Paleo Orange Chicken with Toasted Cashews
yields 4-6 servings
This recipe is a delicious Asian-inspired alternative to Chinese Orange Chicken. It is kid-friendly and adults-alike will gobble it down! One of my all time favorites.
2 Tablespoons grapeseed oil
2 lbs boneless skinless organic chicken thighs (about 6 thighs)
2 cups orange juice
1 cup coconut milk
2 Tablespoons garlic, minced
1/3 cup fresh basil, chopped
1/3 cup cilantro, chopped
Zest of one large orange
½ cup toasted cashews
½ cup scallions, sliced thin
Heat a medium Dutch oven over medium high heat. Meanwhile, season both sides of chicken thighs with kosher salt and fresh-cracked black pepper. Add grapeseed oil to hot pan then add chicken thighs in a single layer to brown. Sear for 3-4 minutes per side until thighs are browned. Remove thighs from pan and set aside on a plate.
Add garlic to hot pan and sauté, for one minute. Pour in orange juice and coconut milk and nestle chicken thighs back in liquid. Bring mixture to a simmer and partially cover with a lid. Let simmer for 30 minutes, turning heat down if it begins to boil, until thighs are fork tender.
Remove lid and turn heat to high. With two forks, shred chicken in the orange sauce, letting the sauce thicken. This step is very important because you want the sauce to turn into a thick, creamy consistency and “coat” the shredded chicken. If your sauce is still thin, you might need to reduce a bit longer. When sauce has reduced and chicken is shredded, stir in basil, cilantro, orange zest, cashews and scallions. Serve in bowls garnished with sliced orange, fresh basil leaves and a sprinkling of cashews.
ENJOY!!!
Fun links:
Oscar de la Renta kids :: Yes, they hired away Papo D'Anjo's lead designer of nearly 20 years, causing the Portuguese company to close its doors, but at least they have stayed true to her vision and given her full creative license. Thank goodness they're adorable. I think Munch needs this one.
Dear Juice CEO :: Via the Honest Toddler. Laughing out loud when she references the "We eat Paleo" snobbery. Obviously I have absolutely no idea what she is speaking of.
Sprouted Soy :: Why it is even worse than unsprouted, even if organic. I've said it before and I'll say it again, in all of my Paleo preaching, please, I beg you, no soy!
Kiwi Create :: Um, amazing. A friend sent this to me and I don't even know where to begin! It all looks incredible and I will give a full report back once we have actually done the dirty work and tested out some crafts.
