Description
Moroccan Orange Spice Chicken delivers a delightful fusion of zesty citrus and warm spices, creating a mouthwatering Mediterranean-inspired dish. Succulent chicken pieces marinated in tangy orange juice, aromatic cumin, and cinnamon will transport you to the vibrant markets of Marrakech.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 4 boneless chicken breasts
Spices and Herbs:
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon sweet paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon dried dill weed
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
Complementary Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon butter (melted)
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 large navel orange (sliced into ⅓-inch thick slices)
- 1 scallion snipped or chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 centimeters) baking dish and arrange chicken pieces without overlapping.
- Mix all ground spices in a small mixing bowl, incorporating salt and black pepper to enhance the flavor profile.
- Use a pastry brush to evenly coat chicken surfaces with melted butter, then liberally sprinkle approximately 80% of the spice blend across the pieces, reserving a small portion for later use.
- Distribute finely chopped garlic uniformly over the seasoned chicken, then carefully layer fresh orange slices across the top of each piece. Dust the remaining spice mixture over the oranges.
- Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and roast for 25 to 35 minutes, depending on chicken thickness. Verify doneness by checking the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius) using a meat thermometer.
- Remove from oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Before serving, drizzle pan drippings over the chicken and garnish with thinly sliced green onions. Include the roasted orange slices as an edible and flavorful accompaniment.
Notes
- Preparation involves a precise dance of spices, butter, and citrusy orange slices that transform ordinary chicken into a vibrant, aromatic masterpiece.
- Carefully selecting fresh orange slices ensures a bright, zesty layer of flavor that permeates every succulent bite of the chicken.
- Minced garlic adds a punchy depth, creating a harmonious blend with the warm, complex spice mixture that coats each piece.
- Checking the internal temperature is crucial for perfectly cooked chicken, guaranteeing juicy meat that’s safe and delightfully tender.
- Resting the dish allows juices to redistribute, intensifying the overall flavor and ensuring each serving is incredibly moist and delectable.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 260 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 90mg