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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://cheframi.com/orange-chicken-recipe/