Description
This Orange Glazed Chicken recipe features juicy bone-in chicken breasts coated in a flavorful blend of spices and baked to perfection, then basted with a sweet and tangy honey orange glaze. Infused with fresh rosemary and thyme, the dish combines smoky paprika and chili powder with a zesty citrus glaze, making it a delightful and aromatic main course perfect for gatherings or a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 half chicken breasts (bone-in and skin on, or chicken thighs)
- 3 tablespoons butter (melted)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary (chopped fine)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Orange Glaze
- 3/4 cup honey
- Zest of one orange
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/4 cup apple cider
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix smoked paprika, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, chopped rosemary, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Rub this spice mixture evenly over each piece of chicken, ensuring full coverage under the skin if possible.
- Melt the Butter: Melt the butter in a small saucepan or in the microwave, set aside to keep warm for basting during cooking.
- Make the Orange Glaze: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, orange zest, fresh orange juice, apple cider, and Dijon mustard. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring frequently until slightly thickened, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper; remove from heat and keep warm.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking dish or roasting pan with foil or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Arrange and Bake Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish skin side up. Brush the melted butter over the chicken pieces. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Baste with Orange Glaze: After 25 minutes, remove the chicken from the oven and generously baste with the prepared orange glaze. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C) and the glaze is caramelized and sticky.
- Final Baste and Rest: In the last 5 minutes of baking, baste again with any remaining glaze to build up a glossy finish. Once done, remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to let the juices redistribute.
Notes
- Chicken breasts with bone and skin yield juicier results, but chicken thighs can be used as an alternative.
- The honey-orange glaze can be adjusted in sweetness or acidity by modifying the amount of honey or orange juice.
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken with spices and some glaze for 1 hour before cooking.
- Ensure the internal temperature of chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Serve with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 453 kcal
- Sugar: 56 g
- Sodium: 183 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 59 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
