Roasted Orange Chicken
Description
Roasted Orange Chicken is a juicy, flavourful dish featuring tender chicken infused with a sweet and tangy citrus glaze. The caramelized orange sauce, combined with garlic and herbs, creates a perfectly balanced dish—crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside. It’s elegant enough for special occasions yet simple for a family dinner.
Servings
Serves: 4–6 people
Ingredients
For Chicken:
- 1 whole chicken (3–4 lbs) 🍗
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme or rosemary 🌿
For Orange Glaze:
- 1 cup fresh orange juice 🍊
- Zest of 1 orange
- 3 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry for thickening)
For roasting:
- Orange slices 🍊
- Fresh rosemary sprigs
- 3–4 garlic cloves (whole)
Instructions
- Preheat oven:
Set oven to 375°F (190°C). - Season chicken:
Pat chicken dry. Rub with olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, and herbs. - Prepare glaze:
In a saucepan, combine orange juice, zest, honey, soy sauce, and garlic.
Simmer for 5–7 minutes. Add cornstarch slurry and cook until slightly thick. - Roast chicken:
Place chicken in a roasting dish with orange slices, garlic, and rosemary.
Roast for 60–75 minutes, basting every 20 minutes with glaze. - Final glaze:
Brush extra glaze on top and roast another 10 minutes until golden and caramelized. - Rest & serve:
Let chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving.
Notes
- Basting is key for juicy, flavourful chicken
- Use fresh orange juice for best taste
- Internal temp should reach 165°F (74°C)
💡 Tips
- Add carrots or potatoes to roast alongside 🥕🥔
- For extra crisp skin, broil last 3–5 minutes 🔥
- Use chicken thighs if you prefer smaller portions
Nutritional Info (Approx per serving)
- Calories: 380
- Protein: 32g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbs: 15g
Benefits
- High in protein 💪
- Vitamin C from oranges 🍊
- Balanced sweet & savoury flavours
- Great for family meals or gatherings
Q&A
Q: Can I use bottled orange juice?
A: Fresh is best, but bottled works in a pinch.
Q: Can I make it ahead?
A: Yes, reheat and glaze again before serving.
Q: How do I keep it moist?
A: Don’t skip basting and resting time.
Q: Can I make it spicy?
A: Add chili flakes or hot sauce to glaze 🌶️
