Orange Glazed Roasted Chicken Thighs

Orange Glazed Roasted Chicken Thighs

ByVerj Recipes

There’s something almost magical about the combination of citrus and roasted chicken. The moment those orange-sweet aromas start drifting through the kitchen, you know dinner is going to be something special. This dish feels like sunshine on a plate — cozy enough for a Sunday family dinner, but bright and fresh enough to serve when friends come over.

The chicken roasts up with beautifully crisp skin, while the orange glaze turns sticky and glossy, clinging to every golden edge. It’s sweet, savory, just a little tangy — and when you take that first bite, you get juicy meat, caramelized skin, and that warm citrus finish all at once. It’s comfort food with a little sparkle.

If you’ve ever wanted a recipe that feels impressive but is secretly simple, this is it.

Orange Glazed Roasted Chicken Thighs

Ingredients

  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1 teaspoon paprika

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • ¾ cup fresh orange juice (about 2–3 oranges)

  • 1 tablespoon orange zest

  • 2 tablespoons honey

  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch

  • 1 tablespoon water

  • Fresh thyme or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking dish or sheet pan with parchment paper, or lightly grease it. This makes cleanup so much easier later.

2. Season the chicken

Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels — this helps the skin crisp up beautifully. Sprinkle both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Drizzle with olive oil and gently rub everything in, making sure the skin is well coated.

3. Roast until golden

Place the chicken skin-side up on your prepared pan. Slide it into the oven and roast for 30–35 minutes. As it cooks, you’ll hear that gentle sizzle and see the skin turning golden and crisp. The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

4. Make the orange glaze

While the chicken roasts, grab a small saucepan. Combine the fresh orange juice, orange zest, honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and Dijon mustard. Set it over medium heat and let it come to a gentle simmer. The smell alone will make you hungry.

5. Thicken it up

In a small bowl, stir together the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Pour this into the simmering sauce and stir. Let it cook for 2–3 minutes, until it thickens into a glossy glaze that coats the back of a spoon. Remove from heat.

6. Glaze and caramelize

During the last 10 minutes of roasting, brush the chicken generously with the orange glaze. Don’t be shy here — that’s where the flavor builds. Return it to the oven and let it finish roasting until beautifully sticky and caramelized.

For extra color, you can broil it for 2–3 minutes at the end. Just keep a close eye on it so the glaze doesn’t burn.

7. Rest and serve

Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This keeps it juicy and tender.

Presentation

Transfer the chicken to a serving platter and spoon a little extra glaze over the top so it glistens. Sprinkle with freshly chopped thyme or parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

This dish pairs wonderfully with fluffy rice (to soak up that extra glaze), roasted vegetables, or even a simple green salad. For a special touch, add a few thin orange slices around the platter — it makes everything look bright and inviting.

Nutritional Information:

  • ⏰ Prep Time: 15 minutes | 🍳 Cooking Time: 40 minutes | ⏱️ Total Time: 55 minutes

  • 🔥 Kcal: Approximately 420 kcal per serving | 🍽️ Servings: 6 servings

Conclusion

Orange Glazed Roasted Chicken Thighs are the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again. It’s easy enough for a weeknight, yet impressive enough to serve to guests. The sweet citrus glaze, the crispy golden skin, and the juicy, flavorful meat make every bite feel like a little celebration.

If your dinner routine needs a fresh twist, this is your sign to give it a try. Turn on the oven, squeeze those oranges, and let your kitchen fill with that irresistible aroma. I have a feeling this one might just become a new favorite.

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