Savor the Season: Blood Orange Honey Ginger Chicken Tacos with Zesty Cara Cara Orange Salsa
Experience a burst of vibrant flavor with these Blood Orange Honey Ginger Chicken Tacos, perfectly complemented by a refreshing Cara Cara Orange Salsa. This dish is designed to brighten up any meal, offering an irresistible balance of sweet, tart, savory, and a hint of spice that will awaken your taste buds. From the rich, distinctive notes of Sunkist® Blood Oranges infused into the chicken glaze to the sunny, sweet-tart essence of Sunkist® Cara Cara Oranges in the homemade salsa, every bite is an explosion of fresh, invigorating taste. Prepare for a culinary journey that transforms ordinary chicken tacos into an extraordinary dining experience.
This post has been sponsored by Sunkist®. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
When the colder months arrive and grey skies dominate, our palates often crave something to cut through the dreariness. While oranges are traditionally celebrated for their sweetness in desserts, they possess an incredible versatility that shines brilliantly in savory dishes. Imagine the deep, complex citrus notes paired with succulent chicken, enhanced by aromatic ginger and a touch of honey – a symphony of flavors that truly transcends expectations. These aren’t just sweet treats; these are savory sensations that redefine winter comfort food.
Did you know that the peak season for Sunkist® Blood Oranges and Cara Cara Oranges coincides with these cooler months? This is arguably one of the most exciting times of the year for fresh produce lovers, as an abundance of vibrant citrus fruits becomes readily available. As soon as I spot these jewel-toned beauties at my local Safeway, I know it’s time to infuse my kitchen with brighter, lighter flavors. The unique qualities of each Sunkist® orange variety make them indispensable ingredients for innovative cooking.
The Flavor Profile: A Symphony of Sweet, Tart, Savory, and Spicy
The star of our chicken glaze is the exquisite juice from Sunkist® Blood Oranges. This isn’t just any citrus; Blood Oranges offer a remarkably sophisticated savory and rich citrus flavor, which perfectly marries with the warm, aromatic kick of fresh ginger and the subtle sweetness of honey. The visually stunning flesh of Blood Oranges, ranging from a delicate pale gold to an intense, deep maroon, makes them not only a flavor powerhouse but also a truly unique and appealing ingredient on your plate.
The chicken, marinated and roasted in this magnificent glaze, develops a delightful balance of tartness and sweetness, creating the ideal foundation for these tacos. To elevate these flavors further, we pair it with a simple yet incredibly potent Cara Cara Orange salsa. Sunkist® Cara Cara Oranges, known for their distinctive pinkish-red flesh and sweet, slightly less acidic taste with notes of cherry and rose, provide the perfect counterpoint to the Blood Orange chicken. When combined with a hint of spice, this salsa offers a refreshing zing that harmonizes beautifully with the richer flavors of the chicken, creating a truly unforgettable taco experience.
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Beyond Flavor: The Health Benefits of Sunkist® Oranges
Nourish Your Body with Every Delicious Bite
Not only are these Blood Orange and Cara Cara Orange Tacos incredibly delicious, but they are also packed with nutritional benefits! You can feel good about incorporating all this orange goodness into your meal, as Sunkist® oranges are an excellent source of vitamin C. This essential vitamin is crucial for supporting a healthy immune system, which is especially important during the colder months. Beyond vitamin C, these oranges are also a good source of folate, vital for cell function, and dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness. Enjoying these tacos means treating your taste buds while nourishing your body with wholesome ingredients.
Shopping for Sunkist® Seasonal Citrus at Safeway
When you embark on your culinary adventure to create these tantalizing tacos, head straight to the produce section of your local Safeway to find Sunkist® Blood Oranges and Cara Cara Oranges. These high-quality citrus varieties are typically displayed prominently during their season. I often enjoy hand-picking my oranges, looking for fruits that feel heavy for their size and have smooth, unblemished skin, indicating juiciness. However, for those who love to stock up, they are also frequently available in convenient large bags, allowing you to maximize your use of this incredible seasonal fruit.
Having an abundance of Sunkist® oranges means you’re not just limited to this amazing taco recipe. You can explore their versatility in countless ways: bake them into stunning cakes or muffins, squeeze their fresh juice into refreshing beverages, or simply enjoy them as a wholesome part of your daily breakfast or a quick, healthy snack. Their vibrant flavor and nutritional punch make them a fantastic addition to any diet.
