Description
How to make Sweet and Savory Roasted Orange Chicken with tender chicken, bright orange zest, and a sticky glaze that your whole family will adore.
Ingredients
Scale
- Main Components:
- 3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 large navel oranges, zested and juiced
- Marinade & Glaze Base:
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- Thickener & Liquid:
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- Seasonings & Heat:
- 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
- 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!
Notes
Don’t over-reduce your glaze; cook until just sticky to avoid it becoming too thick or clumpy.
Store leftover Sweet and Savory Roasted Orange Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
For a gluten-free version, substitute low-sodium soy sauce with tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
Serve this chicken warm over fluffy jasmine rice or with creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.
Sear chicken thighs briefly before roasting to develop incredible depth and caramelized flavor.
**Allergy Information:** Soy, Gluten, Sesame