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Exotic Citrus Almond Chicken Crunch

A quick and easy dish featuring tender chicken marinated in a zesty citrus sauce and combined with crunchy almonds. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Fusion
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

For the Marinade
  • 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp ginger powder
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper optional, for a little kick
  • Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper
Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup sliced almonds
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Method
 

Marinating the Chicken
  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the orange juice, lemon juice, olive oil, honey, garlic powder, ginger powder, cayenne pepper (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper.
  2. Slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and add it to the marinade, ensuring the pieces are well-coated.
  3. Cover and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or up to a few hours if you're planning ahead).
Cooking the Chicken
  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a splash of olive oil.
  2. Once hot, remove the chicken from the marinade and sauté the chicken pieces until they are golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Creating the Sauce
  1. Once the chicken is cooked, pour the remaining marinade into the skillet, bringing it to a gentle simmer.
  2. Let it cook for another 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Finishing Touches
  1. Toss in the sliced almonds and stir them into the chicken and sauce, cooking for an additional minute.
  2. Remove from heat, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve hot.
  3. Pair it with steamed rice or a crisp green salad.

Notes

For intensified flavors, marinate the chicken for longer. Substitute almonds with pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for a nut-free option.