Irresistible Spiced Orange Glazed Chicken Recipe

Published: December 3, 2025

by Aria

There’s something magical about the aroma of Spiced Orange Glazed Chicken wafting through your kitchen. The sweet and tangy glaze dances with warm spices, creating a dish that feels like a warm hug. Imagine slicing into tender chicken, revealing a juicy interior coated in a vibrant orange glaze that glistens like liquid sunshine. It’s the kind of dish that makes you want to twirl around the kitchen singing your favorite tune—perhaps something by the Spice Girls, because why not?

Jump to:

Essential Ingredients
How to Make Spiced Orange Glazed Chicken
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Add Your Touch
Storing & Reheating
FAQ
Can I use different types of chicken for this recipe?
How can I make this dish spicier?
Can I prepare the glaze ahead of time?
📖 Recipe Card

I can still hear my grandma cheering as I clumsily whipped up this recipe for the first time. Her laughter filled the air as I nearly set off the smoke alarm (thanks, burnt garlic). But when we finally sat down to eat, her smile said it all: this Spiced Orange Glazed Chicken was a winner! Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family dinner or dazzling guests at a party, this dish promises to bring joy and flavor to any occasion.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Spiced Orange Glazed Chicken is incredibly easy to prepare, making weeknight dinners stress-free
The balance of sweet and savory flavors will impress your taste buds
Its vibrant colors make it visually appealing on any dinner table
Great for meal prep—it tastes even better the next day as leftovers!

I remember the first time I served this dish; my friends’ eyes widened in delight as they took their first bites.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts work best; you can adjust based on how hungry everyone is.
Fresh Garlic: Choose firm cloves for maximum flavor; fresh garlic is always a game-changer.
Fresh Oranges: Use juicy oranges for zest and juice; they give that perfect citrus kick.
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce helps manage saltiness while enhancing flavors.
Honey: A natural sweetener that adds depth; feel free to substitute with agave syrup for vegan options.
Cayenne Pepper: Just a pinch adds a delightful kick—adjust according to your spice tolerance!
Ground Ginger: Fresh ginger is lovely, but dried works wonders too if that’s what you have.
Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for sautéing; it adds richness without overpowering other flavors.

For the Sauce:

Brown Sugar: Adds caramelization and depth; light or dark brown sugar works well here.
Paprika: Smoked paprika adds an intriguing layer of smokiness—trust me, it’s worth it!
Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings but essential for enhancing overall flavor.
Fresh Parsley (for garnish): Adds a pop of color and freshness on top of the finished dish.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Recipe preparation for Spiced Orange Glazed Chicken

How to Make Spiced Orange Glazed Chicken

Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients on the counter. Wash and zest your oranges before juicing them—this ensures you capture all those fragrant oils from the peels.

Create the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together orange juice, soy sauce, honey, cayenne pepper, ground ginger, minced garlic, and smoked paprika. This marinade will bring out all those scrumptious flavors.

Marinate the Chicken: Place chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over them and let them soak in all that goodness for at least 30 minutes—or longer if you have time!

Sear the Chicken: Preheat your skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil. Once hot, add chicken breasts and sear each side until golden brown (about 5 minutes per side). Enjoy that sizzle!

Add Glaze and Finish Cooking: Pour remaining marinade into the skillet with seared chicken. Let simmer until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and glaze thickens slightly.

Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving alongside rice or roasted vegetables—because every great meal needs sides!

Now you’re ready to enjoy your delectable Spiced Orange Glazed Chicken! Each bite is sure to evoke memories of laughter-filled kitchens just like mine—and perhaps inspire some dancing too!

You Must Know

This Spiced Orange Glazed Chicken recipe is a flavor explosion that will impress your friends
The marinade infuses the chicken with a zesty aroma, while the glaze creates a delightful sticky finish
Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this dish will become a family favorite

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Sear the chicken in a hot pan first to lock in juices, then finish cooking in the oven for perfectly tender meat.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap orange juice for other citrus juices or add your favorite herbs for a personal twist on flavor.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat in a preheated oven until heated through.

Chef's Helpful Tips

Always marinate overnight for deeper flavor absorption
Ensure even cooking by letting the chicken sit at room temperature before cooking
Rest the chicken after cooking for juicier results

Sharing this recipe always brings back memories of hosting my friends and hearing their delightful reactions as they devoured every last bite of my Spiced Orange Glazed Chicken.

FAQ

Can I use different types of chicken for this recipe?

Yes, boneless thighs or wings will work beautifully with the glaze.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to kick up the heat.

Can I prepare the glaze ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare it one day in advance and store it in the fridge for convenience.