Citrus-Glazed Chicken Thighs
Tender chicken thighs with a bright, sticky-sweet orange-thyme glaze that caramelizes perfectly under the broiler for a restaurant-quality dinner. This american-inspired chicken (gluten-free) ready in about 35 minutes pairs (bone-in, skin-on) chicken thighs, orange juice, honey for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz (bone-in, skin-on) chicken thighs
- 3 tbsp orange juice
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp (chopped) fresh thyme
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat 12 oz chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season with 1/4 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp garlic powder.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken skin-side down, cook for 5 minutes until golden brown and skin renders fat, then flip.
- Step 3: Whisk 3 tbsp orange juice, 2 tbsp honey, and 1 tbsp chopped thyme in a small bowl. Pour over chicken, swirling to coat.
- Step 4: Transfer skillet to a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) and bake for 18 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and glaze bubbles.
- Step 5: Broil for 2 minutes until glaze caramelizes and forms a glossy crust, watching closely to prevent burning.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Citrus-Glazed Chicken Thighs take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Citrus-Glazed Chicken Thighs?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep orange juice from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Citrus-Glazed Chicken Thighs?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Citrus-Glazed Chicken Thighs for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Citrus-Glazed Chicken Thighs gluten-free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
So much better than takeout. We'll never order american delivery again.
- ★★★★★
Added some red pepper flakes for heat — highly recommend.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
