Orange Cinnamon Chicken
Infuse your dinner table with bold, citrusy flavors with this irresistible Orange Cinnamon Chicken recipe. Perfectly seared, bone-in chicken thighs are bathed in a luscious glaze made with fresh orange juice, honey, soy sauce, and a warm hint of ground cinnamon, creating a balance of sweet and savory. The dish is finished in the oven, allowing the zesty sauce to caramelize beautifully while the chicken stays tender and juicy. Aromatic garlic, a touch of paprika, and optional fresh thyme elevate the flavor profile further, making this a show-stopping main course. This mouthwatering recipe is easy to prepare in under an hour and pairs splendidly with sides like roasted vegetables or fluffy steamed rice. Treat your family or guests to an unforgettable meal that's as comforting as it is delicious. Keywords: orange cinnamon chicken, citrus glaze, easy chicken recipe, oven-baked chicken, flavorful dinner recipe.
Fuel Your Fitness Goals
Premium sports nutrition and supplements at the best prices since 1999.
Over 25 years of sports nutrition excellence
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 6 pieces chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
- 1 cup fresh orange juice
- 2 teaspoons orange zest
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme (optional)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together orange juice, orange zest, ground cinnamon, honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel. Season both sides with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 4-5 minutes, or until the skin is golden and crispy. Flip and sear the other side for 2-3 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Lower the heat to medium and pour the orange juice mixture into the skillet, scraping the bottom with a wooden spoon to deglaze and release any browned bits.
Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, skin-side up. Spoon some of the sauce over the top of each piece. Add fresh thyme sprigs to the pan if desired.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Every 10 minutes, baste the chicken with the pan sauce to keep it moist and flavorful.
Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Spoon extra sauce over the chicken before serving.
Serve warm with your choice of sides, such as roasted vegetables or steamed rice, and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
477 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 33.0 g | 42% | |
| Saturated Fat | 8.3 g | 42% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 121 mg | 40% | |
| Sodium | 880 mg | 38% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 17.1 g | 6% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.0 g | 3% | |
| Total Sugars | 13.7 g | ||
| Protein | 28.8 g | 58% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 41 mg | 3% | |
| Iron | 2.0 mg | 11% | |
| Potassium | 467 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.
