Go Back
- 4 chicken thighs: bone-in and skin-on - 1/2 cup fresh orange juice - Zest of 1 orange - 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, minced - 3 tablespoons honey - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 3 garlic cloves, minced - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish) - Toasted sesame seeds (for garnish) - Mixing bowl - Oven-safe skillet - Measuring cups and spoons Gathering the right ingredients is key to making Sticky Orange Ginger Chicken. I love using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. They stay juicy and have great flavor. Fresh orange juice and zest give this dish its bright taste. Minced ginger adds warmth and spice. Honey brings sweetness, while soy sauce gives depth. You will also need a mixing bowl to combine your marinade. An oven-safe skillet is perfect for searing and baking your chicken. Measuring cups and spoons help ensure you use the right amounts of each ingredient. Having everything ready makes cooking fun and easy. First, gather your ingredients. In a medium bowl, mix these items: - 1/2 cup fresh orange juice - Zest of 1 orange - 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, minced - 3 tablespoons honey - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 3 garlic cloves, minced - Salt and pepper to taste Stir everything well until combined. Next, add the chicken thighs into the bowl. Make sure each piece is coated fully with the marinade. Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, marinate it for 2 hours. This will make the chicken taste better. While the chicken marinates, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key for cooking the chicken evenly. Once the oven is ready, grab a large oven-safe skillet. Place it on medium-high heat and add a little oil. When the oil is hot, take the chicken thighs out of the marinade. Place them skin-side down in the skillet. Sear the chicken for about 4 to 5 minutes. You want the skin to turn golden and crispy. After that, flip the thighs over and sear the other side for 2 to 3 minutes. Now, pour the remaining marinade over the chicken in the skillet. This adds flavor while it bakes. Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Check the chicken’s internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C). Once the chicken is cooked, take it out of the oven. Move the thighs to a serving platter. Return the skillet to the stovetop over medium heat. Simmer the remaining sauce for about 5 minutes. This will thicken it into a sticky glaze. Drizzle this glaze over the chicken before serving. Enjoy the burst of flavor! Marinating is key to great flavor. I recommend marinating for at least 30 minutes. For deeper flavor, marinate up to 2 hours. This lets the chicken soak up all the tasty juices. Make sure to coat every piece of chicken well. Use a plastic bag for easy mixing and less mess. To get crispy skin, start by searing the chicken. Heat oil in your skillet. Place the chicken skin-side down. Cook for 4-5 minutes until golden brown. Flip and sear the other side for 2-3 minutes. This method seals in moisture and gives a nice crunch. Make sure the oven is set to 400°F. This helps cook the chicken evenly. Bake until the internal temperature hits 165°F. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. This ensures your chicken is safe to eat. Sticky Orange Ginger Chicken pairs well with rice or steamed veggies. For a fresh touch, add a side salad. You can also serve it with noodles for a fun twist. For creative plating, stack the chicken on a bed of rice. Drizzle the glaze on top and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. This adds color and makes your dish look fancy. {{image_2}} You can swap out the chicken thighs for chicken breasts. Chicken breasts are leaner and will work well in this dish. For a vegan option, use firm tofu or tempeh. Make sure to press the tofu to remove extra water. This helps the tofu soak up the flavors better. If you want some extra heat, add red pepper flakes or fresh chili. This will give your dish a nice kick. You can also try using lime or lemon juice instead of orange juice. Each citrus option brings a unique taste. Experiment with different flavors to find your favorite! To keep your Sticky Orange Ginger Chicken fresh, follow these tips: - Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container. They last up to 3 days in the fridge. Make sure to let the chicken cool before sealing it up. - Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the chicken in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as you can. It can last up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge before reheating. You can easily reheat your chicken to enjoy it again. Here’s how: - Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet. Cover with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. - Microwave Method: Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking every 30 seconds. To keep the chicken juicy and flavorful, make sure not to overheat it. Enjoy your meal just like the first time! You should marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. This time allows the flavors to soak in. For even more flavor, marinate it for up to 2 hours. The longer it sits, the tastier it gets! Yes, you can use chicken breast. Keep in mind that chicken thighs stay juicier. If you choose breast, cook it carefully. Overcooked breast can become dry, so check the temperature. Many sides go well with this dish. Here are a few ideas: - Steamed rice - Stir-fried vegetables - Roasted broccoli - Quinoa salad These pairings balance the sweet and savory flavors of the chicken. You can prepare the marinade ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. You can also marinate the chicken a day before cooking. Just keep it in the fridge until you are ready to cook. This makes dinner easy and quick! In this blog post, we explored how to make Sticky Orange Ginger Chicken. We covered the key ingredients, equipment, and step-by-step instructions for cooking. You learned marinating tips, cooking techniques, and how to serve the dish. Variations and storage tips provide flexibility for your meals. Now, go ahead and try this recipe. Enjoy the bold flavors and impress your friends. Cooking can be fun and rewarding!

Sticky Orange Ginger Chicken

Discover the mouthwatering flavors of sticky orange ginger chicken with this easy recipe! Packed with fresh orange juice, zesty ginger, and a sweet honey glaze, it's a perfect dish for any occasion. Learn how to marinate, sear, and bake for deliciously crispy skin and tender meat.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on

1/2 cup fresh orange juice

Zest of 1 orange

2 tablespoons fresh ginger, minced

3 tablespoons honey

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon sesame oil

3 garlic cloves, minced

Salt and pepper to taste

2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the fresh orange juice, orange zest, minced ginger, honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well. Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and coat thoroughly with the marinade. Cover and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for more flavor).

    Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

      Sear the Chicken: In a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, add a little oil. Once hot, place the marinated chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet. Sear for about 4-5 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy. Flip the chicken thighs and sear the other side for an additional 2-3 minutes.

        Bake the Chicken: Pour the remaining marinade over the seared chicken in the skillet. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

          Create a Glaze: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and transfer the thighs to a serving platter. Return the skillet to the stovetop over medium heat and simmer the remaining sauce for about 5 minutes, allowing it to reduce and thicken into a sticky glaze.

            Serve: Drizzle the sticky glaze over the chicken thighs and garnish with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds.

              Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 4