Sweet and Savory Roasted Orange Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Sweet and savory roasted orange chicken is a delightful dish that combines juicy chicken thighs with the bright, citrusy flavor of fresh oranges. This easy recipe creates a caramelized, flavorful meal that’s perfect for any night of the week.

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

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a roasting pan with olive oil.
2. Step 2: Pat the chicken thighs dry and season them evenly with salt, pepper, and paprika.
3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together the orange juice, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and olive oil to create the marinade.
4. Step 4: Arrange the orange slices in a single layer on the bottom of the roasting pan, then place the chicken thighs on top of the oranges.
5. Step 5: Pour the prepared marinade evenly over the chicken and sprinkle with thyme leaves.
6. Step 6: Roast the chicken for 25 minutes, basting halfway through with the pan juices to keep it moist and flavorful.
7. Step 7: Switch the oven to broil and broil the chicken for 3 to 5 minutes until the skin is caramelized and glossy.
8. Step 8: Remove the chicken and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh orange slices and thyme sprigs.
9. Step 9: Spoon the pan sauce over the chicken before serving for an extra burst of flavor.

Tips & Variations

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning.
• Use mandarin oranges for a sweeter, less tangy flavor.
• Swap chicken thighs for drumsticks or breasts, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
• Adding a splash of white wine to the marinade can deepen the flavor.

Storage

Store leftover roasted orange chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to preserve moisture. The pan sauce can be refrigerated separately and reheated before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use orange marmalade instead of fresh oranges?

While marmalade can add sweetness, it won’t replicate the fresh citrus slices that provide moisture and beautiful presentation. It’s best used as an addition to the marinade rather than a substitute.

Is this recipe suitable for grilling?

This dish is designed for roasting to allow the orange slices to infuse flavor and the skin to crisp evenly. However, you can grill the chicken after marinating, but the orange slices should be reserved for serving or added as a fresh garnish.

Sweet and Savory Roasted Orange Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 104 reviews

Sweet and Savory Roasted Orange Chicken features juicy bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs cooked to perfection with a tangy and fragrant orange marinade. Marinated in a blend of fresh orange juice, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and thyme, then roasted and broiled for a caramelized finish, this dish offers a delightful combination of citrusy sweetness and savory depth, perfect for a comforting yet elegant meal.

• Author: Caleb
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Marinade

• 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 (plus extra for greasing)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Garnish

• Fresh thyme sprigs
• Additional orange slices

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a roasting pan with olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Season Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season them evenly on both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika for a balanced flavor and beautiful color.
3. Make Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh orange juice, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and olive oil to create a flavorful marinade and glaze.
4. Arrange Oranges and Chicken: Lay the thinly sliced orange pieces in the bottom of the greased roasting pan. Nestle the seasoned chicken thighs on top of the orange slices to infuse flavor as they roast.
5. Marinate and Add Herbs: Pour the marinade evenly over the chicken pieces and then sprinkle the fresh or dried thyme leaves on top for aromatic notes.
6. Roast the Chicken: Place the pan in the oven and roast for 25 minutes. Halfway through, baste the chicken with the pan juices to keep it moist and flavorful.
7. Broil for Caramelization: After roasting, switch the oven to broil and broil the chicken for 3-5 minutes until the skin is caramelized, glossy, and crisp.
8. Rest and Garnish: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes so the juices redistribute. Garnish with fresh orange slices and thyme sprigs for a bright presentation.
9. Serve: Spoon the flavorful pan sauce over the chicken thighs before serving to enhance every bite with citrusy, savory goodness.

Notes

• For a deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in the orange marinade for 1-2 hours before roasting.
• Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for the best juiciness and flavor.
• Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey according to your taste.
• If you prefer less sodium, substitute low-sodium soy sauce.
• To make cleanup easier, line the roasting pan with foil.
• Ensure you watch carefully while broiling to prevent burning the glaze.

Keywords: roasted orange chicken, chicken thighs recipe, citrus chicken, honey soy chicken, oven roasted chicken, easy chicken dinner, sweet and savory chicken