Orange Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

Name: Orange Honey Garlic Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 90 min
Total time: 220 min
Yield: 5
Ingredients: 1 (2 to 3 pound) whole chicken, cut into pieces; 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 tablespoons honey; 0.25 cup orange juice; 2 cloves crushed garlic; 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano; 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper; 0.5 teaspoon paprika

Cook Time: 90 minutes

This delicious and easy-to-make oven-baked honey soy chicken is the perfect combination of savory and sweet, with a rich marinade that gives the chicken a mouthwatering flavor. Follow the steps below for a simple and flavorful dinner!

Ingredients

1 (2 to 3 pound) whole chicken, cut into pieces
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey
cup orange juice
2 cloves crushed garlic
teaspoon dried oregano
teaspoon ground black pepper
teaspoon paprika

Directions

Step 1: To prepare the marinade, mix together the soy sauce, honey, orange juice, garlic, oregano, black pepper, and paprika in a bowl.

Step 2: Pour the marinade over the chicken pieces and toss to coat them evenly.

Step 3: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the chicken for 2 to 4 hours to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 4: Preheat the oven to 350F (175C). Remove the marinated chicken from the fridge.

Step 5: Place the chicken and marinade into a 9x13-inch baking dish. Bake, uncovered, for 1 hours, basting the chicken once during the cooking process to keep it moist and flavorful.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Nutrition	Amount
Calories	324
Total Fat	17g
Saturated Fat	5g
Cholesterol	97mg
Sodium	635mg
Total Carbohydrate	10g
Dietary Fiber	0g
Total Sugars	8g
Protein	32g
Vitamin C	7mg
Calcium	24mg
Iron	2mg
Potassium	333mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

History of the Dish

The origins of orange honey garlic chicken are believed to be influenced by the fusion of Asian and American culinary traditions. While the exact roots of the dish remain unclear, it is clear that it draws inspiration from the classic Chinese flavors of soy sauce and garlic, combined with the sweetness of honey and orange. The sweet-salty profile is a hallmark of many Asian-American fusion recipes, particularly in dishes served in American Chinese restaurants. Over time, this recipe became popular for its delicious balance of flavors and simple preparation, making it a go-to choice for home cooks and professional chefs alike.

Regional Variations

Orange Honey Garlic Chicken is a versatile dish that can be found in various forms across different regions. In some parts of the United States, it is made with boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, whereas others may opt for a whole chicken cut into pieces. The marinade can be altered depending on regional preferences, with some adding extra spices like ginger or chili flakes for a more intense flavor. In certain Asian cuisines, variations of this dish include adding citrus fruits such as mandarins or yuzu to enhance the flavor, and in some cases, a touch of sesame oil may be included to create a deeper umami taste.

How It Differs from Similar Dishes

While Orange Honey Garlic Chicken shares similarities with other sweet and savory chicken dishes, such as General Tsos chicken or honey garlic chicken, its key difference lies in the citrus element. The use of fresh orange juice and zest adds a distinct tanginess that sets it apart from its sweeter counterparts. General Tso's chicken, for example, typically leans more heavily on soy sauce and sugar for sweetness, whereas this dish balances the sugar with the bright, zesty flavor of orange. This makes Orange Honey Garlic Chicken a lighter and slightly more refreshing alternative to the richer, heavier sweet and sour chicken varieties.

Where It Is Usually Served

Orange Honey Garlic Chicken is often served in American homes as part of a weeknight dinner. It is typically paired with steamed rice or roasted vegetables, making it a complete and balanced meal. Its also common to see it on the menu at Chinese-American restaurants, where it is enjoyed as an entree. In some regions, the dish may also be served during festive gatherings or casual barbecues, particularly when grilled chicken is desired. Its versatility in preparation makes it suitable for a wide range of occasions, from family dinners to larger celebrations.

Interesting Facts

The combination of honey and orange juice in the marinade not only gives the chicken a delicious glaze but also helps to tenderize the meat, making it more juicy and flavorful.
Some variations of the recipe call for adding a dash of whiskey or rum to the marinade, giving the dish a deeper complexity.
This dish is part of a broader trend in American cuisine where traditional Asian flavors are reimagined to suit local tastes and ingredients.
Orange Honey Garlic Chicken is an easy dish to prepare in large batches, making it perfect for meal prepping or feeding a crowd.

FAQ about Orange Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

For optimal flavor, marinate the chicken for 2 to 4 hours. If you have more time, marinating overnight will intensify the flavors.

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. However, keep in mind that the cooking time may be shorter—around 25-30 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken.

This chicken pairs well with a variety of sides like rice, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad. It also goes great with mashed potatoes or a side of steamed broccoli.

Yes, you can freeze the marinated chicken. Place the chicken and marinade in a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge before cooking.

Absolutely. If you prefer a sweeter marinade, you can add a little more honey or even orange marmalade. On the other hand, if you want a more savory flavor, reduce the honey slightly.

Store any leftover cooked chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently in the oven or microwave to avoid drying it out.

