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, zesty flavor of fresh oranges. This recipe balances citrus sweetness with savory herbs and spices, creating a delicious meal 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 your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a small bowl, mix the orange juice, soy sauce, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
2. Step 2: Place the chicken thighs in a roasting pan and brush them generously with the marinade. Arrange the thinly sliced oranges over and under the chicken pieces.
3. Step 3: Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for about 35-40 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
4. Step 4: During roasting, baste the chicken with pan juices a couple of times to keep it moist and flavorful.
5. Step 5: Once cooked, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh orange slices and thyme sprigs before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crisp skin, pat the chicken dry before marinating and avoid overcrowding the pan.
• Substitute chicken thighs with drumsticks or breasts, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for a subtle spicy kick.
• Use blood oranges for a deeper color and unique flavor.

Storage

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to retain moisture. The orange slices are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored separately if preferred.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but they may cook faster and can dry out more easily, so watch the cooking time closely and consider marinating longer for added moisture.

Is it necessary to use fresh orange juice?

Fresh orange juice is recommended for the best bright and natural citrus flavor, but bottled orange juice can be used in a pinch, preferably without added sugar or preservatives.

Sweet and Savory Roasted Orange Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 115 reviews

This Sweet and Savory Roasted Orange Chicken features tender, juicy chicken thighs roasted with fresh orange slices, fragrant garlic, and a honey-soy glaze that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors. The dish is brightened with fresh thyme and paprika, making it a delicious and elegant meal perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

• Author: Nora
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

Citrus and Sauce

• 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

Seasonings

• 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 for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together fresh orange juice, soy sauce, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, fresh thyme leaves, paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined to create a flavorful marinade.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken ensuring each piece is coated. Refrigerate and marinate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 1 hour for deeper flavor absorption.
3. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for roasting the chicken to a crispy finish.
4. Arrange Chicken and Oranges: In a baking dish, lay the chicken thighs skin-side up. Arrange the thinly sliced orange pieces both underneath and over the chicken pieces to infuse the meat with citrus aroma during roasting.
5. Roast the Chicken: Place the baking dish in the oven and roast for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden and crispy. Baste the chicken occasionally with the pan juices to keep it moist and flavorful.
6. Broil for Extra Crispiness (Optional): For a crispier skin finish, switch the oven to broil and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
7. Serve and Garnish: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with additional fresh thyme sprigs and extra orange slices before serving to enhance presentation and flavor.

Notes

• For best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight if time allows.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of chili flakes to the marinade.
• Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs provide the juiciest results; boneless or skinless pieces can be used but may cook faster.
• Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce saltiness if desired.
• Leftover roasted orange slices can be used to garnish salads or desserts.

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