Cretan Orange Chicken (Kotopoulo me Portokali)

Name: Cretan Orange Chicken (Kotopoulo me Portokali)
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 1 serving
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 chicken breast (about 150g); 1 small orange (zested and juiced); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 garlic clove, minced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and black pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon honey; 50ml chicken broth; Fresh parsley for garnish

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30 minTotal time

EasyDifficulty

350kcal / serving

Ingredients

For 1 serving

servings

Ingredient substitutions

Chicken breast Boneless chicken thigh, allowing a little extra time if the pieces are thicker.
Honey An equal amount of maple syrup for similar sweetness.
Dried oregano About 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano.

Nutrition per serving

Estimated values for 1 serving, 350 kcal

Protein39 g

Carbohydrates27 g

Fat10 g

Fiber 2 g · Sugar 22 g · Sodium 620 mg

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A traditional Cretan dish featuring tender chicken simmered in a fragrant orange sauce, blending the citrusy sweetness with Mediterranean herbs for a bright, flavorful meal.

Mediterranean

Steps

Season the chicken breast with salt, pepper, and dried oregano.
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat and add the chicken breast, cooking until golden on both sides (about 5 minutes each side).
Remove the chicken and set aside.
In the same pan, add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add orange juice, zest, honey, and chicken broth; stir and bring to a simmer.
Return the chicken to the pan and cook in the sauce for another 8-10 minutes, basting occasionally.
Once the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly, remove from heat.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm, ideally with a side of steamed vegetables or rice.

Tips for Cretan Orange Chicken (Kotopoulo me Portokali)

The sauce should look glossy and lightly coat a spoon; it will thicken a little more as it rests.
Use a wide skillet so the chicken sits in a single layer and the sauce reduces evenly.
Have the orange zest ready before cooking; avoid grating deeply into the bitter white pith.

Drink pairing

A dry rosé
Its bright fruit and crisp acidity complement the orange-honey sauce without overwhelming the lean chicken.

0% option: Sparkling water with a slice of orange

Storage

Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours in a covered container and use within 3–4 days. Reheat until steaming hot, adding a splash of broth if the sauce has thickened.