Orange Glazed Roasted Chicken Quarters

Introduction

Orange Glazed Roasted Chicken Quarters is a flavorful and elegant dish that balances the natural richness of roasted chicken with the brightness of citrus and a hint of sweetness. The orange glaze caramelizes beautifully in the oven, giving the chicken a golden, glossy finish and a deliciously tangy-sweet taste.

This recipe transforms simple chicken quarters into a centerpiece-worthy meal. The glaze combines fresh orange juice, zest, honey, garlic, and spices, which seep into the chicken as it roasts, creating juicy, tender meat with crispy skin.

Perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or even a weeknight treat, this dish brings both comfort and sophistication to the table.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it feels like a fusion of simplicity and elegance. The chicken is easy to prepare, yet the orange glaze elevates it into something restaurant-worthy. The citrus not only brightens the dish but also keeps the chicken juicy and flavorful.

Another reason I love it is its versatility—you can serve it with roasted vegetables, rice, or even a fresh salad, and it always tastes amazing. Plus, the aroma of chicken roasting with citrus and herbs fills the kitchen with warmth and anticipation.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Flavor Explosion – Sweet, tangy, garlicky, and savory in one bite.
• Easy Yet Elegant – Perfect for casual meals or special occasions.
• Juicy & Crispy – Moist chicken with perfectly crisp skin.
• Versatile Pairings – Goes with everything from rice pilaf to roasted potatoes.

Recipe Time & Servings

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Servings: 4 (1 chicken quarter per serving)
• Calories: ~420–450 per serving (depending on skin and glaze amount)

Cuisine & Course

• Cuisine: American with Mediterranean influence
• Course: Main Course, Dinner

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 4 chicken leg quarters (thigh + drumstick)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tsp paprika (optional, for color)

For the Orange Glaze:

• 1 cup fresh orange juice (about 2–3 oranges)
• 1 tbsp orange zest
• 2 tbsp honey (or maple syrup)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional, for depth)
• ½ tsp ground ginger (optional, for warmth)
• 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (slurry, for thickening)

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Season chicken and roast until golden.
2. Simmer orange glaze until thickened.
3. Brush glaze on chicken during roasting.
4. Serve hot with extra glaze drizzled on top.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Pat chicken dry with paper towels.
3. Rub chicken quarters with olive oil, salt, pepper, and paprika.

Step 2: Start Roasting

1. Place chicken quarters on a baking sheet or roasting pan, skin side up.
2. Roast for 20 minutes while you prepare the glaze.

Step 3: Make the Orange Glaze

1. In a saucepan, combine orange juice, zest, honey, soy sauce, garlic, mustard, and ginger.
2. Simmer over medium heat for 8–10 minutes.
3. Add cornstarch slurry and cook until glaze thickens.

Step 4: Glaze & Finish Roasting

1. Brush chicken with orange glaze after the first 20 minutes.
2. Return to oven and roast for another 20–25 minutes, basting once more.
3. Chicken is done when internal temperature reaches 175°F (80°C) at the thickest part.

Step 5: Serve

1. Let chicken rest for 5 minutes.
2. Drizzle with extra glaze and garnish with orange slices or fresh herbs.

How to Serve

Serve hot with sides like:

• Garlic mashed potatoes
• Roasted vegetables (carrots, green beans, or Brussels sprouts)
• Rice pilaf or couscous
• Fresh green salad with citrus vinaigrette

Additional Recipe Tips

• Patting chicken dry ensures crispier skin.
• Use fresh orange juice for the best flavor.
• For extra flavor, marinate chicken in half the glaze for 1 hour before roasting.
• Keep some glaze aside (before brushing) for drizzling at the table.

Variations

• Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the glaze.
• Herby Version: Add rosemary or thyme to the roasting pan.
• Asian-Inspired: Use sesame oil and ginger with a splash of rice vinegar.
• Citrus Mix: Use a blend of orange, lemon, and lime juice for a tangy glaze.

Freezing & Storage

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze glazed chicken in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Brush with extra glaze to refresh flavor.

Special Equipment Needed

• Baking sheet or roasting pan
• Small saucepan (for glaze)
• Basting brush
• Meat thermometer

Conclusion

Orange Glazed Roasted Chicken Quarters are juicy, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. The sweet-tangy glaze elevates humble chicken into a restaurant-worthy dish that’s easy to make at home. With its crisp skin, tender meat, and vibrant citrus notes, this recipe is guaranteed to impress family and friends.

Print Recipe

0 Add to Favorites

Orange Glazed Roasted Chicken Quarters

Author: admin Cuisine: American Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 45 mins Total Time 1 hr

Servings: 4 Calories: 450 per serving

Description

Orange Glazed Roasted Chicken Quarters is a flavorful and elegant dish that balances the natural richness of roasted chicken with the brightness of citrus and a hint of sweetness. The orange glaze caramelizes beautifully in the oven, giving the chicken a golden, glossy finish and a deliciously tangy-sweet taste.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

For the Chicken:

• 4 chicken leg quarters (thigh + drumstick)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tsp paprika (optional, for color)

For the Orange Glaze:

• 1 cup fresh orange juice (about 2–3 oranges)
• 1 tbsp orange zest
• 2 tbsp honey (or maple syrup)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional, for depth)
• ½ tsp ground ginger (optional, for warmth)
• 1 tsp 1 cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (slurry, for thickening)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat & Prep : Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat chicken dry with paper towels. Rub chicken quarters with olive oil, salt, pepper, and paprika.
2. Step 2: Start Roasting : Place chicken quarters on a baking sheet or roasting pan, skin side up. Roast for 20 minutes while you prepare the glaze.
3. Step 3: Make the Orange Glaze : In a saucepan, combine orange juice, zest, honey, soy sauce, garlic, mustard, and ginger. Simmer over medium heat for 8–10 minutes. Add cornstarch slurry and cook until glaze thickens.
4. Step 4: Glaze & Finish Roasting : Brush chicken with orange glaze after the first 20 minutes. Return to oven and roast for another 20–25 minutes, basting once more. Chicken is done when internal temperature reaches 175°F (80°C) at the thickest part.
5. Step 5: Serve : Let chicken rest for 5 minutes. Drizzle with extra glaze and garnish with orange slices or fresh herbs.

Keywords: Orange Glazed Roasted Chicken Quarters