Chili Citrus Chicken
Infuse your weeknight dinner routine with bold flavors and a zesty twist with this Chili Citrus Chicken recipe. Juicy, bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are marinated in a vibrant blend of freshly squeezed orange and lime juices, sweet honey, and a medley of smoky spices like chili powder, smoked paprika, and cumin. This citrus-chili combination creates a perfect harmony of tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy flavors. Oven-baked to crispy perfection, the chicken is finished with fresh cilantro and citrus zest for an eye-catching presentation and an extra burst of aroma. Ready in just 40 minutes, this dish is ideal served alongside fluffy rice, roasted vegetables, or a crisp salad. Perfect for fans of bold and bright flavors, this Chili Citrus Chicken is sure to become a favorite on your dinner table!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 pieces chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
- 0.5 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 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)
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
Instructions
In a medium bowl, whisk together orange juice, lime juice, olive oil, honey, minced garlic, chili powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to create the marinade.
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and place them in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish.
Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 8 hours for deeper flavor.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it skin-side up on a baking sheet or in an oven-safe skillet. Discard the remaining marinade.
Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the skin is golden and crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Optional: For extra crispiness, broil the chicken for an additional 2-3 minutes on high heat, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh cilantro, orange zest, and lime zest for a pop of color and extra flavor. Serve with rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1691 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 122.4 g | 157% | |
| Saturated Fat | 30.9 g | 154% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 486 mg | 162% | |
| Sodium | 2953 mg | 128% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 44.5 g | 16% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.1 g | 18% | |
| Total Sugars | 28.5 g | ||
| Protein | 110.8 g | 222% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 139 mg | 11% | |
| Iron | 9.5 mg | 53% | |
| Potassium | 1561 mg | 33% | |
*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.
