Baked tangerine chicken

Baked Tangerine Chicken 

This baked tangerine chicken is bursting with tangy, sweet, and savory flavors! The juicy tangerines bring a refreshing citrus twist, while the oven-baking keeps the chicken tender and juicy. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s both delicious and easy to prepare.


Ingredients 

For the Chicken:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 8 thighs)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

For the Tangerine Sauce:

  • ½ cup fresh tangerine juice (about 3–4 tangerines)
  • 2 tbsp tangerine zest
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp honey (or maple syrup for a twist)
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)

For Garnish:

  • Fresh tangerine slices
  • Chopped green onions
  • Sesame seeds

Instructions ‍:

1. Preheat the Oven:

  • Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.

2. Season the Chicken:

  • Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
  • Rub the chicken with saltpepper, and garlic powder.
  • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden (this step locks in the juices).

3. Make the Tangerine Sauce:

  1. In a saucepan, combine tangerine juicezestsoy saucehoneyrice vinegarsesame oilgarlic, and ginger.
  2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
  3. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat.
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4. Bake the Chicken:

  1. Place the seared chicken in the baking dish and pour the tangerine sauce over it.
  2. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Baste the chicken with the sauce halfway through for extra flavor.

5. Garnish and Serve:

  • Once baked, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes.
  • Garnish with fresh tangerine slicesgreen onions, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

Serving Suggestions ️

Pair this baked tangerine chicken with:

  • Steamed jasmine rice or quinoa to soak up the citrusy sauce.
  • Roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or snap peas for a vibrant side dish.
  • A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette for balance.

Tips and Variations ✨

  • Add Heat: Mix in a dash of red pepper flakes or Sriracha for a spicy kick.
  • Use Bone-In Chicken: If you prefer, substitute with bone-in thighs or drumsticks; just adjust the baking time to about 40–45 minutes.
  • Extra Citrus: Try adding a splash of orange juice or lemon juice for an extra tangy flavor.

Your Turn!

What side dish would you serve with this citrusy chicken? Share your favorite pairings below!

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