Ingredients for Sweet and Savory Roasted Orange Chicken

• 3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs: The star of our roasted orange chicken. Ensures juicy, tender results, absorbing all the sweet and savory flavors beautifully.
• 2 large navel oranges, zested and juiced: Provides essential bright citrus zest and juice, creating the signature sweet and tangy orange chicken flavor. Freshness is key.
• 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce: Forms the savory foundation of the marinade and glaze. Low-sodium allows better control of the overall saltiness.
• 1/4 cup honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps create that irresistible sticky, caramelized glaze. A foundational sweet component for the recipe.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced: An aromatic essential, infusing deep savory notes that complement the sweet orange. Always use fresh minced garlic for best flavor.
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated: Provides a warm, zesty counterpoint to the orange and soy, elevating the flavor profile. Grate it finely for maximum impact.
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar: Adds a crucial touch of tang, balancing the sweetness and richness of the glaze. It brightens every bite.
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil: Delivers a distinctive nutty aroma and depth of flavor to the roasted chicken. A little goes a long way.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch: The secret to achieving that perfectly thick, glossy, and clingy glaze on your chicken. Mix with cold liquid first.
• 1/4 cup chicken broth: Thins the glaze to the perfect consistency while adding savory depth. Use a good quality, low-sodium chicken broth.
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt: An essential seasoning that enhances all the other flavors. Distributes evenly for perfectly seasoned chicken.
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Adds a fresh, pungent bite, complementing the robust flavors of the roasted orange chicken. Grind just before use.
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Offers a subtle, delightful kick of heat that beautifully complements the sweet and savory elements. Adjust to your preference.
• 2 green onions, sliced: Provides a fresh, crisp garnish and a mild oniony bite, adding color and balancing the richness. Slice thinly.
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds: Offers a lovely nutty crunch and visual appeal as a final garnish. Lightly toast them for maximum flavor.

How to Make Sweet and Savory Roasted Orange Chicken

Prep Chicken:

Cut chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, combine orange zest, juice, low-sodium soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, kosher salt, and black pepper. This forms your flavorful base.

Marinate Chicken:

Add the prepared chicken to the marinade mixture, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours, for maximum flavor absorption. This is key for tender results.

Prepare Glaze Base:

While chicken marinates, whisk cornstarch and chicken broth in a small bowl until smooth; set aside. This slurry will thicken your delicious glaze later. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) now.

Roast Chicken:

Arrange marinated chicken on a baking sheet, reserving the marinade. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and slightly browned. This is the first step to your perfect Sweet and Savory Roasted Orange Chicken.

Reduce Glaze:

Pour reserved marinade into a saucepan. Bring to a simmer, then stir in the cornstarch slurry. Cook, stirring constantly, until the glaze thickens and becomes sticky, about 5-7 minutes. Add red pepper flakes if desired.

Glaze Chicken:

Return the roasted chicken to the saucepan with the thickened glaze. Toss gently to coat every piece evenly, ensuring that sticky, irresistible coating. This completes your Sweet and Savory Roasted Orange Chicken.

Garnish & Serve:

Transfer the Sweet and Savory Roasted Orange Chicken to a serving platter. Garnish generously with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade delight!

How to Store Sweet and Savory Roasted Orange Chicken

To keep your Sweet and Savory Roasted Orange Chicken tasting fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. Refrigerate promptly within two hours of cooking. It stays delicious for 3-4 days. Don’t leave it out too long; it loses its vibrant flavor and freshness quickly – a mistake I learned from!

For make-ahead ease, marinate the chicken up to 4 hours in advance, refrigerated. Prep glaze components too. Then, simply roast and glaze the chicken closer to serving for optimal flavor and texture.

When reheating, gently warm in a skillet or oven to maintain that irresistible sticky glaze. Avoid microwaving for the best texture.

What to Serve with Sweet and Savory Roasted Orange Chicken

Serve this delicious Sweet and Savory Roasted Orange Chicken over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice, garnished with extra green onions and sesame seeds for a beautiful presentation. Enjoy it warm, fresh from the pan, for the best flavor. It pairs perfectly with a side of steamed broccoli or a light cucumber salad, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

My absolute favorite way to serve this chicken is alongside creamy mashed potatoes. The sweet and savory glaze creates a rich, comforting sauce that pairs perfectly with the smooth potatoes. It’s a surprisingly delightful combination that always brings a smile!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use chicken breast for Sweet and Savory Roasted Orange Chicken?

Yes, you can use chicken breast, but thighs are more tender and flavorful. If using breast, watch cooking time carefully to prevent dryness, as I learned from my own dry chicken mishaps. Adjust roasting time as needed.

→ How do I prevent the glaze from becoming too thick or clumpy?

To prevent a clumpy glaze, ensure your cornstarch slurry is smooth before adding. Stir constantly over medium heat and remove from heat once it reaches a sticky consistency. Don’t over-reduce, as I highlight in my critical tips.

→ Can I make this Sweet and Savory Roasted Orange Chicken recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the low-sodium soy sauce with tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce alternative. This ensures the Sweet and Savory Roasted Orange Chicken remains delicious and safe for everyone to enjoy.

→ Can I prepare the Sweet and Savory Roasted Orange Chicken ahead of time?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken up to 4 hours in advance. Prepare the cornstarch slurry separately. Then, just roast and reduce the glaze closer to serving for the best texture and optimal flavor enjoyment.

→ How long can I store leftover Sweet and Savory Roasted Orange Chicken?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or oven to maintain that irresistible sticky glaze. Avoid microwaving for the best texture and freshness.