Prepare to transform your ordinary dinner into a mouthwatering culinary adventure that will have your family and friends begging for seconds! These honey orange roast chicken thighs are not just a meal, they're a flavor explosion that combines the sweet warmth of honey with the bright, zesty punch of orange, creating a dish that's both elegant and incredibly easy to prepare. Whether you're a busy home cook or a weekend culinary enthusiast, this recipe promises restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin. This helps remove excess moisture and promotes better browning.
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together honey, orange juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined to create the glaze.
- Brush the chicken thighs with olive oil on both sides, then season generously with salt and pepper.
- Place the chicken thighs skin-side up on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching each other for even cooking.
- Pour half of the honey-orange glaze over the chicken thighs, making sure to coat them evenly.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- During the last 10 minutes of cooking, brush the remaining glaze over the chicken to create a beautiful caramelized coating.
- Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
- Garnish with fresh orange zest or chopped parsley if desired, and serve hot with your favorite side dishes.
Tips
- Dry the chicken thoroughly: Pat the chicken thighs completely dry before seasoning. This crucial step ensures crispy, golden-brown skin that's absolutely irresistible.
- Temperature is key: Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for perfectly cooked, safe-to-eat chicken.
- Glaze timing matters: Apply the first half of the glaze at the beginning of roasting and the second half during the last 10 minutes to prevent burning while creating a beautiful caramelized finish.
- Let it rest: Always allow the chicken to rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking. This helps redistribute the juices, ensuring each bite is moist and flavorful.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze or using fresh thyme alongside the orange zest for garnish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 544kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 44g
Fat: 36g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 170mg
