Sweet 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
Scale
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
