Description
Enjoy a flavorful Roasted Orange Chicken featuring a vibrant, zesty orange glaze and tender, juicy meat. This easy-to-make dish perfectly balances bright citrus and savory seasoning for a crispy golden finish, ideal for busy weeknights and family gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Orange Glaze
- 1 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons honey (natural)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1/2 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Instructions
- Prepare the Orange Glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together fresh orange juice, orange zest, minced garlic, honey (natural), apple cider vinegar, and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural). Stir in a touch of natural gelling agent to thicken the glaze slightly. Set aside to allow flavors to meld.
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels, then season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper on all sides. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and rub it in to coat every inch, which helps create a crispy, golden skin when roasted.
- Roast the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the chicken in a single layer on a baking tray lined with parchment paper or a roasting pan. Brush the chicken liberally with the prepared orange glaze. Roast for about 35 to 40 minutes, basting with more glaze halfway through, until the skin is caramelized and the chicken is cooked through.
- Final Glaze and Rest: Once the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), remove from the oven and brush with any remaining glaze. Allow the chicken to rest for 5 to 10 minutes so the juices redistribute, keeping every bite moist and flavorful.
Notes
- Dry the chicken thoroughly to ensure crispy skin.
- Use bone-in chicken pieces for juicier meat.
- Brush the orange glaze multiple times to enhance flavor and shine.
- Allow the chicken to rest after roasting for tender, juicy meat.
- Use the natural gelling agent carefully to thicken the glaze without overpowering.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: roasted orange chicken, orange glaze chicken, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, juicy roasted chicken
