Pacific Island Garlic Orange Chicken

Transport your taste buds to a tropical paradise with this Pacific Island Garlic Orange Chicken, a delightful fusion of zesty citrus, savory garlic, and a touch of honey sweetness. Tender boneless chicken thighs are marinated in a vibrant blend of freshly squeezed orange juice, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, then seared to perfection for a golden crust. A luscious orange-infused glaze, thickened with a cornstarch slurry, elevates the dish with its tangy-sweet depth. Garnished with fresh green onions and optional sesame seeds, this dish pairs beautifully with steamed white rice or creamy coconut rice, making it a perfect choice for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Bursting with tropical flavors, this easy-to-make recipe brings a taste of the Pacific Islands straight to your table!

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces chicken thighs (boneless, skinless)
• 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 0.25 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 4 cloves garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 teaspoon ginger (grated)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• 2 stalks green onions (sliced thinly)
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Step 1

In a medium bowl, whisk together the orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger to form the marinade.

Step 2

Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides. Place them in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish and pour half of the marinade over the chicken. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor). Reserve the remaining marinade for later use.

Step 3

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess marinade to drip off, and sear the chicken thighs in the skillet for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4

In the same skillet, pour in the reserved marinade and bring to a simmer over medium heat. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then stir it into the marinade in the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.

Step 5

Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 6

Transfer the chicken to serving plates and drizzle with the remaining sauce from the skillet. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.

Step 7

Serve hot with steamed white rice or coconut rice, and enjoy the tropical flavors of the Pacific Islands!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(844.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1446.4

Total Fat 74.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 16.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 436mg	0%
Sodium 3826.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 81.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 4.1g	0%
Total Sugars 55.9g
Protein 113.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 173.6mg	0%
Iron 7.0mg	0%
Potassium 1850.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 46.2%

Protein: 31.4%

Carbs: 22.4%