Name: Sweet and Savory Roasted Orange Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks; 1/2 cup fresh orange juice; 1 tbsp orange zest; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 3 tbsp honey; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated (optional); 1 tbsp olive oil; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional); Sliced green onions and sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

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Sweet and Savory Roasted Orange Chicken is a flavorful dish that brings together the brightness of citrus with the depth of soy, garlic, and honey. Roasted to golden perfection, this chicken is juicy, sticky, and packed with bold, balanced flavor in every bite.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love how this dish hits both sweet and savory notes in just the right way. The orange brings freshness and brightness, while the soy sauce and garlic ground the flavor in something rich and satisfying. Roasting the chicken makes the skin crisp and caramelized while keeping the meat tender and juicy. It’s a great dish for both casual dinners and special occasions. Sweet and Savory Roasted Orange Chicken Recipe

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks
Fresh orange juice and zest
Soy sauce
Honey
Garlic, minced
Fresh ginger, grated (optional)
Olive oil
Salt and pepper
Red pepper flakes (optional)
Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Directions

I whisk together orange juice, zest, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger in a bowl to make the marinade.
I season the chicken with salt and pepper, then pour the marinade over it and let it sit for at least 30 minutes—longer if I have time.
I preheat the oven and arrange the chicken in a baking dish, skin-side up.
I drizzle with a little olive oil and roast until the chicken is golden, crispy, and fully cooked, basting with the pan juices a few times during cooking.
Once done, I let it rest for a few minutes before garnishing with green onions and sesame seeds if I want to add a finishing touch.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 and takes about 1 hour—10 minutes to prep, 30 minutes to marinate (optional but recommended), and 35 to 40 minutes to roast.

Variations

I sometimes add a splash of rice vinegar or hoisin sauce for extra depth.
For a spicier version, I mix in sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the marinade.
I’ve swapped in boneless chicken thighs for quicker cooking.
A few orange slices roasted on top give a beautiful presentation and boost the citrus aroma.

Storage/Reheating

Leftover chicken keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. I reheat it in the oven at 350°F to keep the skin crisp, or in a covered skillet with a splash of water for a juicier finish. I avoid microwaving it too long to prevent the skin from going soggy. Sweet and Savory Roasted Orange Chicken Recipe

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken?

Yes, I use boneless thighs when I want it to cook faster, but I watch the cooking time closely since they can dry out quicker.

What kind of oranges work best?

I like using navel or Cara Cara oranges. Fresh juice makes a big difference in flavor, and the zest adds amazing aroma.

Can I make it ahead?

Yes, I often marinate the chicken the night before and roast it just before serving. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it becomes.

Is it very sweet?

It’s a balanced sweetness. The soy sauce and garlic tone it down, but I can reduce the honey a little if I prefer it less sweet.

Can I use this marinade for other meats?

Absolutely. I’ve used it on salmon with great results—just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Conclusion

Sweet and Savory Roasted Orange Chicken is a vibrant, satisfying dish that feels both comforting and a little bit special. With its glossy, citrusy glaze and juicy meat, it’s a recipe I turn to when I want a no-fuss dinner that still delivers big flavor.