Tangy and Sweet Orange-Riesling Sauce Recipe
Gather around, fellow food enthusiasts! I have an amazing recipe that will surely satisfy your taste buds. Imagine the perfect combination of savory and sweet flavors all in one dish – that’s what this Chicken in Orange-Riesling Sauce recipe has to offer.
Just the sound of it is enough to make your mouth water, isn’t it? Trust me; it tastes as good as it sounds. The dish starts with juicy boneless, skinless chicken breast halves cooked to perfection and then dressed up with a delectable orange-riesling sauce.
This recipe is both simple and flavorful. You won’t need fancy ingredients or cooking skills you haven’t mastered yet. Just follow the simple steps I’ll be laying out on the pages that follow, and you’ll soon have a plate of delicious chicken that everyone will crave.
So let’s get to it! Whether for a family dinner, special occasions, or just a random day when you want something extraordinary on the table, this Chicken in Orange-Riesling Sauce recipe is perfect for you. Are you ready? Let’s cook!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Firstly, let me tell you that the Chicken in Orange-Riesling Sauce recipe will quickly become your new go-to dinner dish. Its delicate balance of citrus from freshly squeezed orange juice and sweetness from Riesling wine blends harmoniously with the tender and juicy chicken breast or thigh meat. Trust me; it’s a mouthwatering experience that you do not want to miss.
What makes this recipe more appealing is its versatility to cater to various dietary needs. Anyone can enjoy it, especially those on a low-carb diet, as the sauce does not contain any flour or sugar. This recipe ensures that you get all the protein your muscles need while indulging in the delectable flavors in every bite.
Additionally, this recipe features another favourite ingredient used widely in Asian cuisine – Soy Sauce. It adds umami notes to the sauce alongside prominent flavours of orange and Riesling wine. For years, Asian chili-garlic sauce and soy sauce have been delicious secret ingredients to add to chicken dishes, and you won’t be disappointed with this combination too!
Overall, this incredible recipe is effortless to make yet produces outstanding results that taste like it came straight out of a five-star restaurant kitchen. It’s suitable for any occasion, whether for a quick weeknight dinner with family or friends who are over for dinner. Trust me; they’ll be asking for seconds!
Ingredient List
Here is a list of the ingredients needed to make this Chicken in Orange-Riesling Sauce Recipe:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 large orange, zest and juice
- 1 shallot, minced
- 1 cup Riesling wine
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh marjoram
Most of these ingredients can be easily found in any grocery store, and you may already have some of them on hand. Make sure to use fresh marjoram as it really adds a tangy taste to the dish. You can use either dark meat chicken thighs or boneless skinless chicken breast halves depending on your preference. Don’t forget to always check the expiration date of the ingredients, especially the orange juice, soy sauce, and brown sugar.
The Recipe How-To
Preparation
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Juice and zest the orange: Always grate the zest before juicing citrus fruit to better preserve its natural oils. Use a microplane grater or zester to grate only the colored part of the peel, avoiding the white pith that tastes bitter.
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Prepare the chicken: Pat dry 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts halves (1 1/2 lb.) with paper towels and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
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Prepare the sauce: In a small saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 1 finely chopped shallot and cook until soft, about 3 minutes.
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Add other ingredients to make sauce: Add 2 cups Riesling wine, 1 cup orange juice, zest of 1 large orange, 4 tablespoons brown sugar, and 2 tablespoons soy sauce to the saucepan. Bring to a boil and cook until reduced by half, about 15-20 minutes.
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Cook chicken in pan: Heat a large frying pan over medium-high heat until hot. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and let it warm up for a few seconds. Add chicken breasts and cook for about 3 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
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Simmer chicken in Riesling-Orange Sauce: Pour sauce over chicken breasts in the frying pan and add some sprigs of fresh marjoram on top. Simmer for about 10-12 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
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Transfer chicken onto plate with Riesling-Orange Sauce poured over it.
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Garnish with orange zest if desired and serve immediately.
Enjoy your tasty chicken in orange-Riesling sauce!
