This Fresh Orange Glazed Chicken is a juicy, flavorful dish that brings together sweet citrus and savory chicken in a beautifully sticky glaze. I use fresh orange juice and zest to create a naturally sweet, tangy sauce that’s better than takeout and way more rewarding to make at home. This recipe is quick enough for a weeknight meal, yet vibrant and special enough to serve guests.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love how the bright flavor of fresh oranges brings the whole dish to life. Using fresh juice instead of concentrate makes a huge difference—I can really taste the richness and freshness in every bite. It’s also a fantastic way to use up extra oranges if I’ve got a tree or a big farmers market bag. Plus, it’s done in about 30 minutes, which means I get bold, satisfying flavor without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

• Kosher salt, to taste

• Fresh ground black pepper, to taste

• grape seed oil (or any high flash point oil like canola or peanut)

For the orange glaze:

• fresh orange juice

• soy sauce

• brown sugar

• finely grated orange zest

For serving:

• chopped cilantro or parsley (optional)

• rice, couscous, or quinoa

Directions

1. I start by making the orange glaze. In a saucepan, I combine fresh orange juice, soy sauce, and brown sugar. I bring it to a simmer over medium-high heat and let it cook, stirring occasionally, until it reduces down to about half a cup and becomes thick and sticky (about 15–20 minutes). I stir in the orange zest at the end.

2. While the glaze is reducing, I cook the chicken. In a separate pan, I heat the oil over medium-high heat. I add the chicken pieces, season them with salt and pepper, and cook until they’re fully cooked through and crispy on the edges—usually around 3–5 minutes depending on the size of the pieces.

3. Once the glaze and chicken are ready, I combine them in one of the pans and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes to thicken the glaze even more and coat the chicken completely.

4. I finish the dish with a sprinkle of chopped herbs and serve it hot over a bed of rice, couscous, or quinoa.

Servings and Timing

Yield: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Kick: I sometimes add red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the glaze for heat.

• Vegetarian Option: I swap the chicken with tofu or cauliflower florets and roast or pan-fry them before adding to the glaze.

• Citrus Twist: Blood oranges or cara cara oranges add a vibrant twist if I want to play around with different citrus flavors.

• Ginger Zest: I’ve grated in a bit of fresh ginger to deepen the flavor and give it a more Asian-inspired profile.

• Breaded Style: For a crispy, breaded version, I coat the chicken in cornstarch before frying.

Storage/Reheating

If I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, I warm them gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to help the glaze stay thick and glossy. The microwave works in a pinch, but I like the texture better when it’s reheated on the stove. I avoid freezing the dish since citrus-based sauces can sometimes separate after thawing.

FAQs

How do I keep the chicken juicy?

I make sure not to overcook it. Chicken breast can dry out quickly, so I cut it into even pieces and cook just until the centers are no longer pink.

Can I use store-bought orange juice?

Yes, but I really recommend fresh juice if possible. The taste is much brighter and more natural when I juice it myself.

What can I serve with this chicken?

I usually serve it over steamed rice, couscous, or quinoa. A side of steamed veggies like broccoli or snap peas also works really well.

Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

Absolutely. I sometimes make the glaze the day before and refrigerate it. I just warm it gently before adding it to the chicken.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be! I use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to keep it safe for gluten-free diets.

Conclusion

This Fresh Orange Glazed Chicken is the kind of dish I keep coming back to. It’s simple, vibrant, and packed with flavor thanks to the use of fresh orange juice and zest. Whether I’m cooking for family, guests, or just myself, this is a fast and foolproof recipe that always satisfies.

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