Sweet and Savory Roasted Orange Chicken Recipe
This Sweet and Savory Roasted Orange Chicken combines tender, juicy chicken thighs with the bright, citrusy flavors of fresh oranges and a honey-soy glaze. Roasted to perfection and finished with a caramelized broil, this dish offers a delightful balance of sweet, tangy, and savory notes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or special occasion meal.
- 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
Chicken and Seasonings
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Marinade 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
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
Garnish
- Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish
- Extra orange slices for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a roasting pan with olive oil to prevent sticking and enhance browning.
- Prepare Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then season all sides generously with salt, pepper, and paprika to add depth of flavor and color.
- Mix Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together fresh orange juice, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and olive oil until well combined to create a sweet and savory marinade.
- Arrange Oranges and Chicken: Layer the thinly sliced orange rounds on the bottom of the roasting pan to add moisture and infuse citrus flavor. Place the seasoned chicken thighs on top of the orange slices.
- Apply Marinade and Herbs: Pour the marinade evenly over the chicken pieces and sprinkle the fresh or dried thyme leaves over everything for an herby aroma and flavor.
- Roast Chicken: Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, basting halfway through with the pan juices to keep the meat moist and flavorful.
- Broil to Finish: Switch the oven to broil mode and broil the chicken for 3-5 minutes until the skin turns caramelized, glossy, and slightly crispy for added texture.
- Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This step allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken tender.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh orange slices and thyme sprigs. Spoon the flavorful pan sauce over the chicken before serving to enhance every bite.
Notes
- Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are preferred for juiciness and flavor but you can substitute with boneless if desired.
- Ensure the chicken is patted dry before seasoning to get crispy skin.
- Basting halfway through roasting helps keep the chicken moist and flavorful.
- Use fresh thyme for best flavor but dried thyme works well as a substitute.
- The broiling step is essential for caramelizing the skin and intensifying the sweet and savory glaze.
- If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the honey to 1 tablespoon.
Keywords: Roasted orange chicken, sweet and savory chicken recipe, honey soy chicken, citrus chicken, easy roasted chicken thighs
