Orange Chicken Breast

I can suggest an Italian variant of orange chicken breast. Here are the ingredients and preparation for a tasty and fragrant dish.

Ingredients

• 2 chicken breasts
• 2 untreated oranges
• 1 small glass of Cointreau or other orange liqueur (optional)
• 1 garlic clove
• Fresh rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Flour to taste
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Butter (optional)

Preparation

1. Take the chicken breasts and pat them dry with paper towels. If you prefer, cut them into slices or bite-sized pieces for quicker and more even cooking.
2. Grate the zest of one orange, avoiding the white part, then squeeze the juice from both oranges.
3. In a large pan, heat a drizzle of oil with a garlic clove and a sprig of rosemary to flavor the oil.
4. Lightly flour the chicken breasts; this will create a light crust and keep them tender inside.
5. Remove the garlic from the pan and add the chicken breasts to cook, letting them brown on both sides. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Deglaze with the Cointreau, being careful with the flame if it’s high.
7. Add the orange juice and zest and let the sauce reduce slightly.
8. If desired, add a touch of butter toward the end to enrich the sauce and give it a smoother texture.
9. Taste and adjust salt and pepper, then cover and cook for about 10-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the breasts.
10. Serve hot, garnished with slices or wedges of fresh orange and rosemary sprigs if desired.

Fun Fact

Orange chicken is a dish often found in fusion and Chinese-American cuisine, but this version has an Italian touch thanks to the rosemary and Cointreau, which add Mediterranean aromas. The orange juice not only imparts flavor but also tenderizes the chicken, thanks to its natural acids that help break down the meat proteins.