Happy Orange Maple Chicken
Delight your taste buds with Happy Orange Maple Chicken—a vibrant and flavor-packed dish that combines the zesty brightness of fresh orange juice and zest with the rich sweetness of maple syrup. Perfectly seared chicken thighs, with crispy golden skin, are bathed in a luscious glaze of soy sauce and simmered to tender perfection. A touch of garlic and a hint of umami elevate this savory-sweet combination, while the thickened sauce creates a glossy finish. Garnished with fresh parsley and vibrant orange slices, this dish is not only visually stunning but also incredibly versatile, pairing beautifully with rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables. Ready in just 45 minutes, this recipe is your go-to for weeknight dinners or elegant gatherings. Indulge in this citrus-infused comfort food that will leave everyone smiling!
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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
- 3 cloves Garlic cloves (minced)
- 0.5 cup Fresh orange juice
- 1 tablespoon Orange zest
- 0.25 cup Maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons Soy sauce
- 0.25 cup Chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons Water
- 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley (finely chopped, for garnish)
- Orange slices (for garnish)
Instructions
Season the chicken thighs on both sides with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs, skin-side down, and sear for 4-5 minutes until the skin is golden brown. Flip and sear the other side for another 4 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in the fresh orange juice, orange zest, maple syrup, soy sauce, and chicken broth. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes to combine the flavors.
Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, skin-side up. Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken, cover the skillet, and let it simmer on low heat for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F).
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Add this mixture to the sauce and stir well. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Remove the chicken from the skillet and arrange on a serving platter. Spoon the thickened orange maple sauce over the chicken.
Garnish with fresh parsley and orange slices for a pop of color. Serve warm with your choice of side dishes like rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
484 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 32.6 g | 42% | |
| Saturated Fat | 8.2 g | 41% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 122 mg | 41% | |
| Sodium | 918 mg | 40% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 19.2 g | 7% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.5 g | 2% | |
| Total Sugars | 16.3 g | ||
| Protein | 28.8 g | 58% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 36 mg | 3% | |
| Iron | 1.9 mg | 11% | |
| Potassium | 433 mg | 9% | |
*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.
