Sweet and Savory Roasted Orange Chicken Recipe
Introduction
This Sweet and Savory Roasted Orange Chicken is a delightful blend of citrus brightness and comforting flavors. Tender chicken thighs are roasted with fresh oranges and a honey-soy glaze, creating a juicy and flavorful dish perfect for any weeknight or special occasion.
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 large navel oranges, thinly sliced (plus extra 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)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a roasting pan with olive oil.
- Step 2: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together the orange juice, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and olive oil until well combined.
- Step 4: Arrange the orange slices in a single layer on the bottom of the roasting pan. Place the seasoned chicken pieces on top of the orange slices.
- Step 5: Pour the marinade evenly over the chicken and sprinkle with fresh or dried thyme leaves.
- Step 6: Roast the chicken for 25 minutes, basting halfway through with the pan juices to keep it moist and flavorful.
- Step 7: Change the oven setting to broil and broil the chicken for 3–5 minutes until the skin is caramelized and glossy—watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Step 8: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with extra fresh orange slices and thyme sprigs for a vibrant presentation.
- Step 9: Spoon the pan sauce over the chicken before serving to add extra zest and moisture.
Tips & Variations
- For a deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in the orange-soy mixture for up to 2 hours before roasting.
- Use blood oranges or cara cara oranges for a colorful twist and a slightly different citrus flavor.
- Swap chicken thighs with drumsticks or bone-in chicken breasts if preferred, adjusting cooking time as needed.
- If you like some heat, add a pinch of chili flakes to the marinade for a subtle kick.
Storage
Store leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to keep the chicken moist. Avoid overcooking when reheating to maintain tenderness.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead?
Yes, boneless thighs will work; however, reduce the roasting time slightly to avoid drying out the chicken. Keep an eye on the internal temperature, aiming for 165°F.
Is it necessary to broil the chicken at the end?
Broiling adds a beautiful caramelized finish to the skin for extra flavor and crispiness. If you prefer, you can skip this step, but the skin won’t be as glossy or crispy.
PrintSweet and Savory Roasted Orange Chicken Recipe
This Sweet and Savory Roasted Orange Chicken recipe delivers juicy, bone-in chicken thighs infused with bright citrus and aromatic herbs. Roasted to perfection with a honey-soy glaze and fragrant orange slices, this dish balances flavors of sweet, savory, and tangy, making it a delightful main course that’s quick to prepare and impressive to serve.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Marinade and Roasting
- 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)
- Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a roasting pan with olive oil to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.
- Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure a crispy skin. Season generously with salt, pepper, and paprika to enhance flavor and create a lovely crust when roasted.
- Make the marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together fresh orange juice, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and olive oil. This mixture will provide the sweet and savory glaze for the chicken.
- Arrange orange slices and chicken: Lay the thinly sliced oranges in an even layer at the bottom of the roasting pan. Place the seasoned chicken thighs on top of the orange slices, which will add moisture and infuse citrus flavor during roasting.
- Apply marinade and thyme: Pour the prepared marinade evenly over the chicken thighs, then sprinkle fresh or dried thyme leaves on top for a herbaceous touch.
- Roast the chicken: Place the roasting pan in the oven and cook for 25 minutes. Halfway through, baste the chicken with the pan juices to keep it moist and enhance the flavor glaze.
- Broil to finish: After roasting, switch your oven to broil and broil the chicken for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the skin becomes caramelized, glossy, and slightly crispy, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Rest and garnish: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes, which helps retain the juices. Garnish with extra fresh orange slices and thyme sprigs for a beautiful presentation.
- Serve: Spoon the flavorful pan sauce over the rested chicken before serving to maximize the sweet, savory, citrus flavor combination.
Notes
- For extra crisp skin, ensure chicken thighs are dry before seasoning.
- If fresh thyme is unavailable, dried thyme works well but use less (1 teaspoon).
- Adjust honey quantity to your preferred sweetness level.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F for safety.
- Leftover pan sauce can be strained and used as a glaze or dipping sauce.
Keywords: roasted orange chicken, citrus chicken recipe, honey soy chicken, easy roasted chicken, weeknight dinner
