Zesty Citrus-Glazed Roast Chicken
Delight your taste buds with this Zesty Citrus-Glazed Roast Chicken, a show-stopping dish that combines the vibrant flavors of fresh oranges and a tangy marinade for a perfectly crispy skin and juicy meat. Ideal for family gatherings or weeknight dinners, this recipe ensures your chicken is not only visually appealing but also bursting with flavor. The citrusy notes from the orange juice and zest infuse every bite, while a hint of ginger and Dijon mustard adds depth. Serve this savory dish with your favorite sides, and watch as it becomes a staple in your cooking repertoire.
N/A
Servings
450
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fresh Orange Juice
1/4 cup (Squeezed)
Orange Zest
1 (Cut into strips)
Dijon Mustard
1 teaspoon
Balsamic Vinegar
2 tablespoons
Soy Sauce
1 tablespoon
Fresh Ginger
1 teaspoon (Minced)
Salt
to taste
Fresh Ground Black Pepper
to taste
Broiler-Fryer Chicken
(3 1/2-4 1/2 lb) (Cleaned and patted dry)
Orange Slices
1 (Sliced)
Water
1 1/2 cups
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh orange juice, orange zest strips, Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, minced ginger, salt, and pepper to create a flavorful marinade. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning as desired.
2
Prepare the chicken by placing it in a large bowl. Carefully loosen the skin around the breast and thighs by sliding your hand underneath, making sure not to tear it. (Wearing gloves can help if you have long nails.)
3
Generously pat the marinade under the skin, ensuring that the flavors thoroughly permeate the meat. Rub any remaining marinade over the entire outer surface of the chicken.
4
Cover the marinated chicken and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 8 hours for maximum flavor infusion. Alternatively, you can use a zip-lock bag for marinating.
5
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Stuff the cavity of the chicken with the orange slices for added aroma and flavor.
6
Place the chicken breast-side up in a roasting pan fitted with a rack or a vertical roaster. Pour 1 1/2 cups of water into the bottom of the pan to create steam during cooking.
7
Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the internal juices run clear when piercing the thigh with a knife. Halfway through cooking, check the liquid levels in the pan and add a little more water if necessary to prevent burning.
8
Once cooked, let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute.
9
Carve the chicken into serving pieces and arrange them on a platter. Meanwhile, take the orange slices from the pan and place them over medium-high heat, cooking for about 3 minutes until the juices have thickened slightly. Drizzle this reduction over the carved chicken and serve immediately.
Nutrition Information
22.5
Fat
12.5
Carbs
52.5
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Citrus-Glazed Roast Chicken?
It is a show-stopping dish that combines the vibrant flavors of fresh oranges and a tangy marinade for a perfectly crispy skin and juicy meat.
What are the primary flavors in this recipe?
The dish features prominent citrusy notes from orange juice and zest, complemented by depth from ginger, Dijon mustard, and balsamic vinegar.
How do I prepare the marinade?
In a small bowl, whisk together fresh orange juice, orange zest strips, Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, minced ginger, salt, and pepper.
What should I do to the chicken before applying marinade?
Clean the chicken and pat it dry, then carefully loosen the skin around the breast and thighs by sliding your hand underneath without tearing it.
Why should I put marinade under the skin?
Patting the marinade under the skin ensures that the flavors thoroughly permeate the meat rather than just sitting on the surface.
How long should the chicken marinate?
The chicken should be refrigerated for at least 30 minutes, or up to 8 hours for maximum flavor infusion.
Can I use a bag for marinating?
Yes, you can use a zip-lock bag as an alternative to a covered bowl for the marination process.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) for roasting the chicken.
What should I put inside the chicken cavity?
Stuff the cavity of the chicken with orange slices to add extra aroma and flavor during roasting.
What is the purpose of adding water to the roasting pan?
Pouring 1 1/2 cups of water into the pan creates steam during cooking, which helps keep the meat moist.
How should the chicken be placed in the roasting pan?
Place the chicken breast-side up in a roasting pan fitted with a rack or use a vertical roaster.
How long does the chicken need to roast?
Roast the chicken for approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour.
How do I know if the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is done when the internal juices run clear when you pierce the thigh with a knife.
What should I check halfway through the cooking time?
Check the liquid levels in the pan and add a little more water if necessary to prevent burning.
Why is it important to let the chicken rest?
Letting the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the meat stays moist.
How do I make the citrus reduction sauce?
Take the orange slices from the pan and cook them over medium-high heat for about 3 minutes until the juices thicken slightly.
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
A broiler-fryer chicken weighing between 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 lbs is ideal.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 450 calories per serving.
What is the protein content of this dish?
This recipe provides 52.5 grams of protein per serving.
How much fat is in the citrus-glazed chicken?
Each serving contains about 22.5 grams of fat.
What kind of vinegar is used in the glaze?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar.
How much ginger is required?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of minced fresh ginger.
Do I need to peel the ginger?
The recipe specifies 1 teaspoon of minced fresh ginger, which is typically peeled before mincing.
Can I use orange juice from a carton?
The recipe specifically recommends fresh-squeezed orange juice for the best flavor.
How should the orange zest be prepared?
The orange zest should be cut into strips rather than finely grated.
Is this recipe suitable for family gatherings?
Yes, it is described as an ideal show-stopping dish for family gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Can I use a different type of mustard?
The recipe specifies Dijon mustard, which adds a specific tangy depth to the glaze.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 total ingredients required for this dish.
What tags describe this recipe?
Tags include orange chicken, crispy chicken, roast chicken, citrus flavors, family meal, and healthy dinner.
Does this recipe result in crispy skin?
Yes, the combination of the citrus glaze and the high roasting temperature (425°F) ensures a perfectly crispy skin.