Sweet and Savory Roasted Orange Chicken Recipe
Introduction
Discover the delightful balance of sweet and savory with this roasted orange chicken recipe. Juicy chicken thighs or breasts are glazed with a zesty orange and honey mixture that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs Boneless Chicken Thighs or Breasts (for juicy results)
- 1 tsp Salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp Pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup Fresh Orange Juice (key for a zesty sweetness)
- 1/4 cup Honey (for sweetness, use maple syrup for a vegan option)
- 4 cloves Garlic (minced, or substitute with garlic powder)
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil (can substitute with avocado oil)
- 1 tbsp Fresh Thyme (substitute rosemary for a different flavor)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Step 2: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the fresh orange juice, honey, minced garlic, fresh thyme, and olive oil until well combined.
- Step 3: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, then season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Step 4: Place the chicken in a roasting pan and pour the orange glaze evenly over the pieces, turning to coat them well.
- Step 5: Roast in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, basting the chicken with the pan juices halfway through cooking.
- Step 6: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature; the chicken is done when it reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Step 7: Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes. Drizzle any remaining glaze over the top before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For a vegan twist, substitute chicken with firm tofu and use maple syrup instead of honey.
- Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze gives a nice subtle heat.
- Try fresh rosemary instead of thyme to change the flavor profile.
- Serve with creamy mashed potatoes or a fresh arugula salad to complement the citrusy glaze.
Storage
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 325°F (160°C) or in the microwave until warmed through, taking care not to dry it out.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, boneless chicken breasts work fine. Just be careful not to overcook them since they can dry out faster than thighs.
What can I use if I don’t have fresh orange juice?
You can substitute with bottled orange juice, but fresh juice will provide the best flavor and brightness to the glaze.
PrintSweet and Savory Roasted Orange Chicken Recipe
A vibrant and flavorful roasted orange chicken recipe that combines zesty fresh orange juice with a sweet honey glaze, infused with garlic and fresh thyme. Perfectly roasted to juicy tenderness, this dish offers a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors sure to impress at any meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 lbs Boneless Chicken Thighs or Breasts (for juicy results)
- 1 tsp Salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp Pepper (adjust to taste)
For the Glaze
- 1 cup Fresh Orange Juice (key for a zesty sweetness)
- 1/4 cup Honey (for sweetness, maple syrup for vegan option)
- 4 cloves Garlic (minced, or substitute with garlic powder)
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil (can substitute with avocado oil)
- 1 tbsp Fresh Thyme (substitute rosemary for a different flavor)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for roasting the chicken evenly.
- Prepare Glaze: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the fresh orange juice, honey, minced garlic, fresh thyme, and olive oil until well combined to create a flavorful glaze.
- Season Chicken: Pat the boneless chicken thighs or breasts dry with paper towels, then season both sides evenly with salt and pepper according to taste.
- Marinate Chicken: Place the chicken in a roasting pan and pour the orange glaze over it, ensuring each piece is coated well for maximum flavor infusion.
- Roast Chicken: Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes. Halfway through cooking, baste the chicken with the glaze from the pan to keep it moist and flavorful.
- Check Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken; it should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after roasting to retain juices. Drizzle with any extra glaze from the pan before serving for an extra burst of sweetness and flavor.
Notes
- Serve with creamy mashed potatoes or a fresh arugula salad for a balanced, complete meal.
- Use maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan-friendly version.
- Fresh thyme can be substituted with rosemary to vary the flavor profile.
- Ensure the chicken is patted dry before seasoning to help the glaze adhere better.
- Let us know how you enjoyed this recipe!
Keywords: roasted orange chicken, sweet and savory chicken, honey glazed chicken, baked chicken recipe, easy dinner, citrus chicken
