Orange Chicken

This recipe is super easy. My four year old made it tonight for our family. I prepared the rice, and pre-measured the ingredients, as I thought I was going to be making it. When it came time to cook, however, he was ready to do it, so I allowed him to saute the chicken, mix the sauce, and then combine the chicken with the sauce and nuts. One thing that is important to me is that TB know how to cook more than macaroni and cheese. I do not know if his future spouse will cook or how long he will be alone, so this is a life skill I hope he embraces.

The Players

2 chicken breasts, cut to bite size pieces

1/4-1/2 cup flour

2-3 tablespoons olive oil

1/3 cup sweet soy sauce

1/3 cup orange juice

1 (11 ounce) can mandarin oranges

1/4-1/2 cup chopped cashews

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

The Fun

1. Place flour in a bowl. Add chicken and toss to coat.

2. Heat olive oil in wok or skillet.  Add chicken and saute until cooked through.  Set aside and keep warm.

3. Stir orange juice and soy sauce in to skillet. Add red pepper flakes if you desire. (We ended up adding them later, so TB would eat the sauce.)  Heat until warm and thickening, then add mandarin oranges and cashews. Finally, return chicken to the wok or skillet and heat until all ingredients have been heated thoroughly.

4. Serve over brown rice.

Bourbon Chicken

I have to admit– This recipe is not the healthiest, but every once in a while, I like to eat something I’d normally only get at a restaurant, but I don’t want to spend the money to go out to eat. This recipe is quick and easy. I start the rice (I use brown) and can prep/cook the chicken in the 40 minutes it takes the rice to cook.

I separated out some sauce for my son’s share, because he doesn’t like spicy. I know some folks use corn starch to thicken the sauce, but I prefer to allow it to simmer and thicken on its own.

The Players

2 lbs boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
1 -2 tablespoon olive oil
1 garlic clove, crushed
1/4 teaspoon ginger
3/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 cup apple juice
1/3 cup light brown sugar
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon cider vinegar
1/2 cup water 1/3 cup soy sauce