Masa Cake with Citrus-Infused Chicken
A light, tender cake made from masa harina, filled with juicy citrus-marinated chicken and fresh herbs, served with a bright orange-cilantro sauce. This mexican-inspired quick meals (gluten-free) ready in about 65 minutes layers Masa harina, Chicken thighs, Orange juice into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 4, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Masa harina
- 12 oz Chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup Orange juice
- 1 tbsp Lime juice
- 1 tsp Dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 3 tbsp finely chopped Fresh cilantro
- 1/2 cup diced Red bell pepper
- 3 tbsp sliced Green onions
- 1/4 cup Sour cream
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Marinate chicken thighs in 1/4 cup orange juice, 1 tbsp lime juice, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp oregano, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper for 30 minutes.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high; cook chicken until golden and cooked through (8-10 minutes), then set aside and slice.
- Step 3: Whisk masa harina with 1 cup water until smooth; pour into a greased 8-inch baking dish and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes until set.
- Step 4: While cake bakes, sauté diced red bell pepper in 1 tbsp olive oil for 5 minutes until tender, then add green onions and cook 1 minute more.
- Step 5: Stir 1/4 cup sour cream into the pepper mixture, then fold in 3 tbsp chopped cilantro. Spread over baked masa cake, top with sliced chicken, and drizzle with reserved citrus marinade.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Masa Cake with Citrus-Infused Chicken take to make?
Total time is about 65 minutes (30 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Masa Cake with Citrus-Infused Chicken?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Masa Cake with Citrus-Infused Chicken?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Masa Cake with Citrus-Infused Chicken for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Masa Cake with Citrus-Infused Chicken gluten-free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Brought this to a potluck and it was the first dish to disappear.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
