Looking for a quick and delicious meal to spice up your weeknights? Look no further than orange chicken thighs! This classic combination of flavors is a staple in many cuisines, and when paired with crispy skin and juicy meat, it’s hard to beat. In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey around the world, featuring 20 flavorful orange chicken thigh recipes that are sure to become new favorites.
From sticky glazes to spicy kickers, these mouthwatering dishes will inspire your taste buds to go on a wild adventure. Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet and tangy or savory and umami, we’ve got you covered with our collection of orange chicken thigh recipes. So grab some boneless, skinless chicken thighs and get ready to cook up a storm!
Sticky Orange Glazed Chicken Thighs
A sweet and savory twist on traditional chicken thighs, this sticky orange glaze adds a burst of citrus flavor to every bite. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup orange marmalade
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together marmalade, honey, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and ginger.
3. Place chicken thighs in a shallow baking dish and brush the orange glaze all over them.
4. Sprinkle red pepper flakes on top (if using) for an extra kick of heat.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Honey Orange Soy Chicken Thighs
This recipe combines the sweetness of honey, the tanginess of orange, and the savory flavor of soy sauce to create a deliciously glazed chicken dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, orange juice, soy sauce, and ginger.
3. Place chicken thighs in a large baking dish and brush the glaze all over them.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and season with salt and pepper.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Spicy Orange Garlic Chicken Thighs
A flavorful twist on classic chicken thighs, this recipe combines the brightness of orange with the heat of chili flakes and the richness of garlic. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend treat.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp grated orange zest
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp chili flakes
– 1/2 cup orange juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, orange zest, garlic, and chili flakes.
3. Place chicken thighs in a large bowl and brush the orange-garlic mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper and arrange chicken thighs in a single layer.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until cooked through, flipping halfway through.
7. Remove from oven and brush with orange juice.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired. Serve hot.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Baked Orange Sesame Chicken Thighs
Baked Orange Sesame Chicken Thighs: A Sweet and Savory Twist on Classic Chicken
This recipe combines the rich flavors of orange, sesame, and soy sauce to create a deliciously sticky and savory dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/4 cup sesame seeds
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together orange juice, honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, and ginger.
3. Place chicken thighs in a shallow baking dish and brush the orange glaze evenly over both sides of the chicken.
4. Sprinkle sesame seeds over the top of each thigh.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and the skin is crispy.
6. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Orange Ginger Soy Glazed Chicken Thighs
Brighten up your mealtime with this flavorful and aromatic recipe, featuring tender chicken thighs smothered in a sticky orange-ginger soy glaze. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
– 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together orange juice, ginger, soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, and garlic.
3. Place chicken thighs in a shallow baking dish and brush the glaze all over them.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Crispy Orange Chili Chicken Thighs
Add a sweet and spicy twist to your chicken dish with this simple recipe. Crunchy, flavorful, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or weekend meal prep.
Ingredients:
– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/4 cup orange marmalade
– 2 tablespoons chili flakes
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– 1/4 cup cornstarch
– 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together orange marmalade, chili flakes, honey, soy sauce, and cornstarch.
3. Add chicken thighs to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
4. Remove chicken from the marinade and coat each thigh with panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
5. Heat about 1/2 inch (1 cm) of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken thighs until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.
6. Place fried chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: About 30-40 minutes
Slow Cooker Orange Teriyaki Chicken Thighs
This recipe combines the sweet and savory flavors of teriyaki sauce with the brightness of orange, resulting in tender and juicy chicken thighs that are perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
– 1/4 cup orange marmalade
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a slow cooker, whisk together teriyaki sauce, orange marmalade, soy sauce, garlic, brown sugar, and ginger.
2. Add the chicken thighs to the slow cooker and season with salt and pepper.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions and orange wedges if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Orange Marmalade BBQ Chicken Thighs
Elevate your backyard BBQ game with these Orange Marmalade BBQ Chicken Thighs, bursting with citrusy flavor. Perfect for a summer gathering or weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
• 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 1/2 cup orange marmalade
• 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or oven to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together marmalade, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Brush the mixture evenly onto both sides of the chicken thighs.
4. Grill for 10-12 minutes per side, or bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
5. Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Tips:
– For an extra crispy skin, pat dry with paper towels before grilling or baking.
– Serve with your favorite sides, such as coleslaw or grilled vegetables.
Orange Five-Spice Chicken Thighs
Elevate your dinner game with this sweet and savory recipe featuring tender chicken thighs infused with the warm, aromatic flavors of five-spice powder and a hint of orange.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp ground coriander
– 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/4 tsp ground cloves
– 1/4 tsp five-spice powder
– 1 orange, zested and juiced (about 2 tbsp zest and 2 tbsp juice)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional: chopped fresh scallions or cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together cumin, coriander, cinnamon, cloves, and five-spice powder.
