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Sweet and Savory Roasted Orange Chicken Recipe

Sweet and Savory Roasted Orange Chicken Recipe

5 from 12 reviews

This Sweet and Savory Roasted Orange Chicken recipe combines juicy, bone-in chicken thighs with the bright, fresh flavor of oranges and a homemade honey-soy glaze. The chicken is roasted to perfection with a caramelized, glossy finish, making it an easy yet impressive dish that balances citrusy sweetness and savory depth.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasoning

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

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)

For Garnish

  • Fresh thyme sprigs

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a roasting pan with olive oil to prevent sticking.
  2. Prepare Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin. Season generously with salt, pepper, and paprika on all sides.
  3. Make Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together fresh orange juice, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and olive oil until well combined to create a vibrant, flavorful glaze.
  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. Add Marinade and Herbs: Pour the prepared marinade evenly over the chicken pieces, then sprinkle fresh or dried thyme leaves over everything for aromatic flavor.
  6. Roast Chicken: Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Halfway through cooking, baste the chicken with pan juices to enhance moisture and flavor.
  7. Broil for Caramelization: Switch your oven to the broil setting and broil the chicken for an additional 3 to 5 minutes until the skin is caramelized, glossy, and slightly crisp.
  8. Rest and Garnish: Remove chicken from oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Garnish with extra fresh orange slices and thyme sprigs for a fresh, attractive presentation.
  9. Serve: Spoon the flavorful pan sauce over the chicken just before serving for extra sweetness and moisture.

Notes

  • For extra crispy skin, make sure to pat the chicken dry thoroughly before seasoning.
  • If fresh thyme is not available, dried thyme works well but use less as it’s more concentrated.
  • Use organic oranges for the best flavor and to avoid any unwanted pesticides on the peel if using the garnish slices.
  • You can substitute chicken thighs with bone-in chicken breasts if preferred, adjusting cook time accordingly.
  • Leftover chicken pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or roasted vegetables.

Nutrition

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