This recipe wins the prize out of the three for me and my
family. Personally, I found this
recipe deceptively easy to prepare…and by that I mean that it is such an
impressive-sounding recipe, yet the results are so outstanding that you can’t
believe how quick and simple it is to put together. We are a chicken-loving
family, but I will admit that we usually stick with boneless skinless chicken
breasts – in fact, I didn’t even know you could buy chicken thighs without the
bones and skin, so that was a real treat (I hate deboning chicken). The
marinade was so simple to put together, and then the chicken cooked up so
quickly in the sauce, I was just stunned at how superb the resulting dish was.
My children absolutely adored it, and they each ate two thighs! Dad and I also
loved it, and we will definitely be making this family-pleaser again. We served
it with hot couscous (another dish my kids love), and with some of the
remaining parsley chopped in, it was an excellent accompaniment. It’s great to know that my family is
also enjoying the benefit of a healthy meal since this recipe has been reviewed
by the Heart and Stroke Foundation dietitians and meets the nutritional
criteria based on Canada’s Food Guide.
For more healthy recipe ideas, visit ww.heartandstroke.ca.
The sweet and sticky orange chicken was a hit for all. While I did have to scrape off the
‘nasty green things’ from my 7 year-old daughter’s chicken, we all enjoyed its
great taste. The chicken was
simple to prepare, an absolute snap using boneless-skinless chicken
thighs. I know that many people
think that breast is best, but in our family we prefer dark meat. It’s especially important when it comes
to preparing lower-fat, healthier recipes. Dark meat is a fattier cut that gives chicken a moister and
fuller flavour. It is also more
forgiving when it comes to cooking time.
Overcooked chicken breast is dry and hard to swallow. You won’t ruin chicken thighs if you
overcooked them by 5 minutes. But
I digress, back to the chicken, which was packed full of flavour. The Italian parsley and garlic were the
perfect seasoning for this dish.
The orange juice and sodium reduced soya sauce provided a deliciously
fragrant sauce. The chicken would
be perfect served with brown rice to absorb all the delicious sauce. A definite keeper! An easy delicious
meal is even better when you know that it has been reviewed by the Heart and
Stroke Foundation dietitians and meets the nutritional criteria based on
Canada’s Food Guide. For more
healthy recipe ideas, visit www.heartandstroke.ca.
Sweet sticky orange chicken
Makes 4 servings
Ingredients
2 cloves garlic, minced
15 mL (1 tbsp) chopped fresh Italian parsley
10 mL (2 tsp) Italian herb seasoning
1 mL (¼ tsp) freshly ground pepper
8 boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 1 ½ lbs/750 g total)
10 mL (2 tsp) canola oil
250 mL (1 cup) 100 % pure Florida Orange Juice
25 mL (2 tbsp) liquid honey
25 mL (2 tbsp) unseasoned rice vinegar
15 mL (1 tbsp) sodium reduced soy sauce
15 mL (1 tbsp) cornstarch
Directions
1. In bowl, combine garlic, parsley, Italian herb seasoning and pepper. Add chicken thighs and oil and toss well to coat chicken evenly.
2. Heat large nonstick skillet over medium high heat and brown chicken on both sides and place in ovenproof casserole dish; set aside.
3. In small bowl, whisk together orange juice, honey, vinegar, soy sauce and cornstarch. Return skillet to medium-high heat and add orange juice mixture and bring to a simmer, stirring. Pour over chicken and place in 200°C (400°F) oven for about 15 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink inside.
Nutritional Information per serving:
Calories: 313
Protein: 33 g
Total fat: 11 g
Saturated fat: 3 g
Cholesterol: 124 mg
Carbohydrate: 17 g
Fibre: 0 g
Sodium: 252 mg
Potassium: 464 mg
Content on this blog sponsored by Florida Department of Citrus. Click here for more information.
The Heart and Stroke Foundation thanks the FDOC for its generous support of our recipes on-line. Acceptance of this support does not constitute an endorsement by the Foundation of the FDOC or its individual products.
This recipe has been reviewed by the Heart and Stroke Foundation and meets nutritional criteria for healthy eating based on Eating Well with Canada’s Food Guide.