Yes, you can use this marinade for other meats like pork, turkey, or even fish. Just be mindful that cooking times will vary depending on the meat you choose.

To turn the marinade into a sauce, pour the leftover marinade into a saucepan and simmer on medium heat. You can thicken it by adding a small amount of cornstarch or flour dissolved in water. Let it simmer for a few minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.

Yes, grilling is a great alternative! Preheat your grill to medium heat, and cook the marinated chicken, turning occasionally, until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This should take around 20-30 minutes depending on the thickness of the chicken.

To add some heat, consider incorporating chili flakes, cayenne pepper, or even a touch of hot sauce into the marinade. Adjust the amount according to your desired spice level.

Comments

Edward Clark

09/22/2022 05:22:28 PM

Outstanding recipe! I opted for large boneless chicken breasts and incorporated 1/4 cup of orange marmalade based on a fellow cook's recommendation. To enhance the flavor, I included 1 tablespoon of dried minced onion. The result was tender and delightfully tangy. I paired it with potatoes au gratin and a refreshing romaine and cucumber salad drizzled with lemon olive oil – a perfect blend of flavors. I will certainly be making this dish again and am excited to try grilling it next time!

Kimberly Lopez

05/24/2023 07:25:31 PM

This recipe is fantastic! I marinated my chicken in a mixture of orange juice, honey, and chopped garlic cloves for approximately 3 hours before baking it. I then coated each strip with honey, sprinkled herbs on top, and secured orange slices with toothpicks. I also poured the remaining marinade over the chicken to let it simmer while baking and enhance the flavor even more. Delicious results!

Jessica Davis

01/10/2024 10:36:36 AM

Fantastic recipe! I opted for using only thighs and drumsticks, and added 2 extra cloves of garlic for an extra kick. Marinating the meat in a Ziploc bag in the fridge for 1-2 days, turning it every 8-12 hours, resulted in incredibly tender and flavorful meat. Throughout the week, I enjoyed quick and easy meals by pairing the marinated meat with rice and broccoli. The longer marination time truly pays off in terms of taste and texture.

Joyce Parker

09/15/2023 09:27:07 PM

I decided to pan fry this amazing recipe. I cooked the thighs and strips until they were lightly browned on both sides, and then let them simmer in the sauce, flipping them several times. I also added some more freshly squeezed orange juice. However, it turned out a bit too salty because I didn't measure the soy sauce. Next time, I plan to double the amount of sauce and taste test the soy sauce before doubling it. Despite the saltiness, I really enjoyed the flavor of the dish.

Matthew Thompson

04/06/2023 05:38:42 PM

Delicious! The dish is bursting with flavor! I found that cooking the chicken for 1-1/2 hours was too long, so I recommend 30 minutes at 375 degrees. The chicken turned out incredibly juicy and tender. I included marmalade and fresh chopped onions, and sautéed the garlic before adding it to the marinade. This mix created a delightful orange glaze that was absolutely scrumptious! I will definitely make this again!

Sandra Wilson

10/30/2022 01:43:36 PM

I mistakenly thought this was a pork recipe and thawed pork chops instead. However, the dish turned out to be delicious. I'll make sure to save it under "pork" for future reference.

Brenda Cruz

04/16/2024 01:38:30 AM

The marinade is fantastic! It's not overly sweet and it gave the chicken a beautiful golden brown color with crispy skin on top when baked in the oven. I highly recommend using chicken with bone and skin on for best results. I noticed some reviews mentioned dry chicken, and I believe this might be due to using skinless, boneless chicken which tends to dry out quickly in the oven, even with extra marinade. I baked the chicken with potatoes, carrots, and onions, but I wish I had fresh veggies as a side dish. I will definitely be trying this recipe again soon!

Margaret Johnson

09/03/2024 05:19:59 AM

I made this dish using boneless, skinless chicken breasts. I ended up doubling the recipe because the chicken breasts were huge and had to butterfly them. Instead of using orange juice, I used orange juice concentrate to save money on marmalade, which I don't like and wouldn't use again. I only had 2 garlic cloves, but I wish I had more garlic for added flavor. Next time, I plan to add fresh ginger and try using it as a marinade for grilling. While my family enjoyed it more than I did, I will definitely make it again.

Victoria King

04/12/2024 02:40:13 AM

I left out the oregano and added some oyster sauce. The family enjoyed it, so I definitely plan on making it again.

Justin Allen

09/09/2022 11:11:55 AM

I substituted chicken breast tenderloins for a whole chicken (since that's what we had on hand), and cooked it for just 1 hour instead of the suggested 1 1/2 hours. The dish turned out delightfully tangy, and my boyfriend absolutely adored it!

Kenneth Parker

01/03/2023 06:26:59 AM

I wish there was some sauce to accompany it. Perhaps they could consider boiling and thickening extra marinade to serve on the side.

Christopher Lee

08/16/2022 12:51:59 AM

Wonderful recipe! My family absolutely adored it. The sauce was a bit thin, so I felt it could use a tad more orange juice. Following suggestions from previous reviews, I included minced onion and a touch of red pepper flakes, which elevated the dish. Can't wait to make it again!

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