Name: Roasted Orange Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 105 min
Total time: 120 min
Ingredients: 1 whole chicken (about 4–5 lbs); 2 oranges (juiced and zested); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1 tablespoon honey; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary (chopped); 1 teaspoon thyme leaves; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 orange (sliced (for garnish))

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Want a dinner that’s both flavorful and elegant? This Roasted Orange Chicken is a Citrusy Chicken Dish that combines juicy chicken with a tangy orange glaze, infused with honey, soy sauce, and aromatic herbs. Perfect for family meals or special occasions, this dish is easy to prepare and delivers a stunning presentation. Try Roasted Orange Chicken for a meal that’s sure to impress!

Ingredients for Roasted Orange Chicken

Here’s what you’ll need for Roasted Orange Chicken (serves 6):

1 whole chicken (4–5 lbs)
2 oranges, juiced and zested
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp honey
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped
1 tsp thyme leaves
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 orange, sliced (for garnish)

Equipment

Roasting pan
Small mixing bowl
Whisk or fork
Meat thermometer
Basting brush
Airtight container for storage

Ingredient Tips

Chicken: A 4–5 lb whole chicken ensures juicy results; pat dry for crispy skin.
Oranges: Freshly juiced and zested oranges add vibrant flavor; bottled juice works in a pinch.
Honey: Use pure honey for natural sweetness; adjust for preference.
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce balances flavors without overpowering.
Herbs: Fresh rosemary and thyme enhance aroma; dried herbs can substitute (use ½ tsp each).

Directions for Roasted Orange Chicken

Let’s make this Roasted Orange Chicken—a Citrusy Chicken Dish!

Preheat the Oven

I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure even cooking and a golden finish.

Make the Marinade

In a small bowl, I whisk together the juice and zest of 2 oranges, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp honey, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp chopped rosemary, 1 tsp thyme, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Marinate the Chicken

I place the 4–5 lb chicken in a roasting pan and pour the marinade over it, coating the entire bird, including under the skin for maximum flavor. I let it marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or overnight in the fridge for a bolder Citrusy Chicken Dish.

Roast the Chicken

I roast the chicken in the preheated oven for 1½–2 hours, basting with the marinade every 30 minutes for a caramelized, glossy finish. I check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) in the thigh using a meat thermometer.

Rest and Garnish

I remove the Roasted Orange Chicken from the oven, garnish with orange slices, and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving to lock in juices.

Serve

I carve and serve the chicken, drizzling with pan juices for extra flavor.

Nutrition

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1½–2 hours
Total Time: ~2 hours (plus marinating time)
Servings: 6
Calories: ~350 kcal per serving
Macros per Serving: 10g carbs, 35g protein, 30g fat, 1g fiber

Variations for Roasted Orange Chicken

Try these twists on Roasted Orange Chicken:

Spicy Citrus: Add ½ tsp red pepper flakes to the marinade for a zesty, spicy Citrusy Chicken Dish.
Lemon-Lime Swap: Replace oranges with lemons or limes for a different citrus profile.
Maple Glaze: Swap honey for maple syrup for a warm, autumnal Citrusy Chicken Dish.
Herb Boost: Add 1 tsp fresh sage or oregano to the marinade for extra earthiness.
Asian Twist: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and add 1 tsp grated ginger for an Asian-inspired flavor.

Serving Ideas:

Pair with Layla Cooks’ Sweet & Smoky Grilled Chicken Bowl for a hearty meal.
Serve with Layla Cooks’ roasted vegetables for a colorful plate.
Offer at a dinner party with a side of couscous or quinoa.

Storage

I store leftover Roasted Orange Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–15 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying, or microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes. For freezing, I wrap cooled portions tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months, thawing in the fridge before reheating.

Serving Tips

Presentation: Serve Roasted Orange Chicken on a platter with orange slices and fresh herbs for a vibrant look.
Garnish: Add a sprinkle of chopped rosemary or thyme for elegance.
Pairing: Enjoy with a glass of white wine or Layla Cooks’ citrus spritzer to complement the Citrusy Chicken Dish.
Portion Size: About ⅙ of the chicken per person for a main course.
Occasions: Perfect for family dinners, holidays, or special gatherings.

FAQs About Roasted Orange Chicken

Here are answers to some common questions about Roasted Orange Chicken:

How do I make sure the chicken is fully cooked?
To ensure the chicken is fully cooked, I recommend using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the meat, usually near the thigh.

Can I use chicken pieces instead of a whole chicken?
Absolutely! If I prefer chicken pieces, such as breasts, thighs, or drumsticks, I simply adjust the roasting time. Chicken pieces will cook faster, typically in about 35–45 minutes, depending on their size.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, I can prepare the marinade and coat the chicken ahead of time. Let it marinate in the fridge overnight for even more flavor, and then just roast it when I’m ready to serve.

Can I use a different citrus fruit?
While this recipe uses oranges, I could easily experiment with other citrus fruits, like lemons or limes, for a slightly different flavor. However, I find that oranges provide a wonderful sweetness and tang that balances the savory elements perfectly.

What should I serve with this roasted chicken?
I love serving this dish with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad. The citrusy flavor pairs well with a variety of sides, making it a versatile dish for different occasions.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, swap soy sauce for gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free Roasted Orange Chicken version.

Conclusion

This Roasted Orange Chicken is a perfect combination of tender chicken and a zesty, sweet glaze that elevates any meal. It’s easy to make, looks stunning on the dinner table, and offers a burst of fresh flavors that everyone will love. Whether I’m making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it’s always a crowd-pleaser!