See full contest rules and regulations for details.
I really liked Carol’s sweet and sticky orange chicken!!! The ingredients made the chicken so tender that both my husband and I loved it. Although I too would be like Carol’s daughter and pick off the ‘nasty’ green things, (haha) it added so much flavour to the chicken that I would definitely prepare it the same way again. Thanks for a great recipe and beautiful presentation!
I like Kath’s recipe. It looks like someone sneezed on the other one.
I will try this recipe, looks so good.
Liked the touches of green on this one – great recipe – I do one almost like this with pork chops – one of our family favorites!
This recipie is delicious! I thought Kath’s looked more like mine, so I picked hers.
I really liked Kath’s photo and description. I felt that Carol’s review went off on a tangent a little with the discussion of chicken breast being dry.
Kath’s chicken looks juicier and the glaze looks sweet and sticky. Chicken can be dry if overcooked, but with the orange sauce served along side it, would be juicier.
It is not often I read a recipe, add the ingredients to my shopping list, and make it within 2 days, but the wonderful pics and reviews made it look and sound so yummy and easy, I couldn’t resist. Hubby: “It was GOOD!” 18 year old son “I thought it was pretty good” 16 year old daughter wouldn’t try it – she’s vegetarian. 12 year old son “Is there anything else I can have? Okay, I guess I’ll try it… Please pass the chicken – I’d like another piece.” 9 year old daughter “I like the taste of the chicken, but I don’t like the sauce.” (She’s 9 – she doesn’t like any sauce.) So any recipe that 5 members of my family likes is a huge success in my book. Kath, I voted for yours.
Carol’s looks appealing and I will definitely try this one!
They both looked wonderful! I picked Carol’s because I noticed she used Cilantro rather than parsley and I love the flavour of that but not regular parsley. It’s flavour also combines nicely with fruit. It sounds so good that I think this will be on the menu for Monday night’s dinner. I have enjoyed these reviews the past few weeks. Thank you!
Carols looks less appealing with the green. Kaths looks yummiest
Kath’s looks more moist and plump – I prefer her recipie. Thanks!
I like the ingredients in sticky chicken
I voted for Kath’s chicken, although I did place it under the broiler for 2 minutes to darken the skin and crisp it up a bit..sorry Carole!
I like Carols, as I too would have to scape off all the ugly green bits for Katie,
Andie and Beckett!…ok maybe my husband as well;)
I will be voting for Kath’s recipe/review. The photo is much more appealing (it looks like she didn’t actually add any parsley to the sauce, just put a sprig on the side). I think this is a recipe my family could go for – we LOVE chicken thighs. I’m going to be copying this recipe and making it in the next few days – so happy to have something new to try!
They both sound great, but I love having ‘green stuff’ in recipes. Both would be even better (and healthier) using chicken breasts.
Both chefs did a great job, but Kath’s presentation definitely wins out.
I voted for Kathys chicken…sorry Carol I wasn’t a fan of all the green on the chicken either..looked kind of unappealing and I know my little ones wouldn’t have eaten it looking like that 🙁
I did try the recipe tonight and we all loved it, just didn’t sprinkle too much parsley on it..thanks for another great one ladies
I liked Kath’s better, just looked most appetizing. Carol’s was a little on the dull side but Kath’s was bright and yummy looking!
I thought Carol’s presentation looked a bit more appetizing.
Although they both looked delicious, I’d have to agree. The green was what turned me off of the 2nd one.
I like Kath’s appearance better (I think Carol used TOO much parsley!)
I like Kaths picture the best (no offence intended Carol) They both sound delicious
I prefer Kath’s recipe — the presentation looks better 🙂 Mmmmm … looks tasty!!!
I voted for Kath’s. The photo looks great and I love the review 🙂
Kath’s final product looks most appealing so I’m going with Kath. But Carol’s doesn’t look bad either.
I think that Kath had a better photo and that gave her an edge. It looks like a recipe that I’d like to try.
hi
I really liked Kath’s photo. Thank you for the great new ideas to try in the kitchen.
