- Soy sauce (umami flavor, important for seasoning)
- Garlic cloves (adds depth to the dish)
- Ginger (for a hint of spice and aroma)
- Cornstarch (thickens sauce, necessary for texture)
- Vegetable oil (cooking medium, keeps chicken moist during baking)
- Salt and pepper (basic seasonings)
- Brown Rice:
- Long-grain brown rice (nutritious and versatile base)
- Water or low-sodium broth (for cooking, adds flavor)
- Butter or olive oil (optional for added richness, useful for sautéing onions before adding rice)
- Salt (to taste, enhances overall flavor)
These ingredients are optimized with relevant keywords to improve SEO by including terms that potential recipe bloggers and home cooks might search for.
Advertisement
Steps
### Baked Orange Chicken and Brown Rice: A Delicious and Healthy Meal
#### Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 large oranges, zest and juice
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup brown rice
- 2 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
#### Instructions:
1. **Prepare the Chicken:**
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, mix together orange zest, orange juice, honey, ginger, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Place chicken breasts in a baking dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure it is evenly coated.
2. **Cook Brown Rice:**
- Rinse 1 cup of brown rice under cold water to remove excess starch.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice with 2 cups of water or low-sodium chicken broth. Bring to a boil over high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 40 minutes or until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
3. **Bake the Chicken:**
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue to bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C).
4. **Serve:**
- Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
- Serve the baked orange chicken over a bed of brown rice, garnished with fresh orange slices if desired.
#### Tips and Variations:
- For added flavor, you can add sliced bell peppers or carrots to the marinade before baking.
- To make this dish more substantial, consider adding steamed broccoli or green beans alongside the chicken and rice.
#### SEO-Friendly Keywords and Phrases:
- Baked Orange Chicken
- Brown Rice Recipe
- Healthy Dinner Ideas
- Easy Oven-Baked Meals
- Gluten-Free Chicken Dishes
By following these detailed steps, you can enjoy a delicious and nutritious meal that is perfect for any day of the week. Serve this baked orange chicken with brown rice as part of a balanced diet to promote health and wellbeing.
---
*Note: The provided recipe serves 4 people. Adjust quantities as needed based on your serving size requirements.*