Mexico's Zesty Embrace: Garlicky Orange & Chile Chicken
Details
An easy and flavorful take on a classic pairing, this Mexican-style orange and garlic chicken is a guaranteed family-pleaser. Forget boring roasted chicken; this dish builds incredible flavor by first marinating the meat in a zesty blend of citrus, garlic, and spices, then simmering it in a rich, savory sauce. It’s a simple yet impressive main course perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine the orange juice, lime juice, vinegar, minced garlic, achiote powder, oregano, cumin, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Place the chicken pieces in a large dish or resealable bag, pour the marinade over them, and ensure they are well-coated. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, though 1-3 hours is ideal for the best flavor.
Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, reserving the liquid. Place the chicken in the hot pan and sear until golden brown on all sides. You don't need to cook it through at this stage. Once browned, remove the chicken and set it aside.
Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium and add the sliced onions. Sauté until they become translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the diced jalapeños and tomatoes, and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Simmer the Sauce
Return the seared chicken to the pan. Pour in the reserved marinade and the chicken stock. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer.
Cook and Finish
Cover the pan and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender, and the sauce has thickened slightly. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Serve
Serve the chicken hot, generously spooning the garlicky orange-chile sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh cilantro. This dish pairs wonderfully with white rice or warm corn tortillas to soak up the delicious sauce.
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