Description
A vibrant and flavorful dish featuring juicy chicken marinated in a zesty cilantro-orange sauce, served over fluffy rice with hearty black beans and a refreshing pineapple salsa.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1.25 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 – 1/2 cup cilantro, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, grated
- Juice of 2 oranges (about 4–5 tablespoons) plus a bit of zest
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons avocado oil
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1.5 teaspoons salt
- 1 (8.8-ounce) pouch pre-made yellow rice (or homemade)
- 1 (14-ounce) can refried or regular black beans
- 1–2 cups diced pineapple, mango, and/or avocado (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the broiler and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Position an oven rack about 6 inches from the heating element.
- In a small bowl, combine cilantro, garlic, orange juice and zest, brown sugar, avocado oil, white vinegar, and salt to make the sauce.
- Place the chicken pieces in a large mixing bowl. Pour half of the sauce over the chicken and toss to coat. Reserve the other half of the sauce for later.
- Thread the chicken pieces onto skewers, or place them directly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Broil the chicken for 12 minutes, or until cooked through and golden brown.
- Optional: Mix a portion of the reserved sauce with diced pineapple, mango, and/or avocado to create a quick fruit salsa.
- Brush the cooked chicken with the remaining reserved sauce.
- Serve the chicken over warm yellow rice and black beans, topped with the fruit salsa if desired.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with roasted cauliflower, sweet potatoes, or mushrooms.
- To add a spicy kick, include minced jalapeño in the sauce or salsa.
- Leftover sauce can be used as a dressing for salads or grain bowls.
- Marinating the chicken for 20–30 minutes enhances flavor, but it’s not required.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 890
- Sugar: 17 g
- Sodium: 1238 mg
- Fat: 28.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 25.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 85.5 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 71.2 g
- Cholesterol: 162 mg