leaves
- 7 cups water
- 3 star anise
- 4 lbs whole chicken (giblets removed inside cavity)
- orange wedges (about a quarter of 1 whole californ
- lemon wedges (about half of 1 whole lemon)
- 2-3 small garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp melted ghee or duck fat
- sea salt & black pepper
- quarter of 1 whole california orange juice
- half of 1 whole lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp grated ginger
- 1/2 tsp grated garlic
- 1/8 spfine sea salt
- 1 head garlic halve in half
- 8 chinese red dates (alt. 6 medjool or himalayan dat
- 1/4 cup fresh sliced ginger unpeeled
- half of whole lime peel
- 1/4 cup coarse sea salt
- Carbohydrate 0.296457825592206 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.0551297046564588 g
- Fiber 0.0900548225093161 g
- Protein 0.0593860881731871 g
- Saturated Fat 0.00626786710243301 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (592g)
- Sodium 4687.96374012393 mg
- Sugar 0.20640300308289 g
- Trans Fat 0.010269951943459 g
- Calories 2 calories
Step-by-step
- Combine the ingredients listed under “My Chinese flavor brining combo” in a 5 liter size large soup pot. Bring it to boil and then wait until the liquid is cool to room temperature before submerging the whole chicken in the brining liquid. Breast side down. Cover the soup pot with a lid and store in the fridge for 24 hours.
- Whisk ingredients under “orange chicken skin coating sauce” in a medium bowl and set aside.
- Preheat the oven to 400/410 degrees F.
- Drain and pat dry the chicken.
- Rub melted ghee or duck fat all over the chicken and underneath the skin. Be careful not to break the skin.
- Sprinkle the entire chicken and cavity with salt and pepper.
- Stuff the cavity with orange and lemon wedges and 2-3 garlic cloves.
- Tie the chicken legs together with kitchen string.
- Position a rack in a large roasting pan. Place the chicken, breast side up, on the rack in the pan.
- Roast the chicken first for 40 minutes then rotate the roasting pan to bake another 30 minutes, basting occasionally with the “orange chicken skin coating sauce”.
- Continue roasting the chicken until the thickest part of the thigh reaches 170 degrees F without touching the bone.
- If you like, place the same roasting pan over medium-low heat. Whisk in any remaining orange coating sauce and simmer until the sauce is reduced, stirring often, about 2-3 minutes.
- Strain into a glass measuring cup and discard the solids.
- Spoon the fat from the top of the sauce.
- Serve the chicken with the pan sauce.
A Home Cook's Delight: Chinese Citrus Roasted Orange Chicken
As a busy mom, time in the kitchen is precious. I need recipes that are both impressive and efficient, and this Chinese Citrus Roasted Orange Chicken fits the bill perfectly. This recipe isn't just about a delicious meal; it's about creating a comforting and flavorful experience for my family. The aroma alone, a blend of citrus and spice, fills our home with warmth and anticipation. The juicy, tender chicken, glistening with a beautifully caramelized skin, is a testament to the simplicity and elegance of this dish. It's the kind of meal that makes everyone gather around the table, sharing stories and laughter, a cherished moment in our everyday lives. Preparing this chicken isn't about slaving away in the kitchen; it's about creating a delicious centerpiece that elevates a simple weeknight dinner into something truly special.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. While I follow the recipe closely, I often adjust it based on what I have on hand. Sometimes I’ll add a few extra herbs, or swap out the type of citrus fruit, depending on what’s fresh and in season at the local farmer’s market. The core ingredients remain consistent – the fragrant blend of spices, the tangy citrus notes, and the succulent chicken – but the little variations make each cooking experience unique. This recipe allows me to express my creativity without sacrificing the delicious results. And let's be honest, the cleanup is surprisingly manageable, which is a huge plus for any busy homemaker. The rich, flavorful pan sauce is perfect for spooning over fluffy rice or serving with roasted vegetables. It’s the kind of meal that leaves you feeling satisfied and happy, knowing that you’ve created something truly special for your loved ones, without spending hours slaving away in the kitchen.
More than just a recipe, this Chinese Citrus Roasted Orange Chicken has become a family favorite. It's a dish that evokes memories and creates new ones. It’s a testament to the power of food to bring people together and create lasting connections. It’s a recipe I’ll be sharing with my children, passing down not just a culinary tradition but a piece of our family history, a culinary legacy that will hopefully continue to be cherished for generations to come. This isn't just a meal; it's a legacy. And that's something truly special.
Beyond the Recipe: The wonderful thing about this recipe is its adaptability. Feel free to experiment with the herbs and spices. Add some chilies for a spicier kick or substitute different types of citrus fruits to customize the flavor profile. You can also adapt the cooking method to fit your needs. If you prefer, you can grill the chicken instead of roasting it. The most important part is to enjoy the process and the delicious results.
Serving Suggestions: I love to serve this chicken with a side of steamed rice, roasted vegetables, and a simple green salad. The combination of flavors and textures creates a well-rounded and satisfying meal. You could also serve it with noodles for a different take on this dish. The possibilities are endless!
Storage and Leftovers: Any leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It's just as delicious reheated, perfect for a quick and easy lunch or dinner.
Conclusion: This Chinese Citrus Roasted Orange Chicken is more than just a recipe; it’s a culinary adventure. It's a dish that invites creativity, celebrates family, and most importantly, tastes absolutely incredible. So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and prepare to create a meal that will be remembered.
