Chicken takes a citrus twist: A new flavour in our kitchens

Meat and fruits aren't a typical duo. Sometimes, we consider them elegant and sophisticated, associated with holiday dishes. However, this mix makes it simple to transform a regular dinner into something special. This time of year, it's worth focusing on citrus fruits.

Chicken is one of the most commonly chosen meats. Although it offers nearly unlimited culinary possibilities, sometimes you may run short of ideas on preparing it. In such cases, consider citrus fruits, especially oranges, which are currently in season. They add a touch of freshness, ensuring the meat never turns out dry. For a dish like this, you need to prepare some rice to complement it. Together, they taste excellent.

Some may be skeptical of this combination, but only a modest amount of oranges is needed to enhance the chicken's pleasant aroma. Adding citrus to the meat isn't about creating a sauce but about adding a delightful contrast of flavours. Oranges can be used for both whole roasted chicken and when preparing it in pieces.

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken leg quarters or 6 drumsticks,
• 2 oranges,
• a sprig of fresh rosemary,
• 2-3 cloves of garlic.

For the marinade:

• 4 tablespoons of olive oil or oil,
• juice from half an orange,
• a teaspoon of mustard,
• half a teaspoon of honey,
• salt, pepper, and paprika to taste.

Instructions:

1. Squeeze the juice from half an orange. Add the remaining marinade ingredients and mix.
2. Pour the marinade over the chicken. It's best to let it sit for about an hour.
3. Wash the remaining oranges thoroughly and cut them into thick slices.
4. Transfer the meat and marinade to an ovenproof dish. Place the garlic cloves beside it. Bake for 45 minutes at 180 degrees Celsius.
5. Then add orange slices and a sprig of rosemary.
6. Bake everything for about 35 more minutes. Near the end of baking, you can use the grill function to brown the chicken nicely.