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Homemade Orange Chicken Marinade photo

Orange Chicken Marinade

This Orange Chicken Marinade is bursting with citrusy flavor and sweetness! Transform your chicken into a family favorite with this easy recipe.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Marinade:
  • 1 cup 100% orange juice Freshly squeezed from about 1 large orange
  • 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts Cut into bite-size pieces
  • 2 large navel oranges Used for both juice and zest
  • 1 large red onion
  • 1 large bell pepper Any color
  • Kosher salt For seasoning to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper For seasoning to taste
  • Chopped fresh cilantro Optional garnish

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk or fork
  • Resealable plastic bag or shallow dish
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Grill or skillet

Method
 

Instructions:
  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the orange juice, soy sauce, and honey. Whisk together until the honey is fully dissolved.
  2. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-size pieces.
  3. Place the chicken pieces into a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken and ensure all pieces are coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
  4. While the chicken is marinating, chop the red onion and bell pepper into bite-sized pieces.
  5. Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and season with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
  6. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet in the last few minutes of cooking. Stir until the vegetables are tender.
  7. Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired and serve over rice, quinoa, or in a wrap.

Notes

  • Leftover cooked chicken can be stored for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
  • For maximum flavor, marinate the chicken for up to 4 hours.
  • Use frozen chicken for this marinade, but thaw it completely before marinating.
  • This marinade is versatile; try it on tofu for a vegetarian option.
  • Store leftover marinade in the fridge for up to a week if it hasn’t touched raw chicken.