Craving a restaurant-quality meal that'll make your taste buds dance and your family beg for seconds? Look no further than these mouthwatering Orange Glazed Skillet Chicken Thighs! Imagine crispy, golden-brown chicken with a tantalizingly sticky orange glaze that's so good, you'll want to lick the skillet clean. This recipe transforms ordinary chicken thighs into a culinary masterpiece that's surprisingly easy to make, perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing dinner guests with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs, skin-on
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together orange juice, soy sauce, honey, and minced garlic to create the glaze. Set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Place chicken thighs skin-side down in the hot skillet, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for 6-7 minutes without moving, allowing the skin to become golden brown and crispy.
- Flip chicken thighs and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes on the other side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Pour the prepared orange glaze over the chicken thighs, reducing heat to medium-low.
- Simmer and baste the chicken with the glaze for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally to coat evenly and allow the sauce to reduce and caramelize.
- Remove chicken from skillet and let rest for 3-5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Drizzle remaining glaze over chicken before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or green onions if desired.
Tips
- Ensure chicken is completely dry before seasoning - this helps achieve that irresistibly crispy skin.
- Use a cast-iron skillet if possible, as it provides the most even heat and best caramelization.
- Don't move the chicken while it's initial searing - this creates that beautiful golden-brown crust.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, ensuring it reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking to keep the meat juicy and tender.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze for a subtle kick.
- If the glaze reduces too quickly, add a splash of water to prevent burning.
- Fresh herbs like parsley or green onions can add a bright, fresh finish to the dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 306kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 22g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 80mg
