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Sweet and Savory Roasted Orange Chicken Recipe

Sweet and Savory Roasted Orange Chicken Recipe
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★★★★★

5.1 from 17 reviews

This Sweet and Savory Roasted Orange Chicken combines tender, juicy chicken thighs with a vibrant orange and honey glaze, accented by garlic, thyme, and paprika. The dish is oven-roasted to perfection, finishing with a caramelized, glossy surface and garnished with fresh orange slices and thyme for a refreshing citrus aroma and flavor. Ideal for an impressive yet easy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

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Chicken

  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish

Marinade & Sauce

  • 2 large navel oranges, thinly sliced (plus extra slices 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)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a roasting pan with olive oil to prevent sticking and add flavor.
  2. Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides well with salt, pepper, and paprika to enhance flavor and color.
  3. Make the marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together fresh orange juice, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and olive oil until combined into a smooth marinade.
  4. Arrange the oranges and chicken: Lay the thinly sliced orange rounds evenly across the bottom of the roasting pan. Place the seasoned chicken thighs on top of the orange slices to infuse flavor during roasting.
  5. Apply marinade and herbs: Pour the prepared marinade evenly over the chicken pieces. Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves over the top to add an herby aroma and taste.
  6. Roast the chicken: Place the roasting pan in the oven and cook for 25 minutes. Halfway through, baste the chicken by spooning the pan juices over the pieces to keep them moist and flavorful.
  7. Broil to finish: After roasting, switch the oven to the broil setting. Broil the chicken for 3 to 5 minutes until the skin is caramelized, glossy, and slightly crisp.
  8. Rest and garnish: Remove chicken from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with additional fresh orange slices and thyme sprigs for a vibrant presentation.
  9. Serve: Spoon the flavorful pan sauce over the chicken when plating to enhance taste and moisture. Enjoy this sweet and savory delight warm.

Notes

  • For extra crisp skin, pat the chicken completely dry before seasoning.
  • Use fresh orange juice and slices for the best natural citrus flavor.
  • Adjust honey quantity to taste if you prefer a sweeter or less sweet glaze.
  • If soy sauce is a concern, substitute with tamari for a gluten-free option.
  • Resting the chicken after roasting helps retain juices and improves tenderness.

Nutrition

Keywords: roasted orange chicken, sweet and savory chicken, citrus chicken recipe, honey orange chicken, thyme chicken, weeknight chicken dinner

Find it online: https://messykitchenmagic.com/sweet-and-savory-roasted-orange-chicken-recipe/