Imagine a dinner that transforms ordinary chicken breasts into a mouthwatering masterpiece that will have your family begging for seconds! This Honey Orange Glazed Chicken is not just another recipe – it's a culinary adventure that combines the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors in one incredibly simple dish. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you'll create a restaurant-quality meal that looks and tastes like you've spent hours in the kitchen.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup of honey, 1/4 cup of orange juice, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. Whisk the ingredients together until well blended and smooth.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper to taste. Make sure to coat both sides evenly for the best flavor.
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a baking dish, ensuring they are arranged in a single layer for even cooking.
- Pour the honey orange glaze mixture over the chicken breasts, making sure they are well coated. You can use a brush or spoon to spread the glaze evenly over the chicken.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture during the initial baking period.
- Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. This will allow the chicken to cook through while absorbing the flavors of the glaze.
- After 30 minutes, remove the foil from the baking dish. This will allow the glaze to caramelize and develop a beautiful golden color.
- Continue baking the chicken for an additional 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is cooked through.
- Once done, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the chicken moist.
- Serve the baked chicken with the remaining glaze drizzled over the top. Pair it with your favorite sides, such as rice or steamed vegetables, for a complete meal.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This guarantees juicy, perfectly cooked chicken every time.
- Glaze Perfection: For an extra glossy and caramelized finish, brush additional glaze onto the chicken during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Marinating Hack: If you have time, marinate the chicken in the glaze for 30 minutes to 2 hours before baking for even more intense flavor.
- Prevent Dryness: Covering the dish with foil for the first part of baking helps keep the chicken moist and prevents the glaze from burning.
- Serving Suggestion: For a complete meal, serve with a side of fluffy rice or roasted vegetables to soak up the delicious extra glaze.
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the glaze and season the chicken up to a day in advance, making dinner prep a breeze!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 334kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 26g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 70mg
