Life is full of little stressors, isn’t it? Whether it be work, life, family, or a combo of the three, sometimes instead of screaming out into the universe, IIII’M STREESSSED (which, cough, I have been known to do) I’ll take a soul-cleansing walk outside, buy myself a bouquet of flowers, or simply think about things that have made me smile or laugh recently.
Lately that’s included…
Dunkin’ Donuts Iced Coffee. It was finally warm enough to switch from hot beverages to cool sips last week, so I took a chance and ordered my first ever Dunkin’ Donuts’ iced coffee one morning. With a hit of milk and sugar, it was even more delish than I imagined. Not too sweet nor bitter at all, and perfect with a chocolate munchkin or two. A DD is moving in fairly close to my house in a few months and, well, I’m scared.
My little brother. Both my brothers make me laugh but I tell you what, my little brother, whom I don’t get to see nearly enough as he lives in Denver, makes me laugh out loud like a maniac. I Facetimed with him last week as he was recovering from Lasik eye surgery and my face hurt by the time we hung up. He so crazy.
Becoming a Mama. Ben and I went to a couple’s shower over the weekend for some friends who are a few weeks ahead of us and shared a few laughs over new, much earlier bedtimes, increased trips to the restroom, and the strange things strangers say to pregnant women. As relatively painless (well, tell that to my sciatic) as this pregnancy as been, I can’t wait to meet our little munchkin. Like, really, really can’t wait.
Ben: They say pregnancy makes you fall even more in love with your husband or partner and, while I didn’t think that was possible, I suppose it’s true. Without making you want to barf, he’s the first thing I think of when I need a mood lift. Especially his patented orange wedge smile which he likes to surprise me with and then pretend nothing’s amiss. It pretty much makes me the happiest person on the planet.
Speaking of oranges, I totally believe in the calming powers of scent and taste, and there is something so uplifting about a sweet and citrusy orange. I’ve been buying sacks of ’em like a mad woman lately, using them to both (help) satisfy my sweet tooth in the evening, and juice in the morning with carrots and ginger for a fresh wake up call. Nature’s perfect treat, if you ask me.
This weekend I harnessed the fresh, bright taste of oranges and used them in Blue Moon Orange Chicken!Â
Blue Moon Orange Chicken is a quick and easy skillet supper that incorporates sauteed chicken with an easy pan sauce of Blue Moon beer, low-sodium soy sauce, and freshly squeezed orange juice.
Orange slices squeezed into a freshly poured Blue Moon just happens to be one of my summertime treats, and the flavor combo is just as tasty – nay, tastier! – in this recipe. A little sweet, a little savory, and a little salty. I inhaled this light and springy dish!
Start the Blue Moon Chicken by brushing 1lb chicken breasts on both sides with extra virgin olive oil, seasoning with salt and pepper, and then sauteing in a skillet over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes a side, or until done.
Slide ’em off onto a plate then set aside.
Next, reduce the heat to medium then heat 1-1/2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, and then add 2 large shallots sliced thin. Saute until translucent, about 1-2 minutes.
Now add 1 cup Blue Moon beer and 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce (don’t use regular – it will be way too salty!)
FYI – you can use whatever wheat beer you have in the house but, as I mentioned, Blue Moon pairs terrifically with oranges. You’ll just love it in here!
Next squeeze in the juice of 2 oranges.
Turn the heat up to bring the liquid to a boil then simmer until slightly thickened, about 4-5 minutes. If you are worried about serving this dish to children or pregnant women, the alcohol will cook out in this step leaving a savory, subtle taste of beer behind.
Add the chicken breasts back into the skillet to warm through.
Serve, spooning the orange-beer sauce over, then dig in!
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Blue Moon Orange Chicken
Description
Blue Moon Orange Chicken is a quick and easy skillet supper with an easy Blue Moon beer pan sauce.
Ingredients
- 1lb chicken breasts, pounded thin
- extra virgin olive oil, for brushing
- salt & pepper
- 1-1/2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 large shallots, sliced thin
- 1 cup Blue Moon beer
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce (do not use regular)
- juice of 2 oranges
Directions
- Brush both sides of chicken breasts with extra virgin olive oil then season with salt and pepper. Cook in a large skillet over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes a side, or until cooked through, then remove to a plate and set aside.
