What Is Orange Roasted Chicken?
Orange Roasted Chicken is a whole or split chicken baked in a citrusy glaze made from orange juice, garlic, and herbs. The result? A crispy golden skin on the outside and tender, juicy meat inside — slightly sweet, slightly savory, and full of flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
✅ Uses simple pantry ingredients
✅ Crispy skin, juicy center
✅ Perfect balance of sweet + savory
✅ Great for weeknights, holidays, or meal prep
✅ Naturally gluten-free
Ingredients You’ll Need
🍗 For the Chicken:
- 1 whole chicken (3–4 lbs), or 4–6 bone-in chicken thighs
- Salt & black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp onion powder
🍊 For the Glaze:
- 1 cup fresh orange juice (about 2–3 oranges)
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce or Worcestershire (optional)
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (for depth)
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
⏱️ Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins
🍽️ Serves: 4–6
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat chicken dry. Rub with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic, and spices.
Step 2: Mix the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk orange juice, zest, honey, mustard, and optional soy sauce.
Step 3: Sear (Optional for extra crisp skin)
Sear the chicken skin-side down in an oven-safe skillet for 3–5 mins until golden.
Step 4: Roast
Pour glaze over chicken and transfer to oven. Roast uncovered for 45–55 mins, basting every 15 mins. Internal temp should hit 165°F.
Step 5: Rest & Serve
Let rest 10 mins before carving. Spoon pan juices over before serving.
Flavor Variations
| Add-In | Flavor Twist |
|---|---|
| Red pepper flakes | Sweet heat |
| Fresh rosemary | Herbaceous aroma |
| Ginger | Adds warm spice |
| Orange marmalade | Glossy, sticky glaze |
| Balsamic vinegar | Deeper tangy flavor |
Best Sides to Serve With It
- Roasted baby potatoes or sweet potatoes
- Garlic green beans
- Herbed rice or wild rice
- Simple mixed greens salad
- Steamed asparagus or carrots
Storage & Reheating
- 🧊 Fridge: Store leftovers in airtight container up to 4 days
- ❄️ Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken (deboned) for 2 months
- 🔥 Reheat: Oven at 325°F with foil until warmed; avoid microwave for skin
FAQs
❓ Can I use boneless chicken?
Yes — reduce baking time to 25–30 minutes.
❓ Is fresh orange juice necessary?
Fresh is best, but bottled 100% juice works too.
❓ Can I make this ahead?
Yes! Prep and marinate chicken a day ahead for stronger flavor.
👉 Love fruity meat dishes? You’ll also enjoy our Strawberry Velvet Cake for a sweet finish after this savory citrus meal!
🏁 Final Thoughts
Orange Roasted Chicken is simple, flavorful, and impressive — perfect for Sunday dinners, cozy holidays, or even healthy meal prep. The glaze brings brightness, the skin gets crispy, and the whole meal feels gourmet with minimal effort.
