Cocoa Orange Braised Chicken
Infuse your dinner routine with rich, exotic flavors by trying Cocoa Orange Braised Chicken, a unique and irresistible dish that balances sweet, savory, and earthy notes. Tender bone-in chicken thighs are seared to golden perfection before being simmered in a velvety sauce made with fresh orange juice, unsweetened cocoa powder, dark chocolate, and a hint of honey. Aromatic spices like cinnamon blend harmoniously with the citrus and chocolate for a deeply complex taste, while freshly chopped parsley adds a burst of freshness. Perfectly braised in a single skillet, this 45-minute recipe creates a luxurious sauce that’s ideal for pairing with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up every last drop. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests, this one-pot wonder is guaranteed to elevate your table with its bold, indulgent flavors.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 6 pieces chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 ounce dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher), finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Season the chicken thighs with salt and black pepper on both sides.
Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Sear the chicken thighs, skin-side down first, for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set aside.
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the chopped onion. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Stir in the unsweetened cocoa powder and ground cinnamon, toasting them for about 30 seconds to release their aroma.
Pour in the orange juice and chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to deglaze and collect the browned bits.
Add the orange zest and honey, stirring until everything is well combined.
Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, skin-side up, ensuring they are partially submerged in the liquid.
Cover the skillet with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and let the chicken braise for 30 minutes.
Remove the lid and stir in the finely chopped dark chocolate until melted and incorporated into the sauce.
Let the chicken cook uncovered for an additional 5 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper, if needed.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Serve hot with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
534 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 36.2 g | 46% | |
| Saturated Fat | 10.3 g | 51% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 122 mg | 41% | |
| Sodium | 632 mg | 27% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 24.6 g | 9% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.7 g | 9% | |
| Total Sugars | 16.6 g | ||
| Protein | 29.6 g | 59% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 57 mg | 4% | |
| Iron | 3.0 mg | 17% | |
| Potassium | 615 mg | 13% | |
*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.
