Some recipes instantly become family favorites, and this is one of them. Our Marinated Orange Chicken is all about big flavor with very little effort. Fresh garlic and basil, a splash of orange juice, and a mix of soy, oyster, and sesame give the chicken a marinade that’s both zesty and savory with just the right touch of sweetness.
The secret? The orange juice doesn’t just add brightness, its natural acidity gently tenderizes the meat, making the chicken extra juicy and flavorful. After marinating overnight, the chicken is beautifully soft inside while caramelizing to perfection on the outside once it hits the grill (or oven).
It’s one of those dishes that always gets people asking for the recipe and now, here it is.
Ingredients
1 kg chicken thighs (boneless, skin-on if possible)
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 small bunch fresh basil, chopped (about 15 g)
1 tsp salt ½ tsp black pepper
100 ml fresh orange juice (juice of 1–2 oranges)
3 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tsp sesame oil
1 tbsp honey
1 tsp chicken powder (optional)
1 tsp chicken seasoning or paprika blend
1 tbsp olive oil Pinch of sea salt
Method
1. Make three small cuts on each side of the chicken thighs to help the marinade absorb.
2. Place chicken in a large bowl. Add garlic, basil, salt, pepper, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, honey, chicken powder, chicken seasoning, olive oil, orange juice, and sea salt.
3. Massage the marinade thoroughly into the chicken.
4. Transfer to a ziplock bag or airtight container and refrigerate for at least 12 hours (24 hours is best).
5. Preheat grill or oven to medium-high heat.
6. Cook chicken until golden brown and cooked through (about 15–20 minutes depending on thickness), flipping halfway.
7. Squeeze a little fresh orange juice over the chicken just before serving for an extra burst of citrus.
Serving FromAtoZ
Pair with grilled vegetables or a crisp green salad.
Serve alongside rice, couscous, or flatbread to soak up the juices.
Add fresh orange wedges to the platter for a vibrant, summery touch.
Citrusy, tender, and packed with flavor, this chicken brings sunshine to every table, the kind of recipe we love sharing FromAtoZ.
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