Orange Glazed Chicken Thighs

$- 4 chicken thighs, skin-on and bone-in - 1 cup fresh orange juice - Zest of 1 orange - 2 tablespoons honey - 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or coconut aminos for gluten-free) - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste To make this dish shine, you need fresh, high-quality ingredients. The chicken thighs should be juicy and tender. The orange juice and zest bring a vibrant flavor. Honey and soy sauce add sweetness and depth. Garlic and ginger give it a warm kick that balances the dish. - Fresh cilantro or parsley Adding fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley gives the dish a pop of color. They also add a fresh taste that pairs well with the sweet orange glaze. - Tips for selecting fresh ingredients When shopping, look for chicken thighs with firm skin. They should not have any off smells. Choose oranges that feel heavy for their size; this means they have more juice. Fresh garlic should be firm and dry. Ginger should be smooth and free of wrinkles. Selecting the best ingredients makes a big difference in your meal. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This helps cook the chicken evenly. 2. In a medium bowl, whisk together: - 1 cup fresh orange juice - Zest of 1 orange - 2 tablespoons honey - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger Mix until smooth and well combined. 3. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps the skin get crispy. 4. Season both sides of the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. 1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. 2. Once hot, add the chicken thighs skin-side down. Sear for 5-6 minutes until the skin turns golden brown. 3. Flip the chicken thighs over. Pour the orange glaze mixture over the top, ensuring they are well coated. 4. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). 1. After baking, remove the skillet from the oven. Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes. This keeps the chicken juicy. 2. To thicken the glaze, place the skillet back on the stove over medium heat. Let the sauce simmer until it thickens slightly. 3. Serve the chicken thighs drizzled with the thickened orange glaze. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley for a pop of color. To get crispy skin on your chicken thighs, start by drying them well. Use paper towels to pat them dry. This helps remove moisture. Next, season both sides with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in your skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down. Sear them for about 5-6 minutes. This creates that golden and crunchy skin we all love! You can boost the flavor of your glaze with spices. Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. A teaspoon of smoked paprika adds a nice depth. You can also mix in some chopped scallions for a fresh crunch. These small changes can transform your dish into something special. For searing and baking, use a heavy skillet. I recommend a cast-iron skillet. It retains heat well and gives even cooking. If you don’t have that, a stainless steel skillet works too. Make sure it’s oven-safe. This way, you can go straight from the stove to the oven without any trouble. Pro Tips Use Fresh Juice: For the best flavor, use freshly squeezed orange juice rather than store-bought. Fresh juice will enhance the dish’s brightness and sweetness. Perfectly Sear: Ensure the skillet is hot before adding chicken thighs to achieve a crispy skin. Pat the chicken dry to help with the searing process. Resting Time: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps the juices redistribute, making the chicken more tender and flavorful. Glaze Thickness: For a thicker glaze, simmer the sauce on the stove after baking. This step intensifies the flavors and gives a beautiful finish to the dish. {{image_2}} If you're looking for a gluten-free option, use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. Coconut aminos have a nice, sweet flavor. They work well in this recipe. This swap allows you to enjoy the dish without gluten. You can replace orange juice with other citrus juices. Lemon or lime juice gives a different taste. They add brightness to the dish. You can also mix citrus juices for a unique flavor. This change can keep the recipe fresh and exciting. You can grill or slow cook the chicken thighs for different tastes. Grilling gives a smoky flavor and crispy skin. Slow cooking makes the chicken tender and juicy. Both methods work well with the orange glaze. Choose a method that fits your time and mood. To keep your Orange Glazed Chicken Thighs fresh, store them properly. You can refrigerate or freeze the leftovers. In the refrigerator, place the chicken in an airtight container. It will stay good for up to 3 days. If you want to store it longer, freeze the chicken. Use a freezer-safe bag or container. In the freezer, the chicken stays fresh for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is key. The best way to reheat chicken is in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. Bake for about 15-20 minutes. This helps keep the chicken moist and warm. You can also use a microwave, but be careful not to overcook it. Heat in short bursts and check often to maintain its flavor and texture. How long can Orange Glazed Chicken Thighs be stored? In the fridge, they last up to 3 days. In the freezer, they can last up to 3 months. Always check for signs of spoilage. If the chicken smells bad or looks off, it's best to throw it away. What can I serve with Orange Glazed Chicken Thighs? You can serve Orange Glazed Chicken Thighs with several tasty sides. Here are some ideas: - Steamed rice - Quinoa - Fresh salad - Roasted vegetables - Mashed potatoes These sides will complement the sweet and tangy flavors of the chicken. How do I know when chicken thighs are done cooking? To check if chicken thighs are done, use a meat thermometer. The safe internal temperature is 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part. The meat should be opaque with no pink juices. Can I make the glaze ahead of time? Yes, you can make the glaze ahead. Simply mix the orange juice, zest, honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger in a bowl. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. This saves time and makes cooking easier! We've covered the key parts of making Orange Glazed Chicken Thighs. You learned about the main ingredients, cooking steps, and tips to make this dish shine. Remember to experiment with flavors and cooking methods to suit your taste. This dish is not only tasty but also easy to store and reheat. Try using fresh ingredients for the best results. Enjoy your cooking journey with this delightful meal that everyone will love!$

Delicious chicken thighs glazed with a sweet and tangy orange sauce.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 35

Total Time 45

Ingredients

4 pieces chicken thighs, skin-on and bone-in
1 cup fresh orange juice
1 piece Zest of 1 orange
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons soy sauce (or coconut aminos for gluten-free)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
1 tablespoon olive oil
to taste Salt and pepper
to taste Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a medium bowl, whisk together the fresh orange juice, orange zest, honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger until well combined.
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for about 5-6 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crisp.
Flip the chicken thighs over and pour the orange glaze mixture over them, ensuring they are well coated.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Once the chicken is done, remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes.
To enhance the glaze, place the skillet back on the stove over medium heat and let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.
Serve the chicken thighs drizzled with the thickened orange glaze and garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley.

Notes

Serve with steamed rice or a fresh salad on the side.

Keyword chicken, easy recipe, orange glaze