Easy Orange Glazed Chicken Recipe – Sweet, Sticky & Zesty Dinner Favorite

If you’re looking for a dish that balances sweetness, citrusy tang, and savory richness, then Orange Glazed Chicken might just become your new go-to recipe. With its sticky-sweet glaze, fragrant garlic and ginger, and juicy chicken, this recipe isn’t just flavorful – it’s unforgettable. Whether you’re whipping this up for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests at a weekend gathering, this dish delivers every time.

In this ultimate guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about making the perfect orange glazed chicken. From choosing the right ingredients to mastering the glaze, pairing it with sides, storing leftovers, and even customizing the dish to your taste, we’ve got it all covered. So grab your apron and let’s dive into the delicious world of citrus-kissed poultry.

Why You’ll Love Orange Glazed Chicken

There are so many reasons to fall in love with orange glazed chicken:

• Quick and easy: The recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish.
• Minimal ingredients: You likely have most of them in your pantry right now.
• Incredibly versatile: Serve with rice, noodles, veggies, or toss it in a salad.
• Bold flavor: That combination of fresh orange juice, soy sauce, and honey creates an unforgettable tangy glaze.
• Kid-friendly: Sweet, sticky, and not too spicy!

The Perfect Ingredients for Orange Glazed Chicken

Here’s what you’ll need for this dish:

For the chicken:

• 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the orange glaze:

• 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice (store-bought works in a pinch)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water

These ingredients form the heart and soul of your orange glazed chicken – simple yet sensational.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken

Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper. This step ensures the meat is flavorful from the inside out.

2. Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes per side until it’s golden brown and fully cooked. Remove it from the skillet and set it aside.

3. Make the Glaze

In the same skillet, combine:

• Orange juice
• Soy sauce
• Honey
• Vinegar
• Garlic
• Ginger

Simmer this mixture for 3–5 minutes. The aroma is heavenly!

4. Thicken the Glaze

Stir in the cornstarch slurry and simmer for another minute or two until the sauce thickens into a luscious glaze.

5. Coat the Chicken

Return the chicken to the skillet and toss it in the orange glaze until every piece is beautifully coated.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Serve hot, ideally over steamed rice, quinoa, or alongside roasted vegetables.

Tips for Perfect Orange Glazed Chicken

1. Use fresh orange juice: It adds a brightness you can’t get from bottled versions.
2. Don’t skip the ginger: It adds depth and balances the sweetness.
3. Watch the glaze: Stir constantly once you add the cornstarch to avoid lumps.
4. Customize the sweetness: Add more honey for a sweeter glaze or a splash of sriracha for heat.

Flavor Variations You Can Try

Want to make this recipe your own? Try these creative twists:

• Spicy Orange Glazed Chicken: Add red pepper flakes, sriracha, or chili garlic sauce.
• Orange Garlic Chicken: Double the garlic for a pungent, savory version.
• Orange Sesame Chicken: Toss in toasted sesame seeds and a dash of sesame oil.
• Asian-Inspired Orange Chicken: Add a splash of hoisin or oyster sauce for a richer umami profile.

What to Serve with Orange Glazed Chicken

Pair this dish with sides that complement the citrus and savory profile:

• Steamed white or jasmine rice
• Coconut rice for a tropical twist
• Roasted broccoli or asparagus
• Stir-fried vegetables
• Quinoa or couscous

Don’t forget a glass of crisp white wine or a sparkling citrus soda to wash it down!

Meal Prep & Leftovers

Storage Tips:

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheating:

Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat or microwave in 30-second intervals.

Freezing:

Freeze cooked and glazed chicken in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.

Nutritional Breakdown (Approximate per serving)

• Calories: 290
• Protein: 28g
• Fat: 10g
• Carbs: 18g
• Sugars: 12g
• Fiber: 1g

Health Benefits of Orange Glazed Chicken

Not only is this dish flavor-packed, it also offers a nutritional punch:

• High in protein: Great for muscle maintenance.
• Rich in vitamin C: Thanks to fresh orange juice.
• Lower in sugar than takeout: Especially when you control the honey.
• Versatile for special diets: Easily adaptable to be gluten-free or paleo.

FAQs About Orange Glazed Chicken

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Thighs offer a juicier, more flavorful bite and work beautifully with this glaze.

2. Is this dish gluten-free?

Make sure to use gluten-free soy sauce (like tamari), and you’re good to go.

3. Can I grill the chicken instead of pan-frying?

Yes! Grill the chicken, then brush it with the warm glaze before serving.

4. How do I make it spicier?

Add chili flakes, cayenne, or your favorite hot sauce into the glaze.

5. Can I double the glaze for extra sauce?

Yes! Just double all the glaze ingredients, and thicken as usual. It’s perfect for spooning over rice.

6. What kind of orange juice should I use?

Freshly squeezed is best, but no-pulp store-bought juice can work in a pinch. Avoid concentrates with added sugar.

Conclusion

There’s something irresistibly satisfying about a dish that comes together quickly yet bursts with complex flavor – and that’s exactly what orange glazed chicken delivers. It’s bright, sticky, savory, and just the right amount of sweet. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this dish is bound to become a household favorite. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or looking for something impressive to serve guests, this recipe is the perfect solution.

So go ahead – grab those oranges, fire up the skillet, and get ready to fall in love with this zesty citrus sensation. Your dinner table will thank you!

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