Honey Orange Chicken is a flavorful dish that features tender chicken glazed with a sweet and tangy honey-orange sauce. Perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or a vibrant meal to brighten up your week, this dish is sure to impress.
Honey Orange Chicken
Why This Honey Orange Chicken Is the Best
- Sweet and Tangy Sauce: The honey-orange sauce is a delightful blend of sweetness and tanginess that perfectly complements the tender chicken.
- Crispy Exterior: The chicken is cooked to a crispy golden brown, adding a satisfying crunch to each bite.
- Citrusy Freshness: Fresh orange slices and zest add a burst of citrusy flavor, enhancing the overall taste and presentation.
- Beautiful Presentation: Garnished with fresh herbs and vibrant orange slices, this dish is visually appealing and appetizing.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing a weeknight meal, or looking for a delicious and flavorful dinner option, Honey Orange Chicken is the perfect choice. The combination of sweet and tangy sauce, crispy chicken, and fresh oranges makes it a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredient Notes
- Fresh Orange Juice and Zest: Provide the bright, tangy citrus flavor that infuses the chicken, enhancing its freshness.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Adds a zesty contrast to the orange, deepening the flavor profile of the marinade.
- Olive Oil: Acts as the base for the marinade, ensuring moisture and helping the flavors meld together.
- Hot Sauce and Dijon Mustard: Introduce a touch of heat and sharpness, balancing the sweetness of the honey and orange.
- Garlic: Adds savory depth and complements the citrusy notes.
- Boneless Chicken Thighs: Offer tender, juicy meat that absorbs the flavorful marinade perfectly.
- Chopped Parsley (Optional): A fresh garnish that adds a touch of color and brightness to the dish.
Glaze:
- Butter and Honey: Combine to create a rich, smooth, and sweet glaze that coats the chicken.
- Fresh Orange Juice and Zest: Intensify the citrus flavor, deepening the glaze’s taste and texture.
- BBQ Sauce: Introduces a smoky undertone that complements the sweetness of the honey and orange.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds a bit of tang and sharpness, balancing the richness of the glaze.
Tips for Making the Best Honey Orange Chicken
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh, high-quality chicken and oranges.
- Season Generously: Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices to enhance the flavor.
- Cook Evenly: Ensure the chicken is cooked evenly to achieve a golden brown exterior.
- Coat Generously: Coat the chicken generously with the honey-orange sauce to ensure each bite is flavorful.
Serving Suggestions
- With Steamed Rice: Serve Honey Orange Chicken with steamed white rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
- With Stir-Fried Vegetables: Pair with stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, and snow peas for extra nutrition.
- With a Side Salad: Add a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette for a balanced meal.
- With Lemon Wedges: Serve with lemon wedges for a refreshing and tangy contrast.
- With Fresh Bread: Enjoy with a slice of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
A Must Try
Imagine the burst of sweet and tangy flavors from this Honey Orange Chicken—each bite offering a delightful combination of crispy chicken and citrusy goodness. Perfect for sharing with family and friends, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your home. Gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and create a meal that’s both vibrant and delicious. It’s time to treat yourself and your loved ones to a culinary adventure that’s both sweet and savory!
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Honey Orange Chicken
This Honey Orange Chicken delivers a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. The citrusy marinade and glaze soak into the chicken, creating a rich and juicy dish that's brightened with just the right amount of heat.
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 lbs boneless chicken thighs trimmed of excess fat
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 1/2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoon hot sauce
- 2 tablespoon dijon mustard
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 teaspoon chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Glaze
- 2 tablespoon butter
- 2 tablespoon dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 2 teaspoon orange zest
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the orange juice, orange zest, lemon juice, olive oil, hot sauce, Dijon mustard, and garlic.
- Add the chicken thighs to a gallon-sized resealable bag, pour the marinade over them, then seal the bag, squeezing out any extra air.
- Coat the chicken with the marinade and place it in the refrigerator to marinate for 1 to 6 hours.
- When ready, heat the grill to medium-high, around 400°F.
- As the grill heats up, make the glaze. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in honey, orange juice, orange zest, BBQ sauce, and Dijon mustard. Once combined, remove from heat and set aside about 1/3 cup for serving.
- Grill the chicken for about 4 minutes on each side. Then, brush with the glaze and continue grilling for another 2 minutes per side, until the chicken reaches 165°F in the center and is slightly charred.
- Serve the chicken warm, drizzled with the reserved glaze and garnished with parsley, if you like.
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Honey Orange Chicken