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Roasted Orange Chicken Recipe – Juicy, Zesty & Packed with Citrus Flavor!
If you’re looking for a flavorful, juicy, and vibrant chicken dish that will impress your family and guests alike, look no further than this Roasted Orange Chicken recipe! Infused with the bright, zesty goodness of fresh oranges and complemented by savory seasonings, this dish brings a perfect balance of sweetness and tang to your dinner table. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight meal or a special occasion dinner, this roasted orange chicken is sure to become a favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Roasted Orange Chicken
- Juicy and Tender: Roasting the chicken helps lock in moisture, creating a juicy, tender bird that’s full of flavor.
- Bright, Citrusy Flavor: The infusion of fresh orange juice and zest gives the chicken a deliciously zesty kick, making each bite refreshing and vibrant.
- Easy to Make: Despite its rich flavor, this recipe is incredibly simple to prepare with just a few ingredients and minimal hands-on time.
- Versatile: Serve it with rice, roasted vegetables, or a crisp salad for a complete meal that suits any occasion.
Ingredients
For this Roasted Orange Chicken, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 lbs), patted dry
- 2 large oranges, juiced and zested (you’ll need both the juice and zest for full flavor)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh thyme, if available)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh herbs (optional, for garnish, like thyme, rosemary, or parsley)
For the Vegetables (Optional):
- 2 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 red onion, peeled and quartered
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high heat will help achieve a beautifully roasted, crispy skin while keeping the chicken moist and juicy inside.
2. Prepare the Orange Marinade
In a small bowl, combine the orange juice, orange zest, minced garlic, olive oil, soy sauce, honey, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine. This flavorful marinade will coat the chicken, creating a beautiful glaze while roasting.
3. Prepare the Chicken
Place your whole chicken on a roasting pan or large oven-safe dish. Gently lift the skin of the chicken on the breast and thighs, and carefully rub some of the marinade directly onto the meat under the skin. This ensures the chicken is full of flavor from the inside out.
Pour the remaining marinade over the top of the chicken, making sure the skin is evenly coated. For extra flavor, you can even stuff the cavity of the chicken with a couple of orange halves or extra fresh herbs.
4. Optional – Prepare the Vegetables
If you’re adding vegetables, toss the carrot chunks, red onion, and bell pepper slices in a bowl with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Arrange them around the chicken in the roasting pan. The vegetables will roast alongside the chicken, soaking up all the delicious citrusy marinade.
5. Roast the Chicken
Place the chicken in the preheated oven and roast for 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken. A good rule of thumb is to cook the chicken for about 20 minutes per pound.
Check the chicken’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should read 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the thigh when it’s fully cooked. Baste the chicken with its juices halfway through cooking to keep the skin moist and flavorful.
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