Name: Orange Glazed Chicken Breasts Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 half chicken breasts (bone-in and skin on) or chicken thighs; 3 tablespoons butter, melted; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped fine; 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 3/4 cup honey; Zest of one orange; 1/2 cup fresh orange juice; 1/4 cup apple cider; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; Salt and black pepper, to taste

If you’re looking for a dinner that’s both simple and spectacular, you’ve just stumbled upon a winner. My Orange Glazed Chicken Breasts Recipe is one of those dishes I turn to when I want something that feels special but doesn’t require a ton of fuss. When I first tried this recipe, I was blown away by how the sweet, tangy orange glaze combined perfectly with the herbs and spices to create a mouthwatering bite every time. You’re going to love the balance of flavors here, and the sticky glaze will have everyone asking for seconds!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavor Explosion: The orange glaze is sweet, tangy, and herbaceous all at once, giving the chicken incredible depth.
Easy Prep: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make it doable on a busy weeknight.
Juicy Chicken: The bone-in, skin-on breasts stay moist and tender, making each bite satisfying.
Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for this dish—it’s always a hit at the dinner table.

The image shows two cooked golden brown chicken thighs on a white plate, placed on a white marbled surface. One chicken thigh is whole with a shiny, crispy skin speckled with black pepper and small green herb leaves. The other thigh is partially sliced into three pieces, revealing tender white meat inside. Fresh green rosemary sprigs are placed around the chicken on the plate. To the right of the thighs, there is a silver fork and a knife with a wooden handle resting on the plate. The lighting highlights the juicy texture and herbs on the crispy chicken skin photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Orange Glazed Chicken Breasts, orange glazed chicken, easy chicken dinner, quick chicken recipes, flavorful chicken dishes

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Orange Glazed Chicken Breasts Recipe come together like a dream—the fresh herbs and spices bring warmth, while the honey and orange juice add that perfect glaze. Don’t worry if you can’t find fresh rosemary or thyme; dried works in a pinch, but fresh will really boost the flavor.

Flat lay of two bone-in, skin-on half chicken breasts with fresh skin texture, a small white ceramic bowl of golden melted butter, a small white bowl of bright orange honey, a small white bowl of fresh orange juice with visible pulp, a small white bowl of amber apple cider liquid, a small white bowl of smooth Dijon mustard, a small pile of fine fresh chopped rosemary leaves, a small bunch of fresh thyme sprigs with leaves, a fresh whole orange with a small pile of orange zest next to it, small piles of smoked paprika, chili powder, onion powder, and garlic powder as colorful spices, coarse salt crystals, and whole black peppercorns scattered delicately, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Orange Glazed Chicken Breasts, orange glazed chicken, easy chicken dinner, quick chicken recipes, flavorful chicken dishes

Chicken breasts (bone-in and skin on): The bone helps keep the meat juicy, and the skin crisps up beautifully.
Butter: I love how melted butter enriches both the chicken and the glaze.
Smoked paprika: Adds subtle smoky warmth without overpowering.
Chili powder: Just a hint for a gentle kick and depth of flavor.
Onion powder: Essential for that savory background note.
Garlic powder: A staple for robust flavor.
Fresh rosemary: Chop very fine so it infuses nicely without being tough.
Fresh thyme leaves: The fresh leaves brighten the dish with their herby fragrance.
Salt and black pepper: I always season generously but taste as you go.
Honey: This is the key to that glossy, sticky glaze everyone loves.
Orange zest: Zesting the orange just before juicing it keeps the oils fresh and fragrant.
Fresh orange juice: Use fresh for the best tang and sweetness balance.
Apple cider: Adds a subtle acidity that balances the sweetness beautifully.
Dijon mustard: This little tangy kick gives the glaze complexity.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love encouraging you to make this Orange Glazed Chicken Breasts Recipe your own. Over time, I’ve experimented with a few variations that really let the dish flex with your mood or pantry.

Spicy Twist: Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes kicked the heat up just right for those who like a little fire.
Herb Swap: When I don’t have fresh rosemary, I’ve tried adding a sprinkle of basil or oregano for a different earthy note.
Thighs Instead of Breasts: My go-to for weekends when I want even juicier, more flavorful meat—this glaze works perfectly with thighs.
Low-Sugar Version: I sometimes cut back on the honey and add a splash more apple cider vinegar to keep the balance without too much sweetness.