Pro Tip: Don’t limit these fantastic Sunkist® oranges to just tacos! Try adding a mix of Cara Cara Oranges and Blood Oranges to your salads for an instant upgrade. I particularly love them with peppery arugula, grilled chicken, and a sprinkle of crunchy sunflower seeds for a truly gourmet experience! The balance of flavors is simply superb.
Explore More Taco Adventures
If you’re as passionate about tacos as we are, you’ll love exploring these other insanely good taco recipes from our collection. Each offers a unique twist on this versatile dish: Caesar Salad Avocado Chicken Tacos for a creamy, fresh take; Cilantro Lime Corn Chicken Tacos bursting with zesty flavors; Instant Pot Chicken Tinga Tacos for a smoky, tender experience; and Guacamole Tacos for a delightful vegetarian option. Dive in and discover your next favorite taco!
Crafting Your Perfect Blood Orange Chicken Tacos
Creating these sensational tacos is simpler than you might think. Let’s walk through the easy steps to bring this dazzling dish to life in your kitchen.
Step 1: Prepare the Irresistible Glaze
The secret to the unparalleled flavor of this chicken lies in its rich and aromatic Blood Orange Honey Ginger Glaze. This glaze is a harmonious blend of the savory, tart, and sweet notes that truly define the dish. Begin by whisking together the freshly squeezed Sunkist® Blood Orange juice, finely grated ginger, crushed garlic, olive oil, and a touch of honey, along with smoked paprika and salt. This combination creates a deeply fragrant and visually appealing marinade. Once the glaze is perfectly mixed, add your boneless, skinless chicken thighs and the beautiful Blood Orange slices, ensuring every piece of chicken and every citrus segment is thoroughly coated. This initial marination step is crucial for infusing the chicken with maximum flavor before baking.
Step 2: Bake to Golden Perfection
Once the chicken and orange slices have absorbed the delightful glaze, it’s time to bake. Carefully transfer the chicken thighs and Blood Orange slices from the bowl onto a greased rimmed baking sheet. Arrange them thoughtfully, placing some of the orange slices underneath and in between the chicken pieces; this allows the citrus to impart even more flavor as it roasts and caramelizes. Be sure to reserve any leftover glaze in the bowl – it’s a valuable asset for later. Bake the chicken in a preheated oven for about 20 minutes, allowing it to cook through and start developing a beautiful crust. Then, brush generously with the reserved blood orange ginger honey liquid. This basting step adds another layer of that bold citrus flavor and helps create a wonderfully sticky, caramelized exterior. Continue baking for an additional 6 to 10 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). For an extra crispy and golden finish, move the baking sheet to the upper rack and briefly broil for about 3 minutes until the tops are beautifully browned. This final step enhances both texture and appearance.
Step 3: Whip Up the Zesty Cara Cara Orange Salsa
While your chicken is roasting to perfection, turn your attention to the refreshing Cara Cara Orange Salsa. This vibrant salsa provides a crucial element of freshness and a delightful spicy kick to balance the rich chicken. In a medium bowl, simply combine the chopped Sunkist® Cara Cara Orange segments (peeled and carefully cut from the pith), minced garlic, seeded and diced jalapeño for a controlled heat, freshly chopped cilantro, a pinch of salt, and a drizzle of olive oil. Stir all these ingredients together until well combined. The bright, sweet notes of the Cara Cara oranges, combined with the zing of garlic and the warmth of jalapeño, create a truly invigorating topping. Once prepared, you can place the salsa in the refrigerator to chill and allow the flavors to meld beautifully until you are ready to assemble your tacos.
Step 4: Assemble Your Flavorful Tacos
The final step is the most fun – assembly! Once your chicken is cooked and rested, transfer it to a cutting board and slice it into succulent strips. Now, you’re ready to build your tacos just the way you like them. I prefer to warm corn tortillas (either yellow or white) and then layer them with the tender chicken strips. Next, a generous spoonful of the zesty Cara Cara Orange Salsa is added, followed by a handful of crunchy shredded red cabbage for texture and a pop of color. Creamy sliced avocado adds a luxurious touch, while fresh cilantro brings an extra layer of herbaceous freshness. For those who love an added kick, a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce will bring the spice level to perfection. Feel free to customize with any other toppings you enjoy – a sprinkle of cotija cheese or a squeeze of lime juice can also be wonderful additions.
Use whichever hot sauce you prefer, whether it’s a mild sriracha or a fiery habanero blend, to tailor the spice to your liking!
