Monégasque-inspired Citrus Chicken

Ingredients

In this Monégasque-inspired adaptation, the original Vietnamese dish "De tai chanh" is transformed by incorporating Monégasque culinary elements. The traditional Vietnamese marinade is enhanced with Monégasque citrus fruits, such as lemons and oranges, to add a unique Mediterranean twist. The grilling technique is also influenced by Monégasque cooking traditions, which emphasize the use of open flames for a smoky flavor. Additionally, the dish is served with jasmine rice, a staple in Monégasque cuisine, instead of the traditional Vietnamese accompaniments. We alse have the original recipe for De tai chanh, so you can check it out.

• 4 chicken breasts (about 500g / 1.1 lb) 4 chicken breasts (about 500g / 1.1 lb)
• 2 lemons, juiced 2 lemons, juiced
• 1 orange, juiced 1 orange, juiced
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Jasmine rice, for serving Jasmine rice, for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1.5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 5g, 2g
• Protein: 38g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the lemon juice, orange juice, minced garlic, chopped parsley, thyme leaves, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
2. 2.
   Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Ensure the chicken is evenly coated. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, allowing the flavors to meld.
3. 3.
   Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
4. 4.
   Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off.
5. 5.
   Grill the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through and nicely charred.
6. 6.
   Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
7. 7.
   Serve the Monégasque-inspired Citrus Chicken with jasmine rice and garnish with fresh herbs, if desired.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chicken breasts — To ensure juicy and tender chicken, avoid overcooking. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Citrus fruits — Choose ripe and juicy lemons and oranges for maximum flavor. Roll the fruits on a hard surface before juicing to extract more juice.

Tips & Tricks

• For a smoky flavor, you can add a small amount of wood chips to the grill while cooking the chicken.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade.
• To save time, you can marinate the chicken overnight for even more flavor infusion.
• Serve the chicken with a side of grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
• Leftover chicken can be sliced and used in salads or sandwiches for a delicious lunch option.

Serving advice

Serve the Monégasque-inspired Citrus Chicken on a platter, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme. Accompany it with a generous portion of fragrant jasmine rice. This dish pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or a Chardonnay.

Presentation advice

Arrange the grilled chicken slices on a bed of jasmine rice, drizzling any remaining marinade over the top for added flavor. Garnish with fresh herbs and citrus slices for an elegant and vibrant presentation.