Zesty Citrus Chicken
Bursting with bright, refreshing flavors, Zesty Citrus Chicken is the perfect balance of savory and tangy. This irresistible recipe features bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs marinated in a vibrant blend of freshly squeezed orange, lemon, and lime juices, infused with fragrant citrus zest, garlic, honey, and warming spices like paprika and cumin. The chicken is seared to golden perfection before being oven-roasted in its flavorful marinade, creating a sticky, caramelized glaze that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious. Finished with a pop of fresh cilantro and garnished with juicy orange slices, this dish makes a stunning centerpiece for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Serve it with fluffy rice or roasted vegetables to soak up the zesty pan sauce for a meal that’s guaranteed to delight your taste buds. Perfect for those seeking bold flavors and easy techniques, this recipe is a must-try for citrus lovers!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 6 pieces chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
- 0.5 cups orange juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 pieces garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 orange zest of an orange
- 1 lemon zest of a lemon
- 1 lime zest of a lime
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- 0.5 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro (chopped, for garnish)
- 4 slices orange slices (for garnish)
Instructions
In a medium bowl, whisk together orange juice, lemon juice, lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, honey, orange zest, lemon zest, lime zest, ground paprika, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper to create the marinade.
Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring the pieces are well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 8 hours for more flavor.
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Remove the chicken from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels. Reserve the marinade.
Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil and sear the chicken thighs, skin-side down, for 3–4 minutes, until golden brown. Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
Pour the reserved marinade into the skillet, then transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Roast the chicken for 25–30 minutes, basting occasionally with the pan juices, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Spoon the citrusy pan sauce over the chicken before serving.
Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and orange slices. Serve warm with your choice of sides, such as rice or roasted vegetables.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2399 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 168.7 g | 216% | |
| Saturated Fat | 44.1 g | 220% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 729 mg | 243% | |
| Sodium | 3111 mg | 135% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 69.2 g | 25% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.5 g | 20% | |
| Total Sugars | 51.7 g | ||
| Protein | 165.3 g | 331% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 196 mg | 15% | |
| Iron | 11.1 mg | 62% | |
| Potassium | 2268 mg | 48% | |
*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.
