Orange Roasted Chicken

This Orange Roasted Chicken is bright, cozy, and full of gentle citrus flavor. The skin turns golden and crisp, while the meat stays juicy and tender. Fresh orange slices perfume the oven as it roasts, and the pan fills with glossy juices that beg to be spooned over every bite. This is a simple whole roasted chicken that feels special without being hard. It works for a calm Sunday meal or a cheerful Thanksgiving Dinner table. If you love easy chicken dinner recipes with big comfort, this one is worth saving.

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken, about 4 to 5 pounds
• 2 oranges, one zested and juiced, one sliced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, smashed
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 small onion, cut into wedges
• Fresh herbs for the cavity, optional

Step By Step Instructions

1. Heat your oven to 400 degrees F. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This helps the skin crisp.
2. Mix olive oil, orange zest, orange juice, salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika in a small bowl.
3. Place the chicken in a roasting pan or oven safe skillet. Rub the orange mixture all over the skin and inside the cavity.
4. Stuff the cavity with garlic, onion wedges, orange slices, and fresh herbs if using.
5. Arrange extra orange slices and onion around the chicken in the pan.
6. Roast uncovered for 60 to 75 minutes, until the skin is deep golden and the juices run clear.
7. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving. Spoon the pan juices over the top.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

Do not skip drying the chicken. Wet skin steams instead of roasting. Avoid using bottled orange juice, as it tastes flat and sweet. Fresh juice gives this Orange Chicken Recipe a clean flavor. Do not rush the rest time. Cutting too soon lets the juices run out. Also watch the oven heat. Too hot can burn the citrus before the meat cooks.

Tips For Success

For extra crisp skin, place the chicken on a rack inside the pan. This allows heat to circulate. If the oranges start to brown too fast, tuck them under the chicken. This method works well for many Whole Chicken Recipes and is a great base for other flavors. You can also try a cast iron pan like in this easy cast iron roasted chicken for dinner for even browning.

How To Serve

Serve this whole roasted chicken with simple sides. Think roasted potatoes, green beans, or a crisp salad. The citrus pan juices are lovely over rice or mashed potatoes. For a holiday spread, it fits right in with Thanksgiving Dinner favorites. If you enjoy classic roast chicken recipes, you may also like this Italian herb roasted chicken for another cozy option.

Flavor Add In Ideas

Add a spoon of honey to the orange rub for light sweetness. Sprinkle chili flakes for gentle heat. Swap thyme for rosemary if you like a deeper herb note. A splash of soy sauce turns it into a sweet savory orange chicken style dish. These small changes keep oven roasted chicken exciting without stress.

Make Ahead And Storage

You can season the chicken up to 12 hours ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. Let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before roasting. Leftovers keep well for 3 days in an airtight container. Shred the meat for salads, wraps, or easy chicken dinner recipes during the week. It also tastes great cold with a squeeze of fresh orange.

Orange Roasted Chicken

This Orange Roasted Chicken is juicy, golden, and bursting with bright citrus flavor. Fresh orange juice and zest infuse the meat with warmth, while crispy skin and savory herbs make it irresistible. Simple to prepare yet elegant enough for holidays, it’s a comforting dinner that feels special without the effort.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Resting Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 410

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken about 4 to 5 pounds
• 2 oranges one zested and juiced, one sliced
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic smashed
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 small onion cut into wedges
• fresh herbs for the cavity, optional

Equipment

• Roasting Pan
• Meat Thermometer
• Small Mixing Bowl

Method

 

1. Heat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin.
2. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, orange zest, orange juice, salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika.
3. Place the chicken in a roasting pan or oven-safe skillet. Rub the orange mixture all over the skin and inside the cavity.
4. Stuff the cavity with garlic, onion wedges, orange slices, and fresh herbs if using.
5. Arrange any extra orange slices and onion around the chicken in the pan.
6. Roast uncovered for 60 to 75 minutes, until the skin is deep golden and the juices run clear (internal temp 165°F).
7. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving. Spoon the pan juices over the top before serving.

Notes

Do not skip drying the chicken — wet skin will steam instead of crisping. Always use fresh orange juice for the best flavor. Let the chicken rest before cutting to keep it juicy. For extra crispness, place the bird on a rack in the pan. If oranges brown too quickly, tuck them under the chicken.

FAQs

Can I use chicken pieces instead of a whole bird?
Yes. This orange roasted chicken flavor works with thighs or drumsticks. Reduce cooking time to about 40 to 45 minutes.

Why is my chicken dry?
Overcooking is the main reason. Use a thermometer and pull the chicken at 165 degrees F in the thickest part.

What other citrus can I use?
Lemon or tangerine work well. For a lemon option, try this lemon herb pot roast chicken for a softer citrus taste.

Conclusion

This Orange Roasted Chicken is simple, warm, and full of sunny flavor. It proves that whole chicken recipes do not need to be hard to feel special. Keep this one in your rotation for calm family nights or festive meals. If you enjoyed this, you may also like lighter dishes like teriyaki chicken skewer for variety. Save this recipe on Pinterest and share it with a friend who loves a good roast.