Sweet and Savory Roasted Orange Chicken Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
