Soft and Flavourful Citrus Chicken Breast, baked and enriched with a fragrant breading: a simple yet special recipe, perfect when you want to serve something different without complicating your life.
The citrus chicken breast is one of those main courses that can surprise with little effort. A straightforward preparation, essential ingredients, and a result that plays on the balance between freshness, aroma, and texture. Baking keeps the meat tender, while orange and lemon juice and zest add a delicate, never overwhelming citrus note.
In this version, the chicken is enhanced with a simple yet thoughtful aromatic breading: breadcrumbs, oregano, and citrus zest create a light crust that protects the meat and concentrates the flavors. The oven does the rest, cooking evenly and leaving the chicken breast juicy inside and golden outside.
This recipe is designed for those seeking a special yet easy-to-make main course, ideal for both everyday meals and a well-curated dinner without excess. No special techniques or lengthy times are required: just follow a few steps and choose untreated citrus fruits to make the most of their zest and juice.
The result is a fragrant, balanced, and versatile baked citrus chicken breast, perfect with vegetables, a fresh salad, or a simple side dish that allows the flavors to shine. One of those recipes that easily becomes part of your routine, but with something extra.
At the end of the recipe, in the FAQ section, I’ve answered some questions about this preparation. If you have other doubts or curiosities, leave a comment or use the contact form found at the bottom of the page.
Other chicken breast recipes you might like:
- Difficulty: Very Easy
- Cost: Economical
- Preparation time: 15 Minutes
- Portions: 2
- Cooking methods: Oven
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Autumn, Winter
- Energy 607.51 (Kcal)
- Carbohydrates 22.34 (g) of which sugars 4.20 (g)
- Proteins 62.12 (g)
- Fat 31.50 (g) of which saturated 5.08 (g)of which unsaturated 2.14 (g)
- Fibers 2.57 (g)
- Sodium 487.44 (mg)
Indicative values for a portion of 200 g processed in an automated way starting from the nutritional information available on the CREA* and FoodData Central** databases. It is not food and / or nutritional advice.
* CREATES Food and Nutrition Research Center: https://www.crea.gov.it/alimenti-e-nutrizione https://www.alimentinutrizione.it ** U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov
Ingredients
- 1.1 lbs chicken breast (whole)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 orange (untreated zest and juice)
- 1 lemon (untreated zest and juice)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 pinch black pepper
- 1 tsp mustard
- 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- to taste salt
Tools
- 2 Bowls
- 1 Knife
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Baking Pan
- 1 Lemon Zester
- 1 Citrus Juicer
Soft and Flavourful Citrus Chicken Breast
Start preparing the citrus chicken breast with the breading.
Add the orange and lemon zest, salt, black pepper, and dried oregano to the breadcrumbs.
Finish the preparation with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
Set aside for now.
Prepare the sauce by whisking mustard and oil.
Add in the orange and lemon juice.
Finish with salt and black pepper.
Place the chicken breast in and let it marinate for at least an hour.
Use the citrus sauce as a binder to bread the chicken.
Spread the flavorful breadcrumbs on all sides, pressing well to adhere perfectly.
I opted for a double breading but it’s optional.
Place the breaded chicken breast in a slightly greased baking pan.
Finish the preparation by adding a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil to the chicken.
Bake the chicken in a static oven at 356°F (180°C) for 30 minutes, it should be well golden.
In the meantime, filter the sauce into a saucepan and add a knob of butter.
Let it reduce for a few minutes over low heat.
Slice the citrus chicken breast and serve it with its sauce.
Soft and Flavourful Citrus Chicken Breast
The citrus chicken breast is a main course that focuses on balance: fragrant, delicate, and pleasantly aromatic. The baking and light breading make it tender and flavorful, without being heavy, perfect to pair with different sides and for various occasions. A simple recipe, detailed in execution, that highlights essential ingredients while allowing the natural taste of citrus fruits to shine.
Also try the Glazed Miso Chicken Breast Cooked Sous Vide
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I use chicken breast slices instead of the whole breast?
Yes, you can use chicken breast slices. In this case, reduce the cooking time to prevent the meat from drying out too much.
Can I replace orange and lemon with other citrus fruits?
You can also use tangerine or pink grapefruit, keeping in mind that the final flavor will be slightly different but still balanced.
What can I serve with citrus chicken breast?
It pairs well with roasted vegetables, fresh salads, or simple sides that enhance its citrus aroma without overpowering its flavor.
Chicken Breast Recipes, More Than 20 Easy and Delicious Ideas!
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