Substitutions and Variations
When it comes to substitutions and variations for this Chicken in Orange-Riesling Sauce Recipe, the possibilities are endless. Here are a few ideas to play with:
1. Instead of chicken breast, use boneless skinless chicken thighs for a richer taste.
2. If you can’t find Riesling wine, substitute it with another sweet white wine like Moscato or Gewürztraminer.
3. For a creamier sauce, add a splash of heavy cream or crème fraîche at the end of the cooking process.
4. If you’re looking for a low-sugar option, use a sugar substitute like honey or maple syrup instead of brown sugar.
5. Want to make this dish slightly spicier? Add some red pepper flakes to the sauce and let it simmer for an additional few minutes.
6. If you don’t have fresh marjoram on hand, substitute it with dried marjoram or another herb like thyme or tarragon.
Remember, cooking is all about experimenting and finding what works best for your taste buds. Don’t be afraid to play around with different ingredients and ratios until you get the perfect dish.
Serving and Pairing
When it comes to serving and pairing this delicious Chicken in Orange-Riesling Sauce recipe, there are several options to consider.
First and foremost, the dish pairs exceptionally well with a glass of crisp and refreshing Riesling wine, which enhances the citrusy flavors of the sauce. A glass of chilled Riesling will elevate your dining experience, making it feel like a night out at a fancy restaurant.
In terms of side dishes, you can opt for simple sides that won’t steal the spotlight from the chicken’s flavor profile. Roasted asparagus is light and earthy, complementing the subtle sweetness of the orange sauce, while mashed potatoes offer a creamy and subtle background to the juicy chicken breast.
Another great pairing option is couscous, flavored with fresh marjoram, for an aromatic side that echoes the flavors of the chicken. Alternatively, if you are looking for something more filling, try adding a side of buttery polenta, which offers a sweet and creamy contrast to the tangy citrus flavors in the chicken.
Overall, this Chicken in Orange-Riesling Sauce recipe is versatile enough so that you can easily swap your preferred sides and wine varietals to suit your personal taste preferences. With its juicy meat and tangy-sweet orange sauce perfectly balanced by refreshing Riesling wine, this dish promises an unforgettable culinary experience in every bite.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
This chicken in orange-riesling sauce recipe is perfect for making ahead! The flavors will only deepen and become more delicious as they marinate together. To make ahead, prepare the dish as directed up to the point of adding the orange-riesling sauce. Cover with foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, simply pour the sauce over the chicken, bake as directed, and enjoy!
To store any leftovers, transfer the chicken and sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. When reheating, I recommend using a microwave or reheat in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.
Although this recipe is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, it can also be reheated to perfection. Simply preheat your oven, add a bit more orange-riesling sauce on top of the chicken, cover with foil, and bake for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
This dish also pairs well with crispy fried chicken pieces or sautéed coq au vin with fresh marjoram and tarragon. The creamy riesling or white wine sauce adds so much flavor that it tastes like something you would order from Panda Express or Cheesecake Factory! In fact, this recipe is so versatile that you can swap out boneless skinless chicken breast halves for dark meat chicken thighs if you prefer a richer and juicier flavor. No matter how this meal is prepared or stored, sugar soy sauce and orange juice zest will always give it that sweet kick that makes it stand out from other Riesling wine recipes.
Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure that your chicken in orange-riesling sauce turns out perfectly every time, here are some useful tips to keep in mind.
1. Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the best results. If you prefer dark meat, you can use chicken thighs instead.
2. Make sure to grate the zest of the orange and juice it yourself rather than using pre-packaged juice. This will give your dish a fresher and more vibrant flavor.
3. Always season the chicken with salt and black pepper before cooking. This will enhance its natural flavors and help the meat absorb the flavors of the sauce.
4. When making the orange-riesling sauce, cook it over medium heat and constantly stir until it thickens. Be careful not to overcook it as this can cause the sauce to break and become too thick.
5. For extra flavor, try adding fresh marjoram or tarragon to the sauce while it’s cooking.
6. If you don’t have riesling wine on hand, you can substitute it with any other dry white wine such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.
7. If you prefer a creamier sauce, add a splash of heavy cream after removing the sauce from heat.
By following these tips, you can create a delicious chicken in orange-riesling sauce that is sure to impress your dinner guests.
