Best Apricot Orange Chicken Heart Healthy Recipes

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APRICOT-ORANGE SALSA CHICKEN



Apricot-Orange Salsa Chicken image

Sweet oranges and apricots blend perfectly with zippy salsa in this five-ingredient entree. Keep the heat to your liking with mild, medium or hot salsa. Served over rice, it's a dinner we've enjoyed time and again. -LaDonna Reed, Ponca City, Oklahoma

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 2h40m

Yield 2 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 5

3/4 cup salsa
1/3 cup apricot preserves
1/4 cup orange juice
2 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (5 ounces each)
1 cup hot cooked rice

Steps:

  • In a small bowl, combine the salsa, preserves and orange juice. In a 1-1/2-qt. slow cooker coated with cooking spray, layer 1/3 cup salsa mixture and a chicken breast. Repeat layers. Top with remaining salsa mixture. , Cover and cook on low until chicken is tender, 2-1/2 to 3 hours. If desired, thicken pan juices. Serve with rice.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 427 calories, Fat 4g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 78mg cholesterol, Sodium 450mg sodium, Carbohydrate 66g carbohydrate (25g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 31g protein.

APRICOT ORANGE CHICKEN



Apricot Orange Chicken image

Lots of lip-smacking apricot flavor makes this sweet chicken stir-fry from Sharon Warner Sunday-special! "It goes together so quickly," she writes from Ada, Oklahoma, "and I get rave reviews whenever I serve it."

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 10

1-1/2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
3/4 cup uncooked long grain rice
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/2 cup cold water
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 teaspoons canola oil
1/2 cup 100% orange marmalade spreadable fruit
1/3 cup dried apricots, cut into thirds
1/2 to 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
1 teaspoon reduced-sodium soy sauce

Steps:

  • In a small saucepan, bring broth and rice to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until rice is tender. , Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine cornstarch and water until smooth; set aside. In a large nonstick skillet or wok coated with cooking spray, stir-fry chicken in hot oil for 5 minutes or until lightly browned. Stir in the marmalade, apricots, five-spice powder and soy sauce. Bring to a boil. , Stir cornstarch mixture and stir into chicken mixture. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Serve with rice.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 391 calories, Fat 5g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 63mg cholesterol, Sodium 340mg sodium, Carbohydrate 57g carbohydrate (22g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 27g protein.

APRICOT ORANGE CHICKEN HEART HEALTHY



Apricot Orange Chicken Heart Healthy image

Make and share this Apricot Orange Chicken Heart Healthy recipe from Food.com.

Provided by personalchef

Time 8h30m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 whole chicken
1 orange, Supremed (see tip at end of recipe)
1 cup Grand Marnier
1 white onion, sliced
1 fennel bulb, sliced
1 cup dried apricot
1/2 cup boiling water
1/2 cup Grand Marnier
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 white onion, sliced
1 fennel bulb, sliced

Steps:

  • Cut chicken in half, lengthwise, using a sharp cleaver and kitchen shears as needed. Remove skin.
  • Prepare marinade: Place ingredients, orange slices through fennel bulb in a non reactive container large enough for skinned chicken halves to lie in marinade, fleshy side down.
  • Marinate at least 8 hours, preferably overnight. Occasionally baste the upside of chicken with marinade.
  • Remove chicken from marinade, lightly dab with paper towel to remove excess moisture. Discard marinade.
  • For glaze: Soak the apricots in the boiling water, approximately 30 minute Remove apricots and squeeze out any excess moisture.
  • Place apricots, Grand Marnier, and Soy Sauce in Food Processor and blend till smooth.
  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
  • Brush chicken generously with the apricot glaze.
  • Place sliced onion and fennel in bottom of 13 X 9 baking dish, glass preferred. Place the glazed chicken halves, bone side down, on top of onion and fennel slices. Cover with foil and place in preheated oven for 20 minutes.
  • Remove foil and bake an additional 20-30 minutes until meat thermometer, inserted thigh registers 165 degrees. Remove chicken halves from pan and keep warm.
  • Place onions, fennel and juices from pan in a sauce pan and bring to a boil. Add a little water if needed. Strain sauce.
  • Cut chicken into quarters and place on serving plate. Drizzle with sauce, and pass remaining sauce.
  • Tip: To supreme an orange: Peel with a knife, removing all white traces. Slice segments between the white skin parts, so that you just have skinless segments.

ORANGE-APRICOT CHICKEN



Orange-Apricot Chicken image

Provided by Marian Burros

Categories     dinner, main course

Time 30m

Yield 2 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 1-inch piece fresh or frozen ginger
1 1-inch strip orange rind
1 1-inch strip lemon rind
1/2 cup fresh orange juice
1/3 cup apricot preserves, sweetened with fruit
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
8 ounces skinless, boneless chicken breasts
2 navel oranges
1 teaspoon olive oil

Steps:

  • With food processor running, put ginger, orange rind and lemon rind through feed tube, and chop fine.
  • Add the orange juice, apricot preserves and mustard, and process to mix well.
  • Wash and dry chicken breasts, and place in small bowl; pour orange mixture over chicken, and marinate until it is time to cook the chicken.
  • Peel the oranges, and cut into small segments. Heat oil in nonstick skillet; brown chicken on both sides; add marinade mixture and orange pieces, simmer briskly until chicken is cooked through and marinade has been slightly reduced.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 452, UnsaturatedFat 9 grams, Carbohydrate 61 grams, Fat 13 grams, Fiber 4 grams, Protein 26 grams, SaturatedFat 3 grams, Sodium 151 milligrams, Sugar 41 grams, TransFat 0 grams

BAKED APRICOT-ORANGE CHICKEN



Baked Apricot-Orange Chicken image

One of the things I admire most about the Silver Palate cookbooks is the unusual and savory use of fruit in many of their main dishes. This delicious, succulent chicken is no exception! Sweet and wonderful!

