Description
Roasted Orange Chicken features tender, juicy bone-in chicken pieces glazed with a vibrant, sweet and tangy orange sauce made from fresh ingredients. This easy-to-make recipe delivers perfectly crisp skin and rich citrus flavor, ideal for busy weeknights or special family gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4–6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or legs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Orange Glaze
- 1 cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp maple syrup (natural)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 tsp natural gelling agent
- 1 tsp fresh orange zest
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels to remove moisture. Season generously with salt and pepper, then drizzle olive oil over each piece to promote crispiness and enhance flavor.
- Make the Orange Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine fresh orange juice, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), minced garlic, maple syrup (natural), apple cider vinegar (natural), fresh orange zest, and the natural gelling agent. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens to a glaze consistency.
- Roast the Chicken: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the chicken pieces on a baking sheet or roasting pan lined with parchment paper. Brush each piece generously with the orange glaze. Roast for 35-40 minutes, brushing additional glaze every 10 minutes for a sticky, caramelized finish.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to lock in the juices. Brush with a final coat of glaze and sprinkle fresh orange zest on top before serving.
Notes
- Pat dry chicken to ensure crispier skin.
- Use bone-in pieces for juicier, more flavorful meat.
- Apply glaze in layers for a glossy, flavorful coating.
- Monitor the oven during the last 10 minutes to avoid burning the natural sugars.
- Allow the chicken to rest after roasting to redistribute juices.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (approx. 150g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: roasted orange chicken, citrus glaze chicken, baked chicken thighs, family dinner, quick chicken recipe
