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The Ultimate Sweet and Savory Roasted Orange Chicken Delight

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  • Prep Time: 25 Minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 Minutes
  • Total Time: 60 Minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 Servings 1x
  • Category: Dinner

Description

How to make Sweet and Savory Roasted Orange Chicken with a sticky citrus glaze that your family will absolutely love for dinner tonight.


Ingredients

Scale
  • Main Components:
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 large navel orange, zested and juiced (about 1/2 cup juice)
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • Flavor Builders:
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Seasonings:
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Garnish:
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Prep Chicken: Cut chicken thighs into 1-inch pieces. Zest the orange, then juice it (you’ll need about 1/2 cup). Mince garlic and grate ginger. This initial prep sets the stage for your delightful Sweet and Savory Roasted Orange Chicken.
  2. Make Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together orange juice, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, chicken broth, minced garlic, grated ginger, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. This creates the flavorful liquid base for marinating and the final glaze.
  3. Marinate Chicken: Add the cut chicken pieces to the prepared marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature, or up to 30 minutes in the refrigerator, for maximum flavor absorption.
  4. Sear & Roast: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken in batches until lightly browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. Return all chicken to the skillet, pour in the remaining marinade, and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes.
  5. Thicken Glaze: While chicken roasts, whisk cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. After 15 minutes, remove the skillet from the oven. Stir the cornstarch slurry into the sauce, then continue roasting for 10-15 more minutes until thickened.
  6. Finish Glaze: Remove the skillet from the oven once the sauce has thickened and coats the chicken beautifully. Stir in the toasted sesame oil. Ensure the chicken is fully cooked through. This creates that irresistible sticky, Sweet and Savory Roasted Orange Chicken glaze.
  7. Garnish & Serve: Garnish your finished Sweet and Savory Roasted Orange Chicken with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately over rice or noodles for a complete and satisfying family meal. Enjoy your delicious homemade creation!

Notes

Don’t rush glaze thickening; allow cornstarch slurry to fully activate for a beautifully coated, sticky sauce.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days for best quality and safety.

For a gluten-free option, substitute tamari for low-sodium soy sauce and ensure your chicken broth is also gluten-free.

Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles, garnished with green onions and toasted sesame seeds for a satisfying meal.

Whisk the marinade 24 hours ahead of time; this allows flavors to meld for a more complex and satisfying glaze.

**Allergy Information:** Soy, Gluten, Sesame