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Sweet and Savory Roasted Orange Chicken

Sweet and Savory Roasted Orange Chicken for a Juicy Family Feast

Enjoy a delicious Sweet and Savory Roasted Orange Chicken that melts in your mouth, combining citrusy, sweet, and savory flavors.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 thighs
Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

  • Roasting pan
  • small bowl
  • Whisk

Ingredients
  

Chicken

  • 4 pieces bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or substitute with drumsticks or breasts if preferred

Citrus

  • 2 large navel oranges thinly sliced plus extra for garnish
  • ½ cup fresh orange juice approximately 2 oranges

Sauces and Oils

  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce for a subtle umami depth
  • 2 tablespoons honey to balance the citrus tartness
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil to enhance roasting and prevent sticking

Aromatics

  • 3 cloves garlic minced for aromatic richness
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon paprika adds a touch of smokiness

Seasoning

  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Garnish

  • Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Lightly grease your roasting pan or casserole dish with olive oil.
  • Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and paprika.

Marinade

  • In a small bowl, whisk together the orange juice, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and olive oil.
  • Taste the mixture; it should be tangy with a hint of sweetness. Adjust honey or soy sauce slightly if needed.

Assembly

  • Arrange a layer of thin orange slices at the bottom of the roasting pan.
  • Place the seasoned chicken pieces on top of the oranges.
  • Pour the marinade evenly over the chicken, ensuring each piece is coated.
  • Scatter fresh thyme leaves over everything for a burst of herby aroma.

Roasting

  • Place the pan into the preheated oven and roast for about 25 minutes.
  • Halfway through roasting, baste the chicken with the pan juices to deepen the glaze.

Broiling

  • After 25 minutes, increase the oven temperature to broil.
  • Broil the chicken for 3-5 minutes, keeping a close eye on it to prevent burning.
  • The chicken should develop a glossy, caramelized top with slightly charred edges for maximum flavor.

Serving

  • Remove the pan from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes.
  • Garnish with extra orange slices and fresh thyme sprigs before serving.
  • Spoon some of the luscious pan sauce over each piece for a final flavor boost.

Notes

If you can marinate the chicken for 2-4 hours before roasting, the flavors will soak in even deeper, making each bite more vibrant and tender. Varieties like blood oranges, mandarins, or cara cara can be fun alternatives. Basting halfway through creates an irresistible glaze. Don't discard the pan sauce; it’s liquid gold for side dishes like rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables.

Nutrition

Serving: 1pieceCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 22gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 1gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 5mg
Keyword Chicken, Easy Chicken Recipe, Family Dinner, Orange Chicken, Roasted Chicken, Savory Chicken
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