Here’s a delicious recipe for chicken thighs in orange sauce that you can easily prepare at home. The combination of succulent chicken and a sweet-tangy orange sauce makes for a flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on or skinless, as per preference)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
For the Orange Sauce:
- 1 cup fresh orange juice (about 2-3 oranges)
- Zest of 1 orange
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger (optional)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons water (optional, for cornstarch mixture)
Instructions
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Prepare the Chicken:
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika (if using).
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken thighs skin-side down (if using skin-on) and sear for about 6-8 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook for another 5-6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
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Make the Orange Sauce:
- In the same pan, add the minced garlic and ginger (if using) and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the fresh orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), and rice vinegar. Stir to combine.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes to reduce slightly. If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with water in a small bowl to create a slurry and add it to the sauce, stirring constantly until it thickens.
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Cook the Chicken:
- Return the chicken thighs to the pan, spooning the sauce over them. Cover and let them simmer in the sauce for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C).
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Serve:
- Once cooked, transfer the chicken thighs to a serving platter and drizzle with the orange sauce. Garnish with additional orange zest or green onions if desired. Serve hot with rice, quinoa, or your favorite side dish to soak up the delicious sauce.
Tips
- Marinating: For enhanced flavor, consider marinating the chicken thighs in the orange sauce for a few hours or overnight before cooking.
- Add Veggies: You can add vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas to the sauce during the simmering stage for a complete meal.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Enjoy your meal! This dish is sure to impress with its vibrant flavors and succulent chicken.