Honeyed Citrus Chicken

Infused with the zesty brightness of fresh citrus and the natural sweetness of honey, Honeyed Citrus Chicken is a dish that transforms simple ingredients into a show-stopping main course. Juicy, bone-in chicken thighs are marinated in a tangy, garlicky blend of orange juice, lemon juice, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard, then roasted to golden perfection with a sticky-sweet glaze. The addition of orange and lemon zest elevates the flavor, while optional fresh rosemary adds an aromatic, herbaceous finish. Perfectly balanced with savory and sweet notes, this oven-baked chicken recipe is ideal for family dinners or entertaining guests. Serve it with roasted vegetables or fluffy rice for a wholesome, restaurant-quality meal that’s ready in just under an hour.

Nutriscore Rating: 61/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
• 0.5 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• 0.5 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 sprig fresh rosemary (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Step 2

In a small bowl, combine the orange juice, lemon juice, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, soy sauce, dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, orange zest, and lemon zest. Whisk thoroughly to create the marinade.

Step 3

Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable bag or a shallow baking dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are evenly coated. Let the chicken marinate for at least 20 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for a deeper flavor.

Step 4

Transfer the marinated chicken thighs to a baking dish, skin-side up, and pour any remaining marinade over the top.

Step 5

Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, basting the tops with the cooking juices every 10-15 minutes to maintain moisture and enhance the glaze.

Step 6

To achieve crispy skin, switch the oven to broil in the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.

Step 7

Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Step 8

Garnish with a sprig of fresh rosemary, if desired, and serve warm with your favorite side dishes like roasted vegetables or rice.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	883.2 grams (883.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1797

Total Fat 122.50g	157%
Saturated Fat 30.80g	154%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 486mg	162%
Sodium 3551mg	154%
Total Carbohydrate 72.70g	26%
Dietary Fiber 1.80g	6%
Total Sugars 62.50g
Protein 111.50g	223%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 116mg	9%
Iron 7mg	40%
Potassium 1527mg	32%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 59.9%

Protein: 24.2%

Carbs: 15.8%