Zesty Citrus Roasted Chicken

This roasted orange chicken recipe transforms an ordinary bird into a succulent feast with bright citrus notes and aromatic herbs. The combination of sweet honey, tangy orange, and savory herbs creates a perfectly balanced dish that's impressive enough for Sunday dinner yet simple enough for a weeknight meal.

I first made this recipe when hosting my in-laws for the first time. The kitchen filled with the most incredible aroma, and my mother-in-law immediately asked for the recipe. Now it's our go-to holiday main course.

Ingredients

• Whole chicken: about 4–5 pounds provides the perfect canvas for our flavorful glaze and yields tender meat that stays juicy during roasting
• Olive oil: helps create that beautiful crispy skin we all crave
• Fresh thyme and rosemary: provide aromatic woody notes that complement the citrus perfectly
• Orange zest and juice: bring bright acidity and natural sweetness that caramelizes beautifully
• Honey: adds the perfect touch of sweetness that helps create that gorgeous glaze
• Soy sauce: introduces a savory umami element that balances the sweet components
• Dijon mustard: adds subtle tang and helps emulsify the glaze for perfect consistency
• Chicken broth: creates steam in the oven to keep the meat moist while roasting

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

First, preheat your oven to 400°F. This higher temperature is crucial for achieving that beautifully crisp, golden skin. Pat the chicken completely dry with paper towels, ensuring there's no moisture left on the surface. This step is absolutely essential for achieving crispy skin rather than steamed.

Season the Bird:

Massage the olive oil thoroughly into every surface of the chicken, creating a base for the seasonings to adhere to. Distribute the minced garlic, chopped thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper evenly over the entire chicken, making sure to season the cavity as well. Rub these seasonings into the skin to ensure they penetrate the meat.

Create the Orange Glaze:

In a bowl, combine the orange zest, fresh orange juice, honey, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard. Whisk vigorously until the mixture becomes uniform and slightly thickened. The mustard helps emulsify the ingredients, creating a glaze that will coat the chicken beautifully and won't simply slide off during roasting.

Prepare for Roasting:

Place the quartered onion pieces inside the chicken cavity where they'll release aromatic flavors throughout the cooking process. Position the chicken breast-side up on your roasting pan, then pour chicken broth around the base of the pan. This creates a moist environment that keeps the chicken juicy while still allowing the skin to crisp.

Glaze and Roast:

Brush a generous layer of the orange glaze over the entire surface of the prepared chicken. Reserve about half the glaze for basting later. Place the chicken in your preheated oven and set a timer for 30 minutes. At this point, carefully remove the chicken and apply another layer of glaze, paying special attention to any areas that look dry.

Finish Cooking:

Continue roasting for approximately 30-45 minutes more, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F when tested at the thickest part of the thigh. The skin should be deeply golden and caramelized, with the glaze creating a beautiful lacquered finish.

Rest and Serve:

Once fully cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and tent loosely with foil. Allow it to rest for a full 10 minutes, which lets the juices redistribute throughout the meat rather than running out when carved. Serve the chicken with the flavorful pan juices spooned over top.

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You Must Know

• Citrus zest contains essential oils that provide intense flavor without additional acidity
• The chicken will continue cooking during the resting period, gaining about 5 degrees in internal temperature
• This recipe is naturally gluten free if you use tamari instead of regular soy sauce

My favorite part of this recipe is the moment when I brush on that final coat of glaze and watch it bubble and caramelize in the oven. The kitchen fills with an incredible aroma that never fails to bring my family to the table before I even call them for dinner.

Perfect Pairings

This roasted chicken pairs wonderfully with roasted root vegetables that can cook alongside it in the oven. Carrots, parsnips, and potatoes absorb the flavorful drippings and complement the citrus notes. For a lighter option, serve with a simple arugula salad dressed with olive oil and a squeeze of orange juice to echo the flavors in the main dish.

Making Ahead

You can prepare the orange glaze up to three days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The chicken can also be seasoned with the herbs and garlic up to 24 hours before roasting. Just keep it uncovered in the refrigerator to allow the skin to dry out, which helps achieve that perfect crispy texture.

Leftovers Transformation

Leftover orange chicken makes incredible sandwiches the next day. Slice the meat thinly and layer on good bread with some arugula and a spread made from mayonnaise mixed with a little orange zest. You can also shred the meat and toss it with pasta, a splash of cream, and some fresh herbs for a quick weeknight dinner.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) when measured with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh without touching bone. The juices should run clear, not pink, and the skin should be golden brown and crispy.

→ Can I use bottled orange juice instead of fresh?

While fresh is always best for maximum flavor (especially since you need the zest anyway), you can substitute bottled orange juice in a pinch. Just be sure to still include orange zest for that intense citrus flavor that makes this dish special.

→ What sides pair well with this chicken?

This chicken pairs beautifully with roasted potatoes, wild rice, steamed vegetables, or a fresh green salad. The orange flavor complements many side dishes, but starchy sides are particularly good for soaking up the delicious pan juices.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the orange glaze and season the chicken up to 24 hours in advance, but for best results, roast the chicken just before serving. If needed, you can roast it earlier in the day and gently reheat before serving, though the skin may not stay as crispy.

→ How can I make the skin extra crispy?

For extra crispy skin, thoroughly pat the chicken dry before seasoning, and consider letting it sit uncovered in the refrigerator for a few hours before roasting. You can also increase the oven temperature to 425°F for the last 15 minutes of cooking time.

→ What can I do with leftovers?

Leftover chicken makes excellent sandwiches, salads, or can be shredded for tacos. Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.