Baked Spicy Citrus Chicken
Elevate your weeknight dinner routine with Baked Spicy Citrus Chicken, a deliciously zesty dish that's bursting with bold flavors and effortless charm. Juicy bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are marinated in a vibrant blend of orange and lemon juices, honey, and a medley of warm spices like smoked paprika and cumin, with just the right kick from red pepper flakes. This oven-baked masterpiece achieves perfectly crispy skin and tender, flavorful meat with minimal effort. Finish it with a garnish of fresh cilantro and orange slices for a pop of color and extra aroma. Perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests, this recipe pairs beautifully with rice, roasted vegetables, or a crisp salad for a complete meal.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 6 pieces chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
- 0.5 cup orange juice
- 0.25 cup lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional for garnish)
- 6 slices orange slices (optional for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and set them aside.
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the orange juice, lemon juice, olive oil, honey, minced garlic, smoked paprika, ground cumin, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to create a marinade.
Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for richer flavor).
After marinating, arrange the chicken thighs, skin-side up, in a large baking dish or sheet pan. Pour any remaining marinade over the chicken.
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden and crispy.
Optional: For a caramelized finish, switch your oven to broil during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and orange slices, if desired. Serve warm, paired with rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
506 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 36.4 g | 47% | |
| Saturated Fat | 8.6 g | 43% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 121 mg | 40% | |
| Sodium | 593 mg | 26% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 18.2 g | 7% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.3 g | 5% | |
| Total Sugars | 14.4 g | ||
| Protein | 28.3 g | 57% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 45 mg | 3% | |
| Iron | 2.0 mg | 11% | |
| Potassium | 477 mg | 10% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
