SPICY ORANGE CHICKEN
This dish is a good source of fiber, folic acid, selenium, and Vitamins B6 and C. The protein in the chicken is high in the amino acid tyrosine, which converts to the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine. Dopamine and norepinephrine are responsible for feelings of alertness, excitement, action and mental acuity. Low levels of these neurotransmitters result in depressed mood, fatigue, and poor concentration, whereas high levels can create agitation and anxiety.
6 medium organic oranges
1 tablespoon honey
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons red chili pepper flakes
2 tablespoons grated orange zest
2 tablespoons flour
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1 pound chicken, either dark or white meat, without skin and bones
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
Season with salt and pepper
Put the juice of one orange in a medium bowl and peel the remaining oranges, removing all bitter white pith. Cut oranges into three-quarter-inch cubes. Add half the chopped oranges, orange juice, and honey in a bowl and set aside.
Heat a large skillet over low heat. When hot, add olive oil, chili pepper flakes, and orange zest and cook for one to two minutes or until fragrant.
In a shallow bowl, combine flour and salt. Coat both sides of the chicken in seasoned flour. Increase the skillet burner to med-high, add chicken to skillet, and cook until browned on both sides—about two minutes per side. Once chicken is browned on both sides add orange juice-honey mixture into skillet and stir well to incorporate browned bits on bottom of pan. Cover, reduce heat to medium, and cook eight minutes or until cooked through; turn chicken over halfway through cooking time. Lastly stir in reserved chopped oranges and cook 10 seconds to heat through. Serve chicken with brown rice and top with toasted sesame seeds.
To toast sesame seeds, heat a small, non-greased skillet over medium heat and add sesame seeds. Stir frequently until they are golden and fragrant—about five minutes. Once they are toasted, quickly pour them onto a plate so they will not continue to toast or burn.