3. Brush chicken thighs with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and the spice mixture.
4. Place chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and roast for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
5. In the last 10 minutes of cooking, brush chicken with orange juice and sprinkle with orange zest.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Orange Hoisin Chicken Thighs with Scallions
This sweet and savory recipe combines the flavors of orange, hoisin sauce, and scallions to create a deliciously glazed chicken dish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/4 cup orange marmalade
– 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 2 scallions, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together orange marmalade, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, garlic, and brown sugar.
3. Place chicken thighs in a large baking dish and brush with the glaze.
4. Drizzle vegetable oil over the chicken and sprinkle with scallions.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Orange Sriracha Chicken Thighs
This recipe combines the sweetness of orange with the spicy kick of sriracha, resulting in a flavorful and aromatic chicken dish perfect for any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you’ll be enjoying deliciously tender and juicy chicken thighs in no time.
Ingredients:
– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
– 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together orange juice, sriracha sauce, garlic, and honey.
3. Place chicken thighs in a shallow baking dish and brush the orange-sriracha mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Orange Balsamic Chicken Thighs
Elevate your chicken game with this sweet and tangy recipe that combines the flavors of orange, balsamic vinegar, and herbs. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
– 2 tbsp balsamic glaze (or regular balsamic vinegar thinned with water)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together orange juice, balsamic glaze, olive oil, garlic, and thyme.
3. Add chicken thighs to the marinade and coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
4. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through, skin crispy.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme, if desired. Serve hot with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables or quinoa salad.
Orange Thyme Roasted Chicken Thighs
Add a burst of citrus flavor to your roasted chicken thighs with this simple and aromatic recipe. The combination of orange zest, thyme, and olive oil creates a savory and tangy dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
– 2 sprigs fresh thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together orange juice, olive oil, orange zest, and thyme.
3. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
4. Place the chicken thighs in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Brush the orange-thyme mixture evenly over the chicken thighs.
6. Roast for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Orange Mustard Glazed Chicken Thighs
Impress your family and friends with this flavorful and easy-to-make recipe that combines the brightness of orange juice with the tanginess of mustard. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion, these glazed chicken thighs are sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup orange marmalade
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together orange marmalade, Dijon mustard, and honey until smooth.
3. Place chicken thighs in a shallow baking dish. Brush the glaze evenly over both sides of the chicken.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the top and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Orange Chipotle Chicken Thighs
Add a kick to your chicken with this sweet and spicy recipe that combines the smoky heat of chipotles with the bright flavor of orange. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend brunch, these thighs are sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together orange juice, olive oil, chipotle peppers, garlic, and cumin.
3. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
4. Place the chicken in a large baking dish and brush the orange-chipotle mixture evenly over both sides of the thighs.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through, flipping halfway.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Orange Rosemary Grilled Chicken Thighs
Elevate your grilling game with this aromatic and citrusy twist on classic chicken thighs. The combination of juicy orange, fragrant rosemary, and smoky grilled chicken is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together orange juice, olive oil, rosemary, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Place chicken thighs in a shallow dish and brush with the marinade.
4. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
5. Grill chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Orange Maple Glazed Chicken Thighs
Elevate your chicken game with this sweet and sticky glaze, featuring the perfect balance of citrusy orange and rich maple syrup. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, orange juice, olive oil, garlic, and Dijon mustard.
3. Place chicken thighs in a shallow baking dish and brush the glaze evenly over both sides of the chicken.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until cooked through, flipping halfway.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Orange Coconut Curry Chicken Thighs
Elevate your dinner game with this exotic fusion of flavors! Sweet orange, creamy coconut, and aromatic curry come together to create a mouthwatering dish that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 4 bone-in chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup orange marmalade
– 1/4 cup coconut cream
– 2 tablespoons curry powder
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together orange marmalade, coconut cream, curry powder, olive oil, cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the chicken thighs to the marinade and toss to coat evenly.
4. Place the chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Orange Pineapple Chicken Thighs
Moist and flavorful chicken thighs get a tropical twist with the addition of orange marmalade, pineapple juice, and fresh herbs. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or weekend lunch.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup orange marmalade
– 1/4 cup pineapple juice
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together orange marmalade, pineapple juice, garlic, and thyme.
3. Place the chicken thighs in a shallow baking dish and brush the orange-pineapple mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken.
4. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Orange Basil Chicken Thighs with Garlic
Elevate your dinner game with this flavorful and aromatic recipe that combines the brightness of orange, the freshness of basil, and the richness of garlic. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, orange juice, garlic, and salt.
3. Add chicken thighs to the marinade and toss to coat evenly.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
5. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking.
6. Place chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
8. Garnish with additional basil leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Summary
Get ready to spice up your weeknight meals! This collection of 20 flavorful orange chicken thigh recipes offers a world of possibilities. From sticky glazes to spicy kick, and from sweet and sour to savory and aromatic, these mouthwatering dishes are sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Whether you’re in the mood for something classic or adventurous, there’s an orange chicken thigh recipe here that’s sure to hit the spot.