Wow, this week’s choice was the toughest for me. To me, Kath’s photo is the more appetizing of the two. But I liked that Carol made the effort to find and use Italian parsley, whereas Kath settled for standard curly parsley. Both write-ups were great. In the end, I voted for Kath because the food in the picture appealed to me more.
maybe it is just because i like chinese food and the orange chicken just makes me salivate…yum, but that looks VERY deliciously edible, kudos on that recipe i think i might try it out 🙂
I much prefer Carol’s version, and her review is spot on. Chicken thighs rule over chicken breasts!
This sounds like a great recipe and I’m going to make it tonite for my son and I….surprise him with a new dish!! Thanks ladies for all of your posts!
I chose Carol’s photo, I think just because it’s exposed better…looks like a great recipe!
I voted for Kath’s. It looks more pleasing to my daughters and I love how easy it is to prepare as well as the health benefits.
I guess I am the odd man out. I love Carole’s photo, and the health benefits. This recipe is one I will be trying tonight
I vote for Kath,s because of the eye appeal looks are everything to get kids to eat and some adults too (:
Sweet Sticky Orange Chicken is my fav. Sweet and sticky makes the kids think junk food and me know health food.
It looks so yummy!
I really like the one with more “greenery”! Looks really healthy.
I loved both reviews, but I had to vote for Kath’s this week as the picture is more appealing and it has less of the green stuff lol Definitely going to try this recipe!
Looks very appealing
I chose Kath’s chicken…it looks much more appealing. Carole’s doesn’t really look like it’s chicken. Kath’s makes me want to dig right in!
I liked the Kathie’s recipe, my kids would not go for all the greens in the second recipe, but with the first recipe they would be eating healthy and not even realize it.
I am voting for Kathy’s dish because it looks more appealing. I know the green would get my family thinking they didn’t want it even before trying
I think Kath’s pic is more appealing, but Carol’s description, I think, is much better. Carol points out the health benefits more and also makes a valid point regarding overcooking chicken breast vs overcooking chicken thighs. She also recommends serving this dish with brown rice, which is another great healthy choice, so my vote is for Carol.
Both reviews were good, however I particularily enjoyed reading Kath’s review. It provided personal testimony in a well structured manner. Excellent! I look forward to trying to cook this recipe in the near future.
I thought Kaths recipe looks far more appetizing, there was too much green in Carols. The recipe sounds very good its a definate must try
Sounds delish! Was a bit hesitant on the salad receipe, but this one is already printed out and ready to try at home!
Voted for Kath’s photo because I’m preggo and her dish is a bigger serving ;o)
The chicken looks really moist and juicy. The ingredients for this recipe are really healthy, I will definitely have to try it out! I prefer Kath’s photo because it’s a little more clear.
the sweet and sticky chicken looks great
The first one makes my mouth water. Divine!
I think I’m going with Kath’s presentation for this one. Both were great reviews, though, and this is a dish I’m definitely going to try in our household!
Kathy’s just looked better.
The 1st one looks better!
Kath’s really looked great!
Sweet and sour chicken gets my vote. love the orange juice in recipe
Very tasty, quick to cook for busy lives , and the presentation was superb. I love this recipe and will use it often.
OMG this is a tough one. Both sounds great. But Kath’s look great.
My whole family loved this.
Easy to prepare this one and I love it!!!
I chose Carol’s picture since, unlike her 7 year old, I like to see green things on my food 🙂
I think Kath’s looks more appealing now I know what to make tonight !
I loved Kath’s description of this recipe so I give her my final vote. Although Carol;s review made me want to try the Italian parsley so I put this on my grocery list the next time I go shopping would love to try this on my chicken for dinner.
Hey – both recipes look great. I think they both really showcase the theme ingredient.
One suggestion – to make the dishes both look a little more appetizing to serve. I would suggest putting them under the broiler for a few minutes once they are done cooking to give them a bot of colour and allow some of that sauce to caramelize.
Otherwise kudos to both of you! Fantastic!
I liked Kath’s presentation for this recipe. (I’m with Carol’s daughter with the ‘nasty green things’ – sorry Carol)