Portuguese Orange and Almond Chicken

This terrific recipe for Portuguese Orange and Almond Chicken was submitted by Robin Hyde of Lincoln, Nebraska.

Recipe Ingredients:

1 cup orange juice - divided use
1 teaspoon grated orange rind - divided use
3 cloves garlic, minced
6 boneless skinless chicken breast halves
1/4 cup chopped almonds
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup chopped onion
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1/2 cup mandarin oranges, drained
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
Orange slices for garnish (optional)

Cooking Directions:

1. In a zip-lock plastic bag, place 1/4 cup of the orange juice, 1/2 teaspoon grated orange rind and garlic. Add chicken, seal and refrigerate 15 minutes.
2. In large nonstick skillet over medium heat, place almonds, stirring to toast slightly; remove from pan and set aside.
3. Place olive oil in skillet. Add chicken and cook, turning, about 12 minutes or until fork can be inserted with ease. Remove chicken from pan and keep warm.
4. In same skillet, place onion and sauté about 2 minutes.
5. Mix together remaining orange juice and cornstarch; stir into pan with onion. Add oranges, red pepper, salt, pepper and remaining 1/2 teaspoon grated orange rind. Cook about 2 minutes or until slightly thickened; pour onto serving platter.
6. Arrange chicken on top of sauce. Sprinkle with almonds and cilantro; garnish with orange slices, if desired.

Makes 6 servings.

Recipe provided courtesy of the National Chicken Council. Used with permission.