FAQ
Now, let’s move on to some frequently asked questions about this chicken in orange-riesling sauce recipe. Whether you’re a beginner cook or a seasoned pro in the kitchen, you might have some doubts on how to prepare or serve this dish. So, I’ve compiled some of the most common questions and answered them to help you achieve perfect results every time you make it.
What is the orange sauce made of in orange chicken?
This delectable sauce boasts a combination of sweet and spicy flavors, created by infusing orange juice, vinegar, garlic, sugar, soy sauce, ginger, red chili flakes, and orange zest.
Can you cook with Riesling wine?
The uniqueness of Riesling lies in its subtle scent of citrus, apple, and floral notes, which persist even in culinary preparations. This wine’s versatility makes it an excellent accompaniment for both sweet desserts and light seafood dishes, while also being a perfect ingredient for fruit poaching.
What is orange chicken made of at Panda Express?
Panda Express’ orange chicken features a protein source that many may not expect: dark meat chicken. Although boneless, skinless chicken breasts are often preferred, properly prepared dark meat chicken provides its own unique advantages. This may be why Panda Express highlights its use of dark meat in their beloved orange chicken dish.
What is Chinese orange sauce made of?
Orange sauce is a delectable and versatile condiment made using orange juice and zest, soy sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, and garlic. Cornstarch is added to give it a thick consistency. This sauce is known for its delicious blend of sweet and tangy flavors and is a perfect partner for chicken, fish, pork, and stir-fries.
What is Thai orange chicken made of?
To create a lip-smacking orange sauce, I blend tangy orange juice with zesty orange peel, soy sauce, sugar, garlic, ginger, and rice vinegar. I fry up the chicken in a wok until it is juicy and succulent. Then, I pour the flavorful sauce into the wok and let it bubble up until it thickens slightly. Finally, I toss the chicken in the sauce until it is fully coated, creating a delectable dish.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this chicken in orange-riesling sauce recipe is a must-try for any food lover out there! The combination of the tangy orange and the fruity Riesling wine gives the chicken a flavor that will leave your taste buds wanting more.
With easy-to-find ingredients and simple instructions, this recipe is perfect for both novice and experienced cooks. Plus, there are many substitutions and variations you can make to cater to your preferences.
Whether you’re craving some delicious crispy chicken or some creamy Coq au Riesling, this recipe has got you covered. So, don’t wait any longer, head to the kitchen to make this dish today!
Try pairing it with fresh marjoram and a glass of Riesling to enhance the flavors even further. I can guarantee that this chicken in orange-riesling sauce will become your new go-to meal for any occasion.
So, if you’re looking for a refreshing and satisfying meal that will leave you feeling ultra-satisfied, then look no further than this wonderful dish. Give this recipe a try and I bet it will soon become your favorite!
Chicken in Orange-Riesling Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 large orange
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (1 1/2 lb.)
- salt
- fresh ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 shallot, minced
- 1/2 cup riesling wine
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh marjoram
Instructions
- Finely grate 2 teaspoons orange zest and squeeze ¼ cup orange juice from the orange.
- Set the zest and juice aside.
- Place 1 chicken breast half between 2 sheets of waxed paper.
- Using meat pounder or the flat bottom of a heavy pan, lightly pound the chicken until it is about ½ inch thick.
- Repeat with the remaining chicken breast halves.
- Season generously with salt and pepper.
- In a large frying pan over med-high heat, melt 2 T butter.
- Working in batches, if needed, to avoid crowding, add the chicken and cook, turning once, until golden on both sides and opaque throughout, 6-8 minutes total.
- Transfer the chicken to a plate.
- Melt the remaining 1 T butter in the pan over medium heat.
- Add the shallot and sauté until lightly browned, about 1 minute.
- Add the wine, marjoram, and reserved orange juice and zest.
- Cook, stirring to scrape up the browned bits on the pan bottom, until the sauce is bubbly and slightly reduced, about 3 minutes.
- Return the chicken and any juices from the plate to the pan and heat through, about 1 minute.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Transfer to a platter, spoon the sauce over the chicken and serve.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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