Citrus Glazed Roast Chicken
Imagine the aroma of a perfectly roasted chicken, infused with the bright flavors of citrus. This Citrus Glazed Roast Chicken is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings warmth and joy to any gathering. The combination of sweet orange marmalade and zesty lemon juice creates a glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven, resulting in crispy skin and tender, juicy meat. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply treating your family to a delicious meal, this recipe will surely impress.
Why This Citrus Glazed Roast Chicken Stands Out
What makes this Citrus Glazed Roast Chicken truly special is its harmonious blend of flavors. The orange marmalade adds a sweet depth, while the freshly squeezed citrus juices give it a refreshing tang. The addition of herbs like thyme and oregano complements the citrus notes beautifully. Each bite is a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and bright, making it an ideal centerpiece for any occasion. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner yet elegant enough for a special celebration.
What to Buy
To create this delightful dish, here’s a list of ingredients you’ll need:
- 1 4-pound chicken, cut in half and cleaned
- 1/2 cup orange marmalade
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large shallot, thinly sliced
- 2 oranges, cut into slices
- 1 lemon, cut into slices
What You’ll Need (Gear)
Before we dive into the cooking process, make sure you have the following gear ready:
- Roasting pan – ideal for even cooking and easy cleanup.
- Basting brush – for applying the citrus glaze.
- Sharp knife – for cutting the chicken and vegetables.
- Meat thermometer – to ensure your chicken is cooked to perfection.
- Aluminum foil – useful for resting the chicken after roasting.
Citrus Glazed Roast Chicken: How It’s Done
Cooking this Citrus Glazed Roast Chicken is a straightforward process that yields impressive results. Follow these steps to bring this dish to life:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure a crispy skin and juicy meat.
Step 2: Prepare the Marinade
In a bowl, whisk together the orange marmalade, olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, fresh orange juice, fresh lemon juice, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. This marinade will bring a burst of flavor to your chicken.
Step 3: Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken halves in a large dish, skin-side up. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure to coat it evenly. Use a basting brush to spread the marinade into all the nooks and crannies. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.
Step 4: Prepare the Roasting Pan
In the bottom of your roasting pan, scatter the thinly sliced shallots, orange slices, and lemon slices. These will not only add flavor but also create a beautiful presentation.
Step 5: Roast the Chicken
Place the marinated chicken halves on top of the citrus and shallot bed in the roasting pan. Roast in the preheated oven for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Baste the chicken with the pan juices every 20 minutes to keep it moist and enhance the flavor.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and cover it loosely with aluminum foil. Let it rest for about 10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Carve and serve with the roasted citrus and shallots on the side.
Allergy-Friendly Swaps
If you have allergies or dietary restrictions, here are some simple swaps you can make:
- For a gluten-free option, ensure your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free.
- If you are avoiding sugar, substitute orange marmalade with a sugar-free alternative or make your own using fresh orange juice and a sugar substitute.
- For a vegan version, use tofu or seitan in place of chicken, and adjust cooking times accordingly.
- Replace olive oil with avocado oil for a different flavor profile.
Pro Perspective
- Letting the chicken marinate for longer enhances the flavor, so if you have time, prepare it the night before.
- To achieve extra crispy skin, you can broil the chicken for the last 5 minutes of cooking. Just watch closely to prevent burning!
- Using a mix of citrus like grapefruit or lime can add a unique twist to the glaze.
- Don’t discard the leftover marinade; it makes a great base for a sauce. Just bring it to a boil and reduce it to thicken.
Meal Prep & Storage Notes
This Citrus Glazed Roast Chicken is perfect for meal prep! You can roast the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also shred the leftover chicken for use in salads, sandwiches, or wraps. Freezing is also an option; wrap the cooked chicken tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and it can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Handy Q&A
Can I use a whole chicken instead of halved chicken?
Yes, you can absolutely use a whole chicken. Just extend the cooking time to ensure it cooks thoroughly. A meat thermometer is your best friend here!
What sides pair well with Citrus Glazed Roast Chicken?
This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, a fresh green salad, or garlic mashed potatoes. The citrus flavors complement a variety of sides.
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Yes, the glaze can be made a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and give it a good stir before using.
Is it necessary to baste the chicken during roasting?
Basting helps to keep the chicken moist and enhances flavor by adding the marinade back onto the skin. However, if you’re short on time, you can skip this step.
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken
- Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
- Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Bowl
- Creamy Garlic Mushroom Pasta
Save & Share
If you enjoyed this recipe for Citrus Glazed Roast Chicken, don’t forget to save it for later and share it with your friends and family! It’s sure to become a favorite in your home, and nothing brings people together like a delicious meal shared around the table.
The vibrant flavors and satisfying textures of this Citrus Glazed Roast Chicken will not only tantalize your taste buds but also create lasting memories with your loved ones. Enjoy the cooking process, savor each bite, and relish in the joy of sharing a homemade meal. Happy cooking!
Citrus Glazed Roast Chicken
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure a crispy skin and juicy meat.
- In a bowl, whisk together the orange marmalade, olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, fresh orange juice, fresh lemon juice, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Place the chicken halves in a large dish, skin-side up. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure to coat it evenly. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
- In the bottom of your roasting pan, scatter the thinly sliced shallots, orange slices, and lemon slices.
- Place the marinated chicken halves on top of the citrus and shallot bed in the roasting pan. Roast for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Baste the chicken with the pan juices every 20 minutes.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and cover it loosely with aluminum foil. Let it rest for about 10 minutes before carving and serving.
Notes
- Letting the chicken marinate overnight enhances the flavor.
- Broil for the last 5 minutes for extra crispy skin.
- Mixing in other citrus like grapefruit can add a unique twist.
- Don't discard leftover marinade; it makes a great sauce base.