Provided by EdsGirlAngie

Categories     Chicken

Time 1h30m

Yield 3-4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 8

3 lbs chicken, cut in pieces
salt and black pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
3/4 cup orange marmalade
4 tablespoons orange juice
4 tablespoons apple juice
4 ounces dried apricots
2 tablespoons brown sugar

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
  • Place chicken in a baking dish, skin side up, and season with salt, pepper and ginger.
  • Spread marmalade over chicken; pour both juices in the pan.
  • Bake 20 minutes.
  • Remove from oven and add apricots, distributing evenly.
  • Sprinkle with brown sugar and return to oven, basting occasionally, for 40 minutes.
  • Serve immediate with some of the pan juices.

Apricot orange chicken is a delicious and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed as part of a heart-healthy diet. This dish is packed with nutrients and antioxidants that can help to lower the risk of heart disease.

The Importance of a Heart-Healthy Diet

A heart-healthy diet is important for maintaining good cardiovascular health. This means consuming a diet that is low in saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, sodium, and added sugars. A heart-healthy diet should also be rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.

The Health Benefits of Apricots

Apricots are a great source of vitamin A and fiber, which can help to improve heart health. Vitamin A is important for maintaining healthy skin, while fiber can help to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels in the blood.

The Nutritional Value of Orange Juice

Oranges are a great source of vitamin C, which is important for immune function and skin health. Orange juice is also high in potassium, a mineral that can help to lower blood pressure.

The Benefits of Chicken

Chicken is a great source of lean protein, which is important for muscle growth and repair. Chicken is also low in saturated fat, which can help to reduce the risk of heart disease.

The Role of Spices and Seasonings

Spices and seasonings add flavor to the dish without adding calories, fat, or sodium. Some examples of heart-healthy spices and seasonings include garlic, ginger, cumin, and coriander.

Preparing the Dish

To prepare apricot orange chicken, start by marinating the chicken in a mixture of orange juice, apricot puree, and spices. This will help to infuse the chicken with flavor and moisture. After marinating, the chicken can be baked, grilled, or sautéed.

Conclusion

Apricot orange chicken is a heart-healthy dish that is easy to prepare and delicious to eat. By incorporating healthy ingredients like apricots, orange juice, chicken, and spices, this dish can help to maintain good cardiovascular health. Remember to follow a balanced diet and exercise routine for optimal heart health.

Valuable Tips for Making Heart-Healthy Apricot Orange Chicken Recipes

Chicken is a popular choice for its versatility in recipes, and apricot orange chicken is a flavorful and popular dish that is easy to prepare. However, it can also be unhealthy if made with the wrong ingredients or cooked in an unhealthy way. By making some simple changes to the recipe and cooking process, you can create a heart-healthy version of the dish that is just as delicious.
Choose Lean Chicken
Chicken is a lean source of protein that is low in fat and calories, making it an excellent choice for a heart-healthy diet. When making apricot orange chicken, it is essential to choose lean chicken breast or chicken tenderloins to keep the dish healthy. Avoid using chicken thighs or drumsticks, which are higher in fat and calories.
Use Fresh Ingredients
Using fresh ingredients in your apricot orange chicken recipe will not only make it healthier but also enhance the flavor of the dish. Instead of using canned or processed apricots or oranges, use fresh fruit. Fresh apricots and oranges are high in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, which are beneficial for heart health.
Avoid Adding Sugar
Many apricot orange chicken recipes call for the addition of brown sugar or honey to enhance the sweetness of the dish. However, these ingredients are high in calories and sugar and can be detrimental to heart health. Instead of adding sugar, try using natural sweeteners such as orange zest, apple cider vinegar, or agave nectar to add sweetness to the dish.
Choose Heart-Healthy Fats
Adding the right type of fats to your apricot orange chicken recipe can help improve heart health. Instead of using butter or margarine, try using heart-healthy oils such as olive oil or avocado oil. These oils contain monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which can help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Limit Sodium
Sodium is a common ingredient in many recipes, including apricot orange chicken. However, excessive sodium intake can lead to high blood pressure, which is a risk factor for heart disease. To keep your apricot orange chicken dish heart-healthy, limit the amount of sodium in the recipe. Instead of using salt, try using herbs and spices to flavor the dish.
Grill or Bake Instead of Frying
Frying chicken can be delicious, but it is also unhealthy due to the high-fat content. Instead of frying the chicken, try grilling or baking it for a healthier option. Grilling or baking the chicken will help reduce the fat content and keep the dish heart-healthy.
Add Vegetables
Adding vegetables to your apricot orange chicken recipe can help increase the fiber and nutrient content of the dish. Try adding vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, or green beans to the dish. These vegetables are high in vitamins and minerals, which are beneficial for heart health.
Portion Control
Portion control is essential when it comes to heart-healthy eating. Even if you are using heart-healthy ingredients in your apricot orange chicken recipe, eating too much can still be detrimental to heart health. Make sure to measure and portion out the ingredients properly to ensure that you are eating a healthy amount.
Serve with Healthy Sides
Serving your apricot orange chicken dish with healthy sides can further enhance the heart-healthy aspect of the meal. Try serving the dish with whole-grain rice, quinoa, or roasted sweet potatoes. These sides are high in fiber and essential nutrients that are beneficial for heart health.
Conclusion
In conclusion, making heart-healthy apricot orange chicken recipes is possible by choosing the right ingredients and cooking methods. By using lean chicken, fresh ingredients, heart-healthy fats, and limiting sodium and sugar, you can create a dish that is both delicious and beneficial for heart health. Remember to portion control and serve the dish with healthy sides for a complete heart-healthy meal.

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