Orange Glazed Chicken Simple and Flavorful Recipe

Looking for a quick and tasty dinner idea? You’re in the right place! This Orange Glazed Chicken recipe is simple, flavorful, and perfect for any night of the week. With zesty orange juice and a touch of honey, you’ll create a delicious glaze that makes your chicken shine. Let me guide you through easy steps to make a meal that impresses your family and friends. Ready to dive in?

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

– 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs

– 1 cup fresh orange juice

– Zest of 1 orange

Additional Flavorings

– 1 tablespoon soy sauce

– 2 tablespoons honey

– 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Cooking Essentials

– 2 tablespoons olive oil

– 3 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 teaspoon ginger, grated

– Salt and pepper to taste

When I make Orange Glazed Chicken, I focus on using fresh ingredients. Fresh orange juice makes a big difference in taste. You want to zest an orange to get the oils, which add a bright flavor. The soy sauce adds depth, while honey gives it a lovely sweetness. Cornstarch helps thicken the glaze, making it stick to the chicken.

I also make sure to have garlic and ginger ready. They bring warmth and spice to the dish. Use good quality olive oil for cooking the chicken. Finally, don’t forget to season with salt and pepper. These ingredients come together to create a dish that is both simple and packed with flavor. For the complete recipe, check out the [Full Recipe].

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation Steps

– Whisk together orange juice, zest, soy sauce, honey, and grated ginger.

– Reserve 1/4 cup of the mixture for glazing later.

Start by gathering your ingredients. I love using fresh orange juice for a bright flavor. In a mixing bowl, combine the orange juice, zest, soy sauce, honey, and grated ginger. Whisk until smooth. This mixture will be the heart of our dish. After mixing, set aside 1/4 cup for glazing. This step is key for that glossy finish later.

Cooking the Chicken

– Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper.

– Heat olive oil and sear chicken thighs for 5-7 minutes on each side.

Next, take your chicken thighs and sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides. This simple seasoning really enhances the flavor. Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken thighs. Sear them for 5-7 minutes on each side. Look for a nice golden color to develop. This browning adds great flavor and texture.

Finishing Touches

– Simmer with reserved mixture for 2-3 minutes.

– Add cornstarch slurry and stir until sauce thickens.

After the chicken is cooked through, pour the reserved orange juice mixture over the chicken. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. This helps the chicken absorb all that tasty flavor. Now, mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with a bit of water to create a slurry. Add this slurry to the skillet and stir. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes. This will give you a luscious glaze that clings to the chicken. Serve your orange glazed chicken drizzled with this sauce for a stunning dish.

Tips & Tricks

Achieving the Perfect Glaze

For the best flavor, always use fresh orange juice. The juice gives a bright taste that bottled juice can’t match. You want that sunny burst in every bite! To make the glaze thick, mix cornstarch with a little water to make a slurry. This step is key. It helps the sauce cling to the chicken and gives it a nice shine.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your orange glazed chicken with rice or steamed vegetables. Rice soaks up the glaze, adding great flavor. Steamed veggies bring color and crunch to your plate. For a beautiful finish, sprinkle fresh cilantro on top. It adds a pop of green and a fresh taste.

Cooking Equipment Recommendations

Choose a large skillet for searing chicken. A non-stick surface makes cooking and cleaning easier. You want to get a nice brown color on your chicken, so don’t crowd the pan. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Chicken should reach 165°F to be safe to eat and juicy.

For the full recipe, check out the details above. Enjoy your cooking!

Variations

Alternative Proteins

You can switch the chicken thighs for chicken breasts. Chicken breasts are leaner and cook faster. They still soak up that sweet orange glaze well. For a vegetarian choice, use tofu. Press the tofu to remove extra water. Then, cut it into cubes and follow the same steps. This gives you a nice, tasty meal without meat.

Different Flavor Profiles

Want to spice things up? Add some chili flakes for heat. It gives the dish a nice kick. You can also switch the honey for maple syrup. This adds a different sweetness and depth to the glaze. Feel free to mix and match flavors to find what you love.

Serving Style Alternatives

Try orange glazed chicken in a wrap for a fun twist. Use a tortilla and add veggies for crunch. You can also serve it over a bed of mixed greens. This makes a light and fresh meal. The greens balance the sweetness of the glaze. Explore these serving styles for a new dining experience!

Storage Info

Short-term Storage

To store leftovers, let the chicken cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps the chicken fresh and prevents strong odors. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days for the best taste.

Long-term Storage

For long-term storage, you can freeze orange glazed chicken. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. This helps avoid freezer burn. It will stay good for up to three months. When you are ready to use it, thaw in the fridge overnight. This method helps keep the texture nice.

