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Sweet and Savory Roasted Orange Chicken Recipe

Sweet and Savory Roasted Orange Chicken Recipe

4.9 from 17 reviews

This Sweet and Savory Roasted Orange Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken thighs roasted with fragrant orange slices, a tangy marinade of fresh orange juice, honey, soy sauce, garlic, and herbs. The chicken is caramelized under the broiler for a glossy finish and served with a flavorful pan sauce, making a vibrant, delicious dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon paprika

Marinade

  • 2 large navel oranges, thinly sliced (plus extra slices for garnish)
  • 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)

Garnish

  • Fresh thyme sprigs
  • Additional orange slices

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a roasting pan with olive oil to prevent sticking and help with even cooking.
  2. Prepare Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin. Season them generously with salt, pepper, and paprika for added flavor and color.
  3. Make Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh orange juice, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and olive oil. This combination provides a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors.
  4. Arrange Ingredients: Lay the thin orange slices evenly on the bottom of the roasting pan. Place the seasoned chicken thighs on top of the orange bed to infuse flavor during roasting.
  5. Apply Marinade and Herbs: Pour the prepared marinade evenly over the chicken pieces. Sprinkle the thyme leaves on top to add aromatic notes.
  6. Roast Chicken: Place the roasting pan in the oven and roast for approximately 25 minutes. Halfway through cooking, baste the chicken with the pan juices to keep it moist and flavorful.
  7. Broil for Finish: After roasting, switch the oven to broil. Broil the chicken for 3-5 minutes or until the skin becomes caramelized, glossy, and slightly charred for extra depth of flavor.
  8. Rest Chicken: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in juicy and tender meat.
  9. Garnish and Serve: Garnish the chicken with fresh thyme sprigs and additional orange slices for a vibrant presentation. Spoon the flavorful pan sauce over the chicken before serving for maximum taste.

Notes

  • Use bone-in, skin-on thighs for juicier, more flavorful chicken and crispy skin.
  • Feel free to substitute fresh thyme with dried thyme if fresh is unavailable, adjusting quantity accordingly.
  • Broiling at the end is crucial to develop a beautiful caramelized glaze on the chicken skin.
  • This recipe pairs well with steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: roasted orange chicken, sweet and savory chicken, citrus chicken recipe, baked chicken thighs, orange glaze chicken