Roast Chicken Breasts with Oranges and Basil Cream

Indulge in the exquisite harmony of citrus and herbs with this Roast Chicken Breasts with Oranges and Basil Cream recipe—a show-stopping dish that's as comforting as it is elegant. Juicy, golden-browned chicken breasts are roasted atop a bed of caramelized orange slices, infusing every bite with a subtle sweetness. The pièce de résistance is the velvety basil cream sauce, delicately simmered with fresh basil, orange zest, and a touch of chicken broth for a luxurious finishing touch. Perfectly balanced between rich and refreshing flavors, this dish is ideal for an elevated weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Serve with roasted vegetables or a crisp salad to complete this sensational citrus-and-herb-inspired meal.

Nutriscore Rating: 63/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces Chicken breasts (skin-on, bone-in preferred)
• 2 whole Fresh orange
• 1 cup Fresh basil leaves
• 1 cup Heavy cream
• 2 cloves Garlic cloves
• 3 tablespoons Olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Butter
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper
• 0.5 cup Chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon Zest of an orange

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Step 2

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then season both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Step 3

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the chicken breasts skin-side down and sear for 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Flip and sear the other side for an additional 2 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4

Slice one of the oranges into thin rounds and zest the other. Reserve the zest and set the slices aside.

Step 5

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the orange slices to the skillet and toss gently to coat them in the garlic butter mixture.

Step 6

Nestle the chicken breasts on top of the orange slices in the skillet. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken breasts reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 7

While the chicken is roasting, prepare the basil cream sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring to a gentle simmer while stirring occasionally. Add the orange zest and basil leaves, tearing the leaves slightly as you add them.

Step 8

Simmer the sauce for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened. Taste and adjust for seasoning, adding a pinch of salt if needed.

Step 9

Once the chicken is done roasting, remove it from the oven carefully. Spoon the orange and garlic mixture over the chicken for added flavor.

Step 10

Plate the chicken breasts and drizzle generously with the basil cream sauce. Garnish with a few fresh basil leaves and serve with your favorite side dish, such as roasted vegetables or a simple green salad.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1458.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2928.9

Total Fat 202.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 83.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.7g
Cholesterol 890.4mg	0%
Sodium 3338.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 39.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 8.6g	0%
Total Sugars 28.6g
Protein 213.2g	0%

Vitamin D 53.2IU	0%
Calcium 257.9mg	0%
Iron 8.1mg	0%
Potassium 2312.0mg	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: 64.2%

Protein: 30.1%

Carbs: 5.6%