Imagine a dish that transforms ordinary chicken thighs into a culinary masterpiece that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. This Orange Braised Chicken recipe is not just another dinner - it's a symphony of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors that will transport your taste buds to a gourmet paradise. With just a few simple ingredients and some cooking magic, you'll create a restaurant-quality meal that looks impressive but is surprisingly easy to prepare.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 cup orange juice
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure crisp skin and even browning. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together orange juice, soy sauce, honey, and minced garlic to create the braising liquid. Set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers and is hot.
- Place chicken thighs skin-side down in the hot skillet. Cook for 6-7 minutes without moving, allowing the skin to turn golden brown and crispy.
- Flip the chicken thighs and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes on the other side to develop color.
- Pour the prepared orange juice mixture over the chicken, ensuring the liquid comes about halfway up the sides of the thighs.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the chicken braise for 35-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the lid during the last 5 minutes of cooking to allow the sauce to reduce and concentrate its flavors.
- Transfer chicken to a serving platter and let rest for 5 minutes. Spoon the reduced braising sauce over the thighs before serving.
Tips
- Pat the chicken thighs completely dry before seasoning - this is the secret to achieving that irresistibly crispy skin that will make your dish look and taste professional.
- Use a heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven to ensure even heat distribution and prevent burning.
- Don't rush the skin-browning process. Those 6-7 minutes of undisturbed cooking create a golden, crispy exterior that locks in flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches exactly 165°F (74°C) - this guarantees juicy, perfectly cooked meat every time.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is moist and flavorful.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider adding orange zest to the braising liquid or garnishing with fresh herbs like thyme or parsley before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 140mg
