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Roasted Orange Chicken

Roasted Orange Chicken

  • Author: Eric
  • Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes (including marinating time)
  • Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This Roasted Orange Chicken recipe offers a vibrant and juicy meal infused with bright citrus flavors and tender, melt-in-your-mouth chicken. Perfectly balanced with sweetness, tanginess, and savory notes, it is easy to prepare and suitable for casual dinners or special occasions. The roasting method locks in moisture while the natural orange glaze adds a luscious finish, making this dish a flavorful and satisfying centerpiece for your evening meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4–6 skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs

Marinade

  • 1 cup fresh orange juice
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar (natural)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Glaze

  • Leftover marinade
  • 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent

Optional Garnishes

  • Fresh orange slices
  • Chopped fresh parsley
  • Finely sliced green onions

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine the fresh orange juice, orange zest, minced garlic, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), apple cider vinegar, brown sugar (natural), olive oil, salt, and pepper. Whisk together until the sugar dissolves and the mixture becomes a fragrant, tangy marinade.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a large zip-top bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight to soak in all the vibrant flavors.
  3. Roast the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the marinated chicken thighs skin-side up on a foil-lined baking sheet or roasting pan. Roast for 35-40 minutes, basting occasionally with leftover marinade, until the skin is golden and the chicken releases clear juices when pierced.
  4. Make the Orange Glaze: While the chicken roasts, pour the leftover marinade into a small saucepan. Bring it to a simmer and stir in the natural gelling agent until the sauce thickens into a shiny, sticky glaze.
  5. Glaze and Serve: Once the chicken is cooked through, brush it generously with the thickened orange glaze. For an extra luscious finish, place the chicken under the broiler for 2-3 minutes to caramelize the glaze beautifully.

Notes

  • Use skin-on chicken to crisp the skin and lock in juicy flavors.
  • Marinate overnight for deeper flavor penetration.
  • Adjust roasting time based on chicken thigh size to ensure tenderness.
  • Save leftover marinade to create the glaze.
  • Allow the chicken to rest a few minutes post-roasting to keep juices sealed.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with glaze
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: roasted orange chicken, citrus chicken, baked chicken thighs, orange glaze chicken, gluten free chicken recipe

Find it online: https://smartmealsguide.com/roasted-orange-chicken/