Orange Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Orange chicken is a vibrant and flavorful dish that balances sweet citrus notes with savory herbs and spices. This recipe uses fresh oranges and a simple marinade to create juicy, caramelized chicken perfect for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests.

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 with paper towels, then season 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 thinly sliced oranges on the bottom of the roasting pan and place the seasoned chicken thighs on top of the orange slices.
5. Step 5: Pour the marinade evenly over the chicken and sprinkle fresh or dried thyme leaves across the top.
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 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 to allow the juices to redistribute.
9. Step 9: Garnish with fresh orange slices and thyme sprigs before serving. Spoon the pan sauce over the chicken for extra flavor.

Tips & Variations

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red chili flakes to the marinade.
• Bone-in thighs can be substituted with boneless, but adjust roasting time accordingly to avoid drying out the meat.
• Use blood oranges or Cara Cara oranges for a more colorful presentation.
• If fresh thyme isn’t available, rosemary or oregano can provide a different but lovely herbal note.

Storage

Store leftover orange chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or on the stovetop to maintain the crispy skin and juicy interior. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but reduce roasting time and monitor closely to avoid drying out the meat. Bone-in, skin-on thighs are preferred for juiciness and flavor.

Is it necessary to broil the chicken at the end?

Broiling adds a beautiful caramelized finish to the chicken skin, enhancing both texture and flavor. If you prefer, you can skip this step, but the chicken won’t have the same glossy, crisp coating.

Orange Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 102 reviews

This Orange Chicken recipe features juicy, bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs roasted to perfection with a bright and flavorful orange glaze. Infused with fresh orange juice, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and aromatic thyme, the chicken develops a beautiful caramelized finish under the broiler. It’s an easy yet elegant dish ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions, combining the sweetness of citrus with savory and herbaceous notes.

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

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon paprika

Orange 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)

Garnish

• Fresh thyme sprigs
• Extra orange slices

Instructions

1. Preheat and prepare roasting pan: 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 generously with salt, pepper, and paprika to enhance flavor and promote crispy skin.
3. Make marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh orange juice, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and olive oil until well combined. This will serve as the flavorful glaze for the chicken.
4. Arrange oranges and chicken: Lay the thinly sliced orange slices evenly on the bottom of the roasting pan. Place the seasoned chicken thighs on top of the orange slices to infuse citrus flavor while roasting.
5. Add marinade and thyme: Pour the prepared marinade evenly over the chicken pieces. Sprinkle fresh or dried thyme leaves on top for an herbaceous aroma and taste.
6. Roast chicken: Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Halfway through cooking, baste the chicken with the pan juices to keep it moist and flavorful.
7. Broil for caramelization: After roasting, switch the oven to broil. Broil the chicken for 3 to 5 minutes until the skin is caramelized and glossy, creating a beautiful finish.
8. Rest the chicken: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows juices to redistribute, making the meat tender and juicy.
9. Serve and garnish: Garnish the chicken with fresh orange slices and thyme sprigs. Spoon some of the pan sauce over the chicken before serving for added flavor.

Notes

• For extra crisp skin, pat the chicken very dry before seasoning.
• You can substitute bone-in chicken thighs with boneless if preferred; reduce roasting time accordingly.
• Use freshly squeezed orange juice for the best bright, natural flavor.
• Leftover chicken pairs well with steamed rice or roasted vegetables.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: Orange Chicken, Roasted Chicken, Citrus Chicken, Honey Garlic Chicken, Oven Baked Chicken Thighs