Sweet and Savory Roasted Orange Chicken Recipe

Introduction

This Sweet and Savory Roasted Orange Chicken combines juicy, tender chicken thighs with bright citrus and a touch of honey for a flavorful dinner that’s both comforting and vibrant. The caramelized orange slices add a beautiful presentation and delicious depth to each bite.

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 fresh orange juice, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and olive oil to create the marinade.
4. Step 4: Arrange the orange slices at the bottom of the roasting pan and place the chicken pieces on top of them.
5. Step 5: Pour the marinade evenly over the chicken, then sprinkle the thyme leaves across the top.
6. Step 6: Roast the chicken for 25 minutes, basting once halfway through with the pan juices to keep it moist.
7. Step 7: Switch the oven to broil and cook the chicken for an additional 3-5 minutes until the skin is caramelized and glossy.
8. Step 8: Remove the chicken from the oven 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 extra flavor.

Tips & Variations

• For an extra layer of flavor, marinate the chicken in the orange-soy mixture for 1-2 hours before roasting.
• Use blood oranges or Cara Cara oranges for a colorful twist and slightly different flavor profile.
• Serve with steamed rice or roasted vegetables to complete the meal.
• If you prefer boneless chicken, adjust the roasting time down to about 20 minutes.

Storage

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. The orange sauce may thicken when refrigerated; loosen it with a splash of water or orange juice when reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but reduce the cooking time to about 20 minutes to avoid drying out the meat.

Is it necessary to broil the chicken at the end?

Broiling adds a beautiful caramelized finish and crisp skin. If you prefer, you can skip this step, but the chicken might not have the same glossy appearance and texture.

Sweet and Savory Roasted Orange Chicken Recipe

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This Sweet and Savory Roasted Orange Chicken recipe features bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs roasted to perfection with a vibrant orange and honey glaze. The dish combines fresh citrus, garlic, thyme, and a touch of soy sauce to create a beautifully caramelized, juicy chicken that’s both flavorful and visually stunning, perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.

• Author: Anna
• 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

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

Citrus and Marinade

• 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

Garnish

• Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a roasting pan with olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry using paper towels. Season them generously with salt, pepper, and paprika for a flavorful crust.
3. Make the marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together fresh orange juice, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and olive oil until well combined.
4. Arrange oranges and chicken: Lay the thinly sliced orange rounds evenly on the bottom of the roasting pan. Place the seasoned chicken thighs directly on top of the orange slices.
5. Marinate and add thyme: Pour the orange juice marinade evenly over the chicken pieces, then sprinkle fresh or dried thyme leaves on top.
6. Roast the chicken: Place the roasting pan in the oven and roast for 25 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, baste the chicken with 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 turns caramelized, glossy, and slightly crisp. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
8. Rest and garnish: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Garnish with fresh orange slices and sprigs of thyme for color and aroma.
9. Serve: Spoon the flavorful pan sauce over the chicken pieces before serving for an extra burst of citrusy, sweet-savory flavor.

Notes

• Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for best flavor and juiciness.
• If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the honey to 1 tablespoon.
• You can substitute fresh thyme with dried thyme, but use less as dried herbs are more concentrated.
• Broiling intensifies the caramelization—keep a close eye on the chicken during this step to prevent burning.
• Leftover chicken and sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

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