Asian Glazed Orange Chicken Recipe

If you’re in search of a dinner that dazzles with bright citrus and savory depth—all with minimal fuss—this Asian Glazed Orange Chicken is sure to become a household staple. Picture tender chicken thighs cloaked in a glossy, tangy-sweet orange glaze, kissed with aromatic garlic, ginger, and a hint of spice. It’s a dish that truly balances bold flavors with a quick, straightforward method. When time is short but dinner needs to deliver, this recipe is your answer.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start, here’s how every ingredient brings its own magic to the table:

• Skinless Boneless Chicken Thighs: The perfect cut—juicy, tender, quick-cooking, and hard to overcook.
• Kosher Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing and rounding out the flavors of the chicken.
• Olive Oil: Adds depth and ensures a great sear on the meat.
• Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice: Use real oranges for a vibrant flavor (bottle juice just isn’t the same).
• Chicken Broth: Adds savory backbone and richness to the glaze.
• Brown Sugar: Creates that glossy, sticky finish and balances the citrus.
• Hoisin Sauce: Lends complexity, umami, and the classic hint of Asian barbecue sweetness.
• Garlic (Minced or Pressed): Essential for aromatic punch. Grab fresh for best results.
• Orange Zest: Bright, fragrant, and really pushes the orange flavor forward.
• Fresh Ginger (Grated): Adds warmth and that signature zing. Fresh ginger makes all the difference.
• Sriracha Sauce: Just a teaspoon, for a gentle touch of heat—not overwhelming, just exciting.
• Cilantro Leaves & Additional Sliced Orange: For garnish—fresh, snappy, and extra pretty on the plate.

Tip: Love bold flavors? Don’t skimp on the zest and ginger.

Variations

Great recipes are just a starting point. Here are a few ways to make this dish your own:

• Go Spicier: Add extra sriracha or even a sprinkle of chili flakes to the glaze if you crave more heat.
• Crispier Chicken: Give the thighs a quick dusting of cornstarch before browning for a subtle, crispy edge—totally worth it.
• Different Protein: Swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts, drumsticks, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
• Citrus Swap: Try blood orange juice or a touch of lime for a fun, adventurous twist.
• Vegan-Friendly: Use firm tofu (pressed and seared) and swap chicken broth for vegetable broth.

Note: Not a fan of cilantro? Try thinly sliced scallions or fresh basil for garnish.

How to Make Asian Glazed Orange Chicken

Step 1: Prep and Sear the Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Season the chicken thighs generously with kosher salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe pan over medium-high heat. Sear half the chicken thighs at a time—let them get golden brown on both sides. Don’t rush it; this is where all the flavor builds. Move browned ones to a plate, and repeat.

Step 2: Create the Orange Glaze

In a bowl, whisk together the fresh orange juice, chicken broth, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, garlic, orange zest, ginger, and sriracha. Pour this citrusy, aromatic concoction right into your pan. Simmer over medium heat until the sauce reduces by about a third. The smell at this stage is incredible.

Step 3: Bake

Nestle the chicken back into the pan, coating each thigh with the glaze. Slide the whole pan into your preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes—just until the chicken is cooked through (165°F internally is perfect).

Step 4: Finish the Glaze

Carefully remove the chicken to a serving platter and tent loosely with foil to keep warm. Place the pan back over medium heat and let the sauce bubble down until thick and glossy—another third reduction does it. This is where you get that restaurant-style sticky shine.

Step 5: Glaze and Garnish

Pour that glorious, fragrant glaze over your resting chicken. Shower with cilantro leaves and extra orange slices for color, brightness, and a little extra pop of flavor.

How to Serve

This chicken is all about those layers of flavor, so keep your sides simple and let the glaze shine. Serve it over fluffy steamed jasmine rice or sticky rice to soak up every drop of sauce. Steamed broccoli or snap peas make wonderful companions—bright, fresh, and crisp. If you’re in the mood, add a simple cucumber salad tossed with rice vinegar and sesame for extra crunch and color.

For a lighter meal: Serve alongside a big leafy salad, or wrap slices of glazed chicken in lettuce leaves, topped with a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep beautifully! Store cooked chicken and glaze in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen and mingle, making next-day lunches a real treat.

Freezing

This dish freezes well. Cool completely, then place the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the chicken and glaze together in a covered skillet over medium-low heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring often, so the sauce doesn’t separate.

Note: If the glaze thickens too much in storage or freezing, add a splash of broth or orange juice while reheating.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

For those weeknights when you need dinner to truly deliver—without a pile of pots and pans or hours of work—this Asian Glazed Orange Chicken simply shines. It’s vibrant, family-friendly, and packs in flavor far beyond its modest ingredients and quick method. Try it once, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a go-to favorite. Go ahead, bring a little citrus sunshine to your dinner table tonight!

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