Fresh Recipe: Orange Basil Chicken

Even though it's the middle of winter, your local grocer is likely putting out some very fresh citrus fruit!  The Orange Basil Chicken we made is a variation on Good Housekeeping's original.  We adapted it for more flavor and color (as well as to make it more kid-friendly!)

To make this, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 large lemon
• 2 oranges of any variety (we used blood oranges and cara cara oranges)
• green onions
• fresh basil
• olive oil
• salt
• pepper
• sugar
• rice with veggies (we use a steamable product)
• fresh sugar snap peas

To begin, grate 1 teaspoon orange peel and squeeze 3 tablespoons juice.  From the lemon, grate 1/2 teaspoon peel and 1/4 cup juice.  Combine in bowl with 1 teaspoon sugar, a dash of salt, a dash of pepper, 2 tablespoons diced green onions, and 1/8th cup chopped fresh basil.

In a second bowl, combine 1 teaspoon of both lemon and orange peels, 1 tablespoon orange juice, 1/8 cup chopped fresh basil, 1/8 cup chopped green onion, 1 tablespoon olive oil, a dash of salt, and a dash of pepper.

 Prepare the chicken breasts by removing any skin or tendon.  Slice thin into strips or cutlets.

Dip the chicken breasts into the 2nd mixture.  Place them in a medium-high skillet and brown on one side. 

While the chicken is cooking, steam the rice and veggies mixture in the microwave.  Prepare the sugar snap peas by steaming them in a steamer or on the stove.  Flip the chicken and cook on the other side until cooked all the way through.

Serve the chicken on a bed of the rice with a side of the peas.  Use the mixture from the first bowl, and lightly drizzle over the entire meal.  Garnish with a fresh orange slice!