- Turn heat down to medium, add extra virgin olive oil to skillet, and then add shallots. Cook shallots until translucent, about 1 minute, then add beer, soy sauce, and orange juice. Turn heat up and bring mixture to a boil then cook, scraping up brown bits from bottom of skillet with a wooden spoon, until sauce has reduced and thickened, 4-5 minutes. Add chicken back to skillet then coat with sauce and serve.
Notes
Slightly adapted from Cooking Light
This recipe is courtesy of Iowa Girl Eats, http://iowagirleats.com.
I practically licked the extra sauce off my plate, it was so good! Just a hint of orange – definitely not too sweet – and that soy sauce was the perfect accent flavor.
I served roasted asparagus on the side – just asparagus with the end snapped off then tossed with extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper and then roasted for 10 minutes at 425 degrees. Fresh asparagus was everywhere at the Farmers’ Market this weekend. It is so good right now!
jodea @ chillichocolatelove.com 05.14.2013
I was totally craving beer with citrus just last night! You’re so right about focusing on the good stuff. I just had a fabulous holiday and a lovely relaxing weekend walking along the beach. I can’t complain. Plus I head to Sorrento for a wedding in two weeks!
Lauren Williams 05.13.2013
Pinned it!! This will be a great recipe for my low-carb diet :)
Nina @ Too Hottie For That Body 05.13.2013
First of all… what the crap?! Blue Moon Orange Chicken?! You have no idea how happy this makes me. Second, you made me miss pregnancy in that weird “I was a psycho peeing machine and nobody needs that” kind of way. You’re going to love being a mom! Sometimes it makes you crazy but for the most part it’s just the most magical thing you’ll ever experience… kinda like pregnancy ;)
Jess 05.13.2013
I love that combination of orange and Blue Moon, but what a great idea to cook with it! This is such a great summer meal!
Jan @ Sprouts n Squats 05.13.2013
Love the idea for this recipe it looks really yummy!
Ja @ Ja on the RUN 05.13.2013
I love orange chicken. I make it every now and then. I will this recipe!!! :)
Lauren 05.13.2013
Everything about this recipe just sounds perfect, especially for summer. I will be making this asap!
Annie @ my fuel and fitness diaries 05.13.2013
OMG. This is one of those recipes that I read, pin, and then obsess about until I finally have time to make it. You my friend are a genius!
lisa@ Cooking with Curls 05.13.2013
Wow, that chicken looks good!!!
Tieghan 05.13.2013
I love this. It looks so good!! I love the orange and soy sauce!! Yum!
Georgia @ The Comfort of Cooking 05.13.2013
Wow, what a scrumptious idea for kickin’ up chicken! This looks delicious, Kristin!
Wendy B 05.13.2013
Oh, this looks good! And my hubby would love it simply for the Blue Moon :) Yesterday he took me and our fur-baby for a ride in the truck for Mother’s Day. Best thing we have done for a long time!
Jess @ The Dreaming Foodie 05.13.2013
Ah this looks so good and like the perfect summertime dish! And about DD – one opened up steps outside of my apartment and I was so worried that I would be there ALL THE TIME. Luckily, now that it’s here, I seem to be demonstrating some self-control :)
Jennifer 05.13.2013
This is my kind of article Iced Coffee and Blue Moon in the same paragraph! Thanks for the happy thoughts, look forward to trying the chicken recipe
Sheila 05.13.2013
I am so impressed at your ability to tie all that together. I thought there would have to be an abrupt shift of gears from anti-stressers to recipe but the brilliance of bringing in the orange-slice-smile-husband was the best transition ever! haha
Also, I always took for granted the pictures that you provide while you are cooking. I just recently started my own blog for all things crafty, foody, and general awesomenessy and learned taking nice pictures while cooking is no joke. Kudos to you for your impressive storytelling and multi-tasking abilities :)
nessa 05.13.2013
Mmm.. that chicken looks pretty amazing!
Trish - Mom On Timeout 05.13.2013
That is one delicious looking plate my dear! I love Alexia and I love that my boys actually eat their products :) Mother’s Day certainly made me smile!
Robyn Stone | Add a Pinch 05.13.2013
The colors of the oranges look so fresh and inviting! They really grab your attention as they smile from the page at you!!! The chicken looks delish too!
Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl 05.13.2013
Those are some of the fattest spears of asparagus that I have seen in awhile! I’m jealous!!
Katie @ Blonde Ambition 05.13.2013
I love Alexia products! I always keep my freezer stocked with their fries, and have them at least twice per week. Sounds like the perfect thing to sop up that orange-soy-Blue Moon sauce! What a killer combo.