Description
Roasted Orange Chicken is a delightful dish that perfectly combines savory and sweet flavors. This recipe features succulent chicken roasted to perfection and glazed in a zesty orange sauce, creating an incredible balance of flavors. It’s simple to prepare, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or special gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
- 1 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
- Sliced oranges for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Marinade: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the orange juice, soy sauce, olive oil, honey, garlic, ginger, black pepper, salt, and orange zest until well combined.
- Marinate Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for deeper flavor.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Arrange Chicken: Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade (reserve the marinade for later). Place the chicken skin-side up on a roasting pan or a baking dish.
- Roast Chicken: Cook the chicken in the preheated oven for 45–60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the skin is crispy and golden. Baste with the reserved marinade halfway through for added flavor.
- Prepare Glaze: While the chicken is roasting, pour the remaining marinade into a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, until it thickens slightly.
- Coat Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven. Brush the thickened glaze generously over the chicken.
- Rest: Let the chicken rest for about 5–10 minutes before serving. This allows juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness.
- Garnish: Optional – garnish with fresh cilantro and slices of orange before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh oranges for the best flavor.
- Season the chicken with additional salt and pepper before marinating for extra flavor.
- Baste the chicken every 15 minutes while roasting.
- Allowing the chicken to rest after cooking is essential for tenderness.
- Experiment with adding spices like crushed red pepper for heat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 thigh
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg