Are you tired of the same dinner routine? It’s time to transform your evening meal into an unforgettable culinary adventure. This blood orange chicken with Scotch whiskey and olives is an experience that brings Mediterranean flavors to life with bold ingredients and simple techniques.
With a perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and briny notes, this dish will elevate your dinner table effortlessly.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
This isn’t your average chicken recipe. It combines the vibrant sweetness of blood oranges, the smoky richness of Scotch whiskey, and the briny tang of green olives to create a Mediterranean masterpiece.
Layers of flavor unfold in every bite, thanks to the addition of fennel, thyme, and red onion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking to impress your family on a weeknight, this dish is the perfect choice.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. While the combination of ingredients feels sophisticated, the preparation is straightforward.
A quick marinade infuses the chicken with citrusy brightness and smoky undertones while roasting caramelizes the edges, creating a mouthwatering finish.
Tips for Perfecting This Dinner
Here are a few tips to ensure your blood orange chicken turns out flawless:
- Use fresh blood oranges: Their unique flavor profile adds depth and a hint of tartness, but if unavailable, Cara Cara or navel oranges work as substitutes.
- Marinate for maximum flavor: Letting the chicken sit in the marinade for at least 30 minutes—or even overnight—intensifies the taste.
- Keep an eye on broiling: Broiling adds a beautiful char, but it happens quickly. Stay close to avoid burning.
This recipe doesn’t require special skills, making it approachable for cooks of all levels while delivering professional-quality results.
Substitutions & Modifications
The flexibility of this recipe allows you to tailor it to various dietary needs and preferences. Here are a few ideas:
- Vegan adaptation: Swap the chicken with large, meaty portobello mushrooms or tofu. Marinate and roast them as you would the chicken for an equally flavorful plant-based option.
- Low-carb version: Pair the dish with a side of roasted vegetables instead of traditional carb-heavy accompaniments like rice or potatoes.
- No Scotch whiskey? Try bourbon or a splash of apple cider vinegar for a non-alcoholic substitute that maintains the dish’s depth.
These substitutions ensure everyone at your dinner table can enjoy this Mediterranean-inspired recipe.
Serving Suggestions for a Complete Meal
Pair this chicken with sides that complement its bold flavors for a well-rounded dinner. Consider these options:
- Grain salad: A Mediterranean couscous or farro salad with fresh herbs, cucumber, and lemon dressing enhances the citrus notes.
- Roasted vegetables: Carrots, asparagus, or zucchini roasted with olive oil and garlic add earthy balance.
- Crusty bread: Perfect for soaking up the delectable pan juices.
For drinks, a light white wine or a smoky cocktail will tie the meal together beautifully.
Why You’ll Love This Dinner Recipe
Not only is this blood orange chicken visually stunning, but it also delivers a sensory experience that combines the vibrant heart of Mediterranean cuisine with a modern twist. The smoky whiskey, aromatic thyme, and sweet-tart blood oranges will leave your guests asking for seconds—and the recipe.
With just an hour of preparation and cooking time, this dish offers a luxurious escape from the mundane, proving that even weeknight dinners can feel like a celebration.
Blood Orange Chicken with Scotch Whiskey & Olives Dinner Recipe
Equipment
- Microplane or fine grater
- Large rimmed baking sheet
- Roasting pan
- Sharp paring knife
Ingredients
- 2 small blood oranges or 1 large Cara Cara or navel orange
- ¼ cup smoky Scotch whiskey or Pernod
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon whole-grain mustard
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 teaspoons fennel seeds lightly crushed
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 garlic clove grated or minced
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Pinch of red chile flakes
- 1 small red onion
- 1 small fennel bulb trimmed (fronds chopped for garnish)
- 1 whole chicken 3½ pounds, cut into 8 pieces and patted dry
- Extra-virgin olive oil for drizzling
- ⅓ cup pitted green olives quartered lengthwise
- ½ teaspoon granulated sugar
Instructions
- Prepare Blood Orange Zest and Slices: Grate the zest of one blood orange into a large bowl. Slice the ends off the oranges, peel away the pith, and slice crosswise into ¼-inch-thick rounds. Set aside.
- Mix Marinade: To the bowl with the zest, add Scotch whiskey, brown sugar, mustard, lemon juice, fennel seeds, thyme, garlic, salt, pepper, and chile flakes. Stir well.
- Marinate Chicken and Vegetables: Halve the red onion and fennel bulb lengthwise. Slice into ¼-inch wedges, keeping the root intact. Add onion, fennel, and chicken pieces to the marinade. Toss thoroughly and let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes (or refrigerate overnight).
- Prepare Oven: Position an oven rack in the center and preheat to 475°F (245°C).
- Roast Chicken and Vegetables: Remove chicken and vegetables from the marinade, discarding excess liquid. Arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil. Roast for about 30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
- Broil for Final Touch: Turn the oven to broil. Broil chicken and vegetables for 1–2 minutes until the skin is blistered. Watch carefully to prevent burning. Transfer to a platter and tent with foil to rest.
- Caramelize Oranges: Arrange reserved orange slices in a roasting pan. Sprinkle with granulated sugar and broil for 5–10 minutes until caramelized.
- Serve: Top the chicken and vegetables with caramelized oranges, garnish with fennel fronds, and serve.
Notes
- For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
- Adjust the level of spice by increasing or reducing chile flakes.
- Substitute Scotch whiskey with Pernod for a more licorice-like undertone.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.