Berry Citrus Chicken
Berry Citrus Chicken
Berry Citrus Chicken is an American recipe categorized as dinner, main course, with 15 min of prep, 20 min of cooking, and 35 min total. It yields 4 servings.
Berry Citrus Chicken combines boneless skinless chicken breast, mixed berries, low-sodium chicken broth, and smoked paprika using gentle simmering.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Calories | 367 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 34 g |
| Total Fat | 14 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sodium | 645 mg |
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into even bite-size pieces (450g)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (5g)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (1g)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (1g)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided (30mL)
- 1 cup mixed berries (150g)
- 1/3 cup fresh orange juice (80mL)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (15mL)
- 1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest (2g)
- 1/2 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest (1g)
- 1 tablespoon honey (21g)
- 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth (60mL)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (3g)
- 1 tablespoon water (15mL)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (8g)
Utensils
- Large bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Baking dish
- Rubber spatula or spoon
- Zester
- Juicer
- Meat thermometer
- Oven mitts
Step by Step Instructions
- Season the chicken pieces with the kosher salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken in one layer for 5 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and the thickest piece reaches 165°F (74°C); transfer it to a plate.
- Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and the mixed berries to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes, gently crushing about one-third of the berries.
- Stir in the orange juice, lemon juice, orange zest, lemon zest, honey, chicken broth, and thyme leaves and simmer for 3 minutes.
- Mix the cornstarch and water into a smooth slurry, stir it into the berry-citrus sauce, and simmer for about 1 minute, until glossy.
- Return the chicken and its juices to the skillet and toss for 1 minute, until evenly coated and hot.
- Remove from the heat, finish the Berry Citrus Chicken with the chopped parsley, and serve immediately.
Variations & Serving Suggestions
- Replace fresh berries with equal-volume thawed and drained frozen berries.
- Replace chicken breast with equal-weight chicken thighs and cook to 165°F (74°C).
- Replace the honey with 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup.
Storage & Reheating
Storage
Within two hours of cooking, divide leftover Berry Citrus Chicken into shallow portions and refrigerate them in an airtight container at 40°F (4°C) or below. Use refrigerated leftovers within 3 to 4 days; freeze sooner if they will not be used in that window.
Reheating
Reheat Berry Citrus Chicken gently in a covered skillet over low to medium-low heat with a small splash of broth or water to retain moisture and flavor. Turn or stir as needed for even heating and verify that the center reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving.
Practical Cooking Notes
chef's knife, cutting board, measuring tools, small bowl, whisk, large skillet, instant-read thermometer.
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and has an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Cooking Questions & Helpful Tips
Can I use frozen berries?
Replace the 1 cup fresh mixed berries with 1 cup frozen berries that have been thawed and drained. Add them as directed, but simmer the sauce 1 to 2 minutes longer if they release extra liquid.
Can I use chicken thighs?
Replace the chicken breast with 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into even pieces and cook them to at least 165°F (74°C).
Can I prepare the sauce ahead?
Whisk the orange juice, lemon juice, zests, honey, broth, and thyme up to one day ahead and refrigerate covered. Keep the berries, slurry, and raw chicken separate until cooking.
What should I serve with it?
Rice, quinoa, or mashed sweet potatoes absorb the berry-citrus sauce. Green beans or a lightly dressed spinach salad add a savory counterpoint.