Blood Orange Honey Ginger Chicken Tacos with Cara Cara Orange Salsa
equipment
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Utility Cutting Board
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Wusthof Knife Set
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French Wire Whisk
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Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls
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Half Sheet Pan
ingredients
- 5 boneless skinless chicken thighs
- Juice of 2 Sunkist® Blood Oranges
- 2 Sunkist® Blood Oranges sliced
- 1 Tbsp freshly grated ginger
- 2 garlic cloves crushed
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 honey
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 Sunkist® Cara Cara Oranges peeled, segments cut from pith, and chopped
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 jalapeno seeded and diced
- 1 tsp freshly chopped cilantro
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 tsp olive oil
- 10 to 12 corn tortillas yellow or white
- 2 cups shredded red cabbage
- 2 avocados sliced
- 1/4 cup freshly chopped cilantro
- Hot sauce
instructions
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Preheat oven to 375° degrees F. Grease a rimmed baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray.
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In a large bowl, whisk together blood orange juice, ginger, garlic, oil, honey, paprika, and salt. Add chicken thighs and blood orange slices, using your hands to turn and coat the chicken well.
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Add chicken thighs and orange slices to the baking sheet. Reserve the liquid in the bowl. Arrange so that the orange slices are underneath and in between the chicken thighs.
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Bake for 20 minutes. Baste with the blood orange ginger honey liquid. Bake another 6 to 10 minutes.
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Move baking sheet to upper rack and turn broiler to high. Broil for 3 minutes until browned on top.
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While chicken is baking, make salsa by combining all ingredients in a medium bowl. Place in the refrigerator until ready to use.
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Once chicken is cooked through, remove to cutting board and slice into strips.
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Add chicken to tortillas, dividing between them evenly. Top with cara cara orange salsa, shredded red cabbage, avocado, cilantro, and hot sauce as desired.
Serving Suggestions and Creative Variations
While these Blood Orange Honey Ginger Chicken Tacos are absolutely spectacular on their own, a few additions can further enhance your meal. For a complete dinner, consider serving them alongside a simple side of black beans and rice, which will perfectly complement the vibrant flavors of the tacos without overpowering them. A refreshing cucumber and mint salad could also provide a cool contrast to the spicy kick of the jalapeño in the salsa. If you’re looking to elevate the presentation, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds over the chicken adds a lovely crunch and a subtle nutty flavor.
Feel free to experiment with different toppings to suit your preference. While red cabbage provides excellent crunch and color, finely shredded romaine lettuce or even a crisp jicama slaw could be delightful alternatives. For cheese lovers, a sprinkle of crumbled cotija or a creamy queso fresco would add a delicious salty tang. If you enjoy a bit more heat, a drizzle of chili crisp or an extra dash of your favorite hot sauce can intensify the spice profile. Don’t be afraid to make these tacos your own by adding ingredients that speak to your taste buds.
Why Tacos Are the Perfect Vehicle for These Flavors
Tacos offer an incredible canvas for a medley of flavors and textures, making them an ideal choice for this citrus-infused chicken. The soft, warm corn tortilla provides a comforting base that cradles the succulent, glazed chicken. This allows the complex sweet, tart, and savory notes to shine through, while the fresh Cara Cara orange salsa adds a bright, zesty counterpoint. The various toppings – from the crispiness of the cabbage to the creaminess of avocado and the fresh punch of cilantro – create a dynamic eating experience with every bite. The beauty of tacos lies in their customizable nature, empowering you to create a personalized flavor adventure, ensuring that each mouthful is exactly to your liking. They are also inherently fun and interactive, making them perfect for family dinners or entertaining friends.
Final Thoughts: Brighten Your Plate with Seasonal Citrus
In conclusion, these Blood Orange Honey Ginger Chicken Tacos with Cara Cara Orange Salsa are more than just a recipe; they are an invitation to embrace the vibrant, often overlooked savory side of seasonal citrus. With the exquisite quality of Sunkist® Blood Oranges and Cara Cara Oranges, combined with the warmth of ginger and honey, this dish promises a delightful culinary escape. It’s a testament to how fresh, high-quality ingredients can transform a simple meal into something truly extraordinary. So, head to your local Safeway, pick up these magnificent Sunkist® oranges, and prepare to infuse your kitchen and your plate with unparalleled brightness and flavor. Your taste buds will thank you!