If you’re craving something bright, bold, and comforting, this Sweet Savory Roasted Orange Chicken recipe is your new go-to. It’s the perfect fusion of zesty citrus, sticky honey glaze, and deep umami, ideal for both weeknights and festive occasions.
Not only does this dish shine on flavor, but it also makes use of everyday ingredients like fresh oranges, soy sauce, and garlic. Whether served over rice or roasted vegetables, the result is a balanced, satisfying meal.
Want more ideas for cozy, satisfying meals? Check out this hearty and tangy option for Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet, a creamy dish that offers a flavorful twist just like our orange chicken recipe does.
Why You Will Love This Sweet Savory Roasted Orange Chicken Recipe
This Sweet Savory Roasted Orange Chicken isn’t just another baked chicken dish, it’s a flavorful upgrade that checks all the boxes:
Naturally Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free, It fits into various dietary needs with minimal modifications.
Balanced Flavors – The combination of sweet honey, bright citrus, and savory soy sauce creates an irresistible glaze that hits every note.
Crispy, Juicy Texture – Roasting at high heat gives you crispy skin and tender, juicy meat, no dry chicken here.
Simple Ingredients – Everything you need is probably already in your pantry or fridge, no complicated sauces or hard-to-find spices.
Weeknight Friendly – From prep to plate in under an hour, with most of the time hands-off.
Elegant Enough for Guests – While it’s easy to make, the dish is beautifully golden and glazed, making it dinner-party worthy.
Meal Prep Approved – It reheats beautifully, making it a smart choice for meal planning or next-day lunches.
Ingredients Needed For Sweet Savory Roasted Orange Chicken
Main Ingredients:
- Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks
- Fresh orange juice and zest
- Soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- Honey
- Garlic and ginger
- Rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- Optional: sesame oil for nutty depth
Substitution Tips:
- Use maple syrup or brown sugar instead of honey
- Coconut aminos work for soy-free versions
- Try mandarin juice if oranges aren’t available
How To Make Sweet Savory Roasted Orange Chicken
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C)
- Make the glaze in a saucepan:
- ½ cup orange juice
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 3 tbsp honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- Optional: ½ tsp sesame oil
Simmer until thickened (5–7 min)
- Season and arrange chicken on a parchment-lined tray
- Brush glaze over chicken and roast for 35–45 minutes
- Glaze again halfway through cooking
- Broil for 2–3 minutes for crispier skin
- Rest and drizzle with extra glaze before serving
Tips for Best Results
- Zest first, then juice your oranges
- Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking
- Let the chicken rest 5 minutes after roasting
- Marinate in glaze for up to 2 hours beforehand
Zest your oranges before juicing for maximum citrus aroma. A tool like this Citrus Zester and Grater for Fresh Orange Zest makes it quick and efficient without wasting any of the flavorful peel.
Flavor Variations
- Add red pepper flakes or chili paste for a spicy kick
- Stir in chopped scallions for a fresh finish
- Add rosemary or thyme sprigs to the baking pan
Serving Suggestions
Pair this flavorful chicken with:
- Jasmine or coconut rice
- Roasted or stir-fried vegetables
- Cucumber salad with sesame dressing
- Garlic noodles
Looking for another bold, chicken-based dinner? Try this comforting French Onion Chicken Orzo Bake that brings similar cozy oven-roasted vibes.
Nutrition Snapshot
- Calories: ~300–350 per thigh
- Protein: ~25g
- Carbs: ~10–12g
- Fat: ~18g
Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free with healthy fats and natural sugars.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate up to 4 days
- Freeze up to 3 months
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through
FAQs About Sweet Savory Roasted Orange Chicken
Q: Can I use boneless chicken?
A: Yes! Reduce roasting time to 20–25 minutes. Cover loosely if glaze begins to burn.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Absolutely. Prep the glaze and marinate the chicken a day before. Roast fresh for best results.
Q: What if I don’t have orange juice?
A: Try mandarin, tangerine, or even lemon juice + honey as substitutes.
Q: How can I make the glaze thicker?
A: Simmer longer or add a cornstarch slurry (½ tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water).
Q: Can I grill the chicken?
A: Yes! Use indirect heat and brush the glaze on in the last few minutes to prevent burning.
Q: What can I use instead of rice vinegar?
A: Apple cider, white wine vinegar, or lemon juice work great.
Q: Is it kid-friendly?
A: Totally! The sweet glaze is usually a hit with kids. Serve with noodles or rice for a full meal.
Final Thoughts
Sweet Savory Roasted Orange Chicken hits that sweet spot between easy and elegant. With its fresh citrus glaze and sticky, roasted goodness, it’s a dish that works year-round.
Looking for more twists on chicken classics? Try something bold and flavorful like this Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts, perfect for a weeknight dinner with flair.
Print
Sweet Savory Roasted Orange Chicken: A Citrus-Glazed Family Favorite
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Juicy, oven-roasted chicken thighs glazed with a sticky, sweet-savory orange sauce made from fresh citrus, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger. An easy yet elegant dinner idea for family meals or entertaining.
Ingredients
6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
½ cup fresh orange juice
1 tbsp orange zest
¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
3 tbsp honey
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
½ tsp sesame oil (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh thyme or rosemary for garnish
Orange slices for garnish
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper.
In a saucepan, combine orange juice, zest, soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, vinegar, and sesame oil. Simmer over medium heat for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
Pat chicken dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
Place chicken in baking dish and brush with half of the orange glaze.
Roast uncovered for 35–45 minutes, basting with remaining glaze halfway through.
Optional: Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end to caramelize the skin.
Let rest 5 minutes. Garnish with orange slices and fresh thyme before serving.
Notes
Marinate the chicken in half the glaze for up to 2 hours for extra flavor.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Maple syrup or brown sugar can be used instead of honey.
Tamari or coconut aminos can replace soy sauce for gluten- or soy-free versions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Fusion / Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with glaze
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 570mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Keywords: Sweet Savory Roasted Orange Chicken, orange glazed chicken, citrus chicken recipe, sticky orange chicken, baked honey chicken