Description
This Baked Orange Rosemary Chicken recipe combines the bright, citrusy flavor of fresh orange juice with the herby aroma of rosemary and a savory soy sauce marinade. The chicken is marinated overnight, then roasted to perfection, resulting in juicy, tender meat with a crispy skin. It’s an easy and flavorful dish perfect for a comforting dinner served alongside vegetables, rice, or quinoa.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 whole chicken breasts, bone-in
- 4–6 chicken thighs
- 4–6 drumsticks
Marinade/Sauce
- 1 cup Florida’s Natural® Brand Orange Juice (No Pulp variety recommended)
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1 oz fresh or dried rosemary
- 6 cloves garlic, chopped (add more if preferred)
- 2 tbsp unrefined sugar
- 1 tsp arrowroot powder or cornstarch
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium mixing bowl, combine orange juice, soy sauce, rosemary, chopped garlic, unrefined sugar, and arrowroot powder (or cornstarch). Stir well until all ingredients are mixed thoroughly. Set aside to let flavors meld.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place chicken breasts, thighs, and drumsticks in a large dish. Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken, making sure all pieces are well coated. Cover the dish and refrigerate overnight or at least 6 to 8 hours. Rotate the chicken pieces midway through the marinating time to ensure even absorption of flavors.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get ready for roasting the chicken to juicy perfection.
- Arrange Chicken for Roasting: Remove the marinated chicken from the fridge and place it in a single layer, skin-side up, on a baking dish or a large cast iron pan. Make sure the pieces are spaced evenly for proper cooking.
- Roast and Baste: Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes. Periodically baste the chicken with leftover marinade to keep it moist and enhance flavor. The chicken is done when an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is reached at the thickest part, and the skin is lightly browned. Cooking times may vary depending on the size and thickness of chicken pieces.
- Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and serve immediately. Pair it with roasted vegetables, rice, quinoa, or your favorite sides for a complete and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Marinating overnight enhances the flavor and tenderness of the chicken but if short on time, marinate for at least 6 hours.
- Using bone-in chicken pieces helps retain moisture during roasting.
- Arrowroot powder or cornstarch in the marinade helps thicken the sauce slightly during cooking.
- Make sure to baste the chicken regularly to keep it juicy and flavorful.
- Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to avoid under or overcooking.
- Fresh rosemary adds vibrant herbal notes; dried rosemary can be used but may be more concentrated so adjust accordingly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking/Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken piece (approx. 150g)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: baked chicken, orange rosemary chicken, roasted chicken recipe, citrus chicken, marinated chicken, easy dinner, healthy chicken recipe