How to Make Orange Glazed Chicken Breasts Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken breasts dry with paper towels—that crisp skin you’re aiming for depends on it. Then, rub the melted butter all over the chicken, making sure every nook has some love. Next, combine the smoked paprika, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, fresh rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper in a small bowl, and sprinkle the spice mix evenly over the chicken. This step is where the flavor magic begins—don’t skimp on the seasoning.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat a heavy skillet over medium-high heat (I prefer cast iron for this). Place your chicken skin-side down without crowding the pan. Listen for that satisfying sizzle! Let the skin get nicely golden and crispy—this usually takes about 6-8 minutes. Resist the urge to move it around too much, or you’ll lose that terrific crust we want. Flip the chicken and cook for another 4-5 minutes on the other side.

Step 3: Make the Orange Glaze

While the chicken cooks, whisk together your honey, orange zest, fresh orange juice, apple cider, and Dijon mustard in a bowl. This glaze is sweet, tangy, and has a subtle punch from the mustard, so it creates the best coating for the chicken.

Step 4: Bake and Glaze

Once the chicken is seared, transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Pour the orange glaze over the chicken, then bake for about 25-30 minutes until the chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature and the glaze thickens beautifully. Be sure to baste the chicken every 10 minutes with the glaze for extra sticky goodness. If your pan isn’t oven safe, no problem—just move everything to a baking dish before popping it in.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

When your chicken is done, transfer it to a plate and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial because it lets the juices redistribute, making every bite tender and juicy. Pour any remaining glaze from the pan over the top before serving for that irresistible shine.

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Pro Tips for Making Orange Glazed Chicken Breasts Recipe

Dry Skin for Crispiness: Always pat your chicken dry before seasoning to ensure the skin crisps up nicely in the pan.
Use a Meat Thermometer: I learned the hard way that guessing doneness leads to dry chicken—165°F is your safe and juicy target.
Baste Often: Glazing every 10 minutes during baking helps build that sticky, flavorful coating that makes this dish stand out.
Don’t Skip Resting: Letting the chicken rest lets the juices redistribute, so it stays moist—this truly makes a big difference.

How to Serve Orange Glazed Chicken Breasts Recipe

A white plate holds two pieces of golden-brown roasted chicken with visible seasoning and small sprigs of fresh rosemary beneath and on top for garnish. To the left side of the plate, there are three round slices of roasted sweet potatoes with a slightly crispy edge. Next to them is a small white cup filled with brown gravy or sauce, garnished with a small rosemary sprig. On the right side of the plate, a fork and a knife with wooden handles rest on the edge. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Orange Glazed Chicken Breasts, orange glazed chicken, easy chicken dinner, quick chicken recipes, flavorful chicken dishes

Garnishes

I love topping this chicken with extra fresh orange zest and a few sprigs of thyme or rosemary—it adds a pop of color and a fresh aroma that makes serving feel a bit fancier. A light sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds also gives a lovely texture contrast if you’re feeling adventurous!

Side Dishes

Some of my favorite sides to go alongside this orange glazed beauty are garlic roasted potatoes, steamed green beans, or a simple arugula salad tossed with a citrus vinaigrette. The brightness of the salad really complements the sweet glaze perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to plate this dish on a bed of fluffy couscous or wild rice, spooning extra glaze artfully over the top, and finishing with thinly sliced fresh oranges for an eye-catching, gourmet touch. It never fails to impress guests!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always store leftover Orange Glazed Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge, where it keeps beautifully for up to 3 days. The glaze thickens as it chills, which actually makes reheating even easier.

Freezing

This chicken freezes well too! I portion it out and wrap tightly in foil or freezer-safe containers. When I’m ready to enjoy, I thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently. The flavors hold up surprisingly well.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming the chicken in a low oven (around 300°F) wrapped loosely in foil to keep it from drying out. You can also reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or chicken broth to revive the glaze and keep things juicy.

FAQs

Can I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but keep in mind they cook faster and may dry out more easily. I recommend adjusting the cooking time and watching closely, plus perhaps adding a bit more butter or glaze to keep them moist.
What substitutes can I use for fresh herbs if I don’t have them?

Dried herbs work just fine in this recipe—just use about one-third the amount of dried rosemary and thyme compared to fresh. If you only have other herbs like oregano or basil, feel free to experiment; the dish will still taste delicious but with a different flavor profile.
How do I know when the orange glaze is done?

The glaze is ready when it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon and becomes glossy. It will reduce during the baking process, so keep an eye on it and baste the chicken regularly for the best sticky coating.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prep and season the chicken a few hours ahead or even the night before (stored covered in the fridge). Just bring it back to room temperature before cooking for even results.

Final Thoughts

This Orange Glazed Chicken Breasts Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s both comforting and elegant in the same bite. Whether you’re whipping it up for a weeknight family dinner or a casual get-together, it never fails to feel like a special occasion. I truly hope you enjoy making this as much as I do, and that it brings a little sunshine and sweetness to your table—just like it did to mine the very first time I made it.