Reheating Guidelines

To reheat the chicken and keep it moist, use the stovetop or oven. If using the stovetop, add a splash of water or broth to the pan. Cover it to trap the steam. If using the oven, wrap the chicken in foil to keep it from drying out. Avoid the microwave, as it can make the chicken rubbery. Reheat gently until warm all the way through.

FAQs

What is the best way to cook orange glazed chicken?

You can cook orange glazed chicken in several ways. Each method gives a tasty result.

Grilling: This method adds a smoky flavor. Preheat the grill to medium-high. Brush chicken with oil before grilling. Cook for 6-8 minutes per side.

Baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place seasoned chicken in a baking dish. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Baste with orange glaze halfway through for more flavor.

Stovetop: This is quick and easy. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side. Pour on the glaze to finish cooking.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare orange glazed chicken ahead of time. This saves time for busy days.

Meal Prep: Marinate chicken in the orange glaze for a few hours or overnight. This lets the flavors soak in. Cook it on the day you plan to eat.

Timing: If you cook it in advance, store it in the fridge. It lasts for up to 3 days. Just reheat before serving.

What to serve with orange glazed chicken?

Many side dishes pair well with orange glazed chicken. Here are some ideas:

Rice: Serve with steamed white or brown rice. The glaze soaks into the rice for extra flavor.

Vegetables: Roasted or steamed vegetables add color and nutrition. Broccoli, carrots, or snap peas work well.

Salad: A fresh green salad balances the meal. Use citrus dressing to tie in the orange flavor.

Is orange glazed chicken healthy?

Orange glazed chicken can fit well into a healthy diet. Here’s why:

Nutritional Info: It’s high in protein from the chicken. The orange juice adds vitamins like C.

Health Tips: Use less honey for less sugar. Choose skinless chicken to cut down on fat. Add more veggies on the side for a balanced meal.

For the complete recipe, check [Full Recipe].

This blog post has shared a tasty orange glazed chicken recipe. You learned about main ingredients like chicken thighs and fresh orange juice. I outlined cooking steps, tips for the best glaze, and ways to serve the dish.

Consider trying variations, like using tofu or adding chili flakes. Storing leftovers properly helps maintain flavor. This recipe is not only simple but also offers healthy options. Enjoy making this dish, and share it with others!

- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 1 cup fresh orange juice - Zest of 1 orange - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 2 tablespoons honey - 1 tablespoon cornstarch - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon ginger, grated - Salt and pepper to taste When I make Orange Glazed Chicken, I focus on using fresh ingredients. Fresh orange juice makes a big difference in taste. You want to zest an orange to get the oils, which add a bright flavor. The soy sauce adds depth, while honey gives it a lovely sweetness. Cornstarch helps thicken the glaze, making it stick to the chicken. I also make sure to have garlic and ginger ready. They bring warmth and spice to the dish. Use good quality olive oil for cooking the chicken. Finally, don't forget to season with salt and pepper. These ingredients come together to create a dish that is both simple and packed with flavor. For the complete recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. - Whisk together orange juice, zest, soy sauce, honey, and grated ginger. - Reserve 1/4 cup of the mixture for glazing later. Start by gathering your ingredients. I love using fresh orange juice for a bright flavor. In a mixing bowl, combine the orange juice, zest, soy sauce, honey, and grated ginger. Whisk until smooth. This mixture will be the heart of our dish. After mixing, set aside 1/4 cup for glazing. This step is key for that glossy finish later. - Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper. - Heat olive oil and sear chicken thighs for 5-7 minutes on each side. Next, take your chicken thighs and sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides. This simple seasoning really enhances the flavor. Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken thighs. Sear them for 5-7 minutes on each side. Look for a nice golden color to develop. This browning adds great flavor and texture. - Simmer with reserved mixture for 2-3 minutes. - Add cornstarch slurry and stir until sauce thickens. After the chicken is cooked through, pour the reserved orange juice mixture over the chicken. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. This helps the chicken absorb all that tasty flavor. Now, mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with a bit of water to create a slurry. Add this slurry to the skillet and stir. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes. This will give you a luscious glaze that clings to the chicken. Serve your orange glazed chicken drizzled with this sauce for a stunning dish. For the best flavor, always use fresh orange juice. The juice gives a bright taste that bottled juice can’t match. You want that sunny burst in every bite! To make the glaze thick, mix cornstarch with a little water to make a slurry. This step is key. It helps the sauce cling to the chicken and gives it a nice shine. Pair your orange glazed chicken with rice or steamed vegetables. Rice soaks up the glaze, adding great flavor. Steamed veggies bring color and crunch to your plate. For a beautiful finish, sprinkle fresh cilantro on top. It adds a pop of green and a fresh taste. Choose a large skillet for searing chicken. A non-stick surface makes cooking and cleaning easier. You want to get a nice brown color on your chicken, so don’t crowd the pan. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Chicken should reach 165°F to be safe to eat and juicy. For the full recipe, check out the details above. Enjoy your cooking! {{image_2}} You can switch the chicken thighs for chicken breasts. Chicken breasts are leaner and cook faster. They still soak up that sweet orange glaze well. For a vegetarian choice, use tofu. Press the tofu to remove extra water. Then, cut it into cubes and follow the same steps. This gives you a nice, tasty meal without meat. Want to spice things up? Add some chili flakes for heat. It gives the dish a nice kick. You can also switch the honey for maple syrup. This adds a different sweetness and depth to the glaze. Feel free to mix and match flavors to find what you love. Try orange glazed chicken in a wrap for a fun twist. Use a tortilla and add veggies for crunch. You can also serve it over a bed of mixed greens. This makes a light and fresh meal. The greens balance the sweetness of the glaze. Explore these serving styles for a new dining experience! To store leftovers, let the chicken cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps the chicken fresh and prevents strong odors. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days for the best taste. For long-term storage, you can freeze orange glazed chicken. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. This helps avoid freezer burn. It will stay good for up to three months. When you are ready to use it, thaw in the fridge overnight. This method helps keep the texture nice. To reheat the chicken and keep it moist, use the stovetop or oven. If using the stovetop, add a splash of water or broth to the pan. Cover it to trap the steam. If using the oven, wrap the chicken in foil to keep it from drying out. Avoid the microwave, as it can make the chicken rubbery. Reheat gently until warm all the way through. You can cook orange glazed chicken in several ways. Each method gives a tasty result. - Grilling: This method adds a smoky flavor. Preheat the grill to medium-high. Brush chicken with oil before grilling. Cook for 6-8 minutes per side. - Baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place seasoned chicken in a baking dish. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Baste with orange glaze halfway through for more flavor. - Stovetop: This is quick and easy. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side. Pour on the glaze to finish cooking. Yes, you can prepare orange glazed chicken ahead of time. This saves time for busy days. - Meal Prep: Marinate chicken in the orange glaze for a few hours or overnight. This lets the flavors soak in. Cook it on the day you plan to eat. - Timing: If you cook it in advance, store it in the fridge. It lasts for up to 3 days. Just reheat before serving. Many side dishes pair well with orange glazed chicken. Here are some ideas: - Rice: Serve with steamed white or brown rice. The glaze soaks into the rice for extra flavor. - Vegetables: Roasted or steamed vegetables add color and nutrition. Broccoli, carrots, or snap peas work well. - Salad: A fresh green salad balances the meal. Use citrus dressing to tie in the orange flavor. Orange glazed chicken can fit well into a healthy diet. Here’s why: - Nutritional Info: It's high in protein from the chicken. The orange juice adds vitamins like C. - Health Tips: Use less honey for less sugar. Choose skinless chicken to cut down on fat. Add more veggies on the side for a balanced meal. For the complete recipe, check [Full Recipe]. This blog post has shared a tasty orange glazed chicken recipe. You learned about main ingredients like chicken thighs and fresh orange juice. I outlined cooking steps, tips for the best glaze, and ways to serve the dish. Consider trying variations, like using tofu or adding chili flakes. Storing leftovers properly helps maintain flavor. This recipe is not only simple but also offers healthy options. Enjoy making this dish, and share it with others!

Orange Glazed Chicken

Elevate your dinner game with this delicious Zesty Orange Glazed Chicken recipe! Juicy chicken thighs are perfectly marinated in a tangy mix of fresh orange juice, honey, and garlic, then glazed to perfection. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is a quick and flavorful way to impress your family or guests. Click through to explore the full recipe and bring a burst of citrus flavor to your table tonight!

Ingredients
  

4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs

1 cup fresh orange juice

Zest of 1 orange

1 tablespoon soy sauce

2 tablespoons honey

1 tablespoon cornstarch

2 tablespoons olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon ginger, grated

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions
 

In a bowl, whisk together the orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, honey, and grated ginger. Reserve 1/4 cup of this mixture for glazing the chicken later.

    In another small bowl, mix the remaining orange juice mixture with cornstarch to create a slurry.

      Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides.

        Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and sear for 5-7 minutes on each side until they are browned and cooked through.

          Once the chicken is cooked, pour the reserved orange juice mixture over the chicken and simmer for 2-3 minutes.

            Add the cornstarch slurry to the skillet and stir continuously until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.

              Remove the skillet from heat and let the chicken rest for a few minutes.

                Serve the chicken drizzled with the glaze and garnish with fresh cilantro.

                  Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

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