Chipotle Orange Chicken – One Pan

Chipotle Orange Chicken is sweet, spicy, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Also, easily made in one pan in just 30 minutes.

This is the perfect quick and easy family dinner. For a complete meal, pair it with Garlic Parmesan Pasta, Brussels Sprout Salad, or Cranberry Apple Salad. 

The Best Orange Glazed Chicken Recipe

Chipotle Orange Chicken is the perfect sweet and spicy combo in a very easy to make weeknight dinner. I make chicken thighs a few times a week. Also, I like that they are tender, juicy, easy to prepare and also budget-friendly.

I like to experiment with different flavors and this recipe for Chipotle Chicken with the addition of orange sauce is definitely a keeper. It is actually my favorite way to prepare the thighs. The flavor is outstanding, and the sauce is simply delicious!

The chicken is seasoned with chipotle chili, cumin, orange juice, orange zest and ground cumin. You can marinate the meat if you have time, or you also bake the chicken in the marinade. The end result is a juicy and flavorful chicken, that you can serve with pasta, rice or veggies. A tasty dish and a gorgeous meal you can serve when you also have a company!

How do I marinate chicken?

1. In a bowl, combine the sauce orange-based sauce ingredients and whisk together. 
2. Then, pour the sauce into a resealable plastic bag, and add the chicken thighs. Mix well after closing so the meat is well covered. Next, place in the refrigerator for 2-6 hours.

How long should I marinate chicken?

It all depends on how much time you have on hand. Like with most marinades, it is the most effective anywhere from 2 hours to overnight. Also, I highly recommend marinating with this delicious chipotle chicken marinate for at least 6 hours to develop that restaurant-quality flavor.

However, if you are short on time, or are expecting guests over, even 30 minutes will work. 

How to make Chipotle Orange Chicken?

This is a super easy recipe to prepare. The general steps are as follows:

1. In a bowl, prepare the marinade by whisking the marinade ingredients together. Then, refrigerate the marinated the chicken in a ziplock bag, 
2. Bake the thighs in the oven, and brush them from time to time with the juice from the pan. 
3. Garnish with fresh orange zest and freshly chopped green onion. 
4. Serve warm with some rice or pasta.

SAFE TEMPERATURE FOR COOKING CHICKEN:

When cooking (or grilling) chicken you must cook the meat to a safe minimum cooking temperature of 165 degrees °F (per foodsafety.gov). This is the recommended internal meat temperature to avoid any issues with possible contamination. The best way to check is by using a meat thermometer. 

Also, remember that while the chicken rests it will also hold the temperature, and even increase its internal temperature. So I would recommend removing it a few degrees prior to it reaching the 165 degrees F mark. 

Looking for More Chicken Recipes? Check these out:

• One Pan Honey Lemon Chicken
• Honey Balsamic Chicken Thighs
• Korean Chicken Bowls
• Honey Lemon Garlic Chicken
• One Pan Salsa Verde Chicken Thighs
• One Pan Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta
• Sweet and Spicy Crispy Chicken
• Creamy Lemon Thyme Chicken

Tips and Tricks to make the perfect Chipotle Orange Chicken Thighs:

• I like making this dish with chicken thighs, but it works great with chicken breasts as well. Also, if you will be using chicken breasts, bake them for 15-18 minutes at 425 degrees F. In addition, if you want a brown, crispy top, turn on the broiler on high for the last 3-4 minutes of baking.
• For the best flavors and if you have time, it’s better to marinate the chicken for about 6 hours.
• You can make the chicken as spicy as you want, based on your personal preference.
• Also, don’t skip the orange zest, it adds an amazing flavor!
• Honey can be replaced with maple syrup.
• First, wash the orange and zest it after that juice. If you squeeze the juice first, it’s very hard to get the zest.
• Serve the chicken garnished with parsley with rice and veggies on the side.

5 from 2 votes

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CHIPOTLE ORANGE CHICKEN

Prep Time

5 mins

Cook Time

25 mins

Total Time

30 mins

 

Chipotle Orange Chicken is sweet, spicy, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Also, easily made in one pan in just 30 minutes.

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Servings: 4

Author: Catalina Castravet

Ingredients

• 4 chicken thighs bone in and skin on
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground chipotle chile or more
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 2 tablespoon honey
• 6 garlic cloves minced
• 1 medium orange juiced
• 1 medium orange zested
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 medium oranges halved
• 2 dry chipotle chili peppers

Garnish:

• Orange zest
• Green onions diced

Instructions

1. Pre-heat oven to 425 degrees.
2. Season the chicken with salt and pepper.

3. In a medium bowl combine olive oil brown sugar, ground chipotle chili, ground cumin, onion powder, honey, minced garlic, orange juice and orange zest. Stir to combined.

4. If you have time, add the mixture over the chicken in a deep pan or large ziplock bag and marinate for 2-6 hours.
5. Lightly grease a deep baking dish or pan with olive oil, add chicken to the pan skin side up.

6. Add halved oranges and dried chipotle chili peppers to the pan.

7. Pour the mixture over the chicken and bake for 25-30 minutes, until browned and cooked through.

8. From time to time, brush the chicken with the juices from the pan while baking or use a spoon, to scoop it over the chicken.

9. For a crispy, brown top, brush the chicken with the juices from the pan and turn the broiler on high for the final 5 minutes and broil the chicken until it is cooked through and extra browned on top. Watch it closely, so it doesn't burn.
10. Once the chicken is cooked, remove the pan from the oven, brush the chicken with the juices from the pan and loosely cover the pan with aluminum foil. Let the chicken rest for at least 5-10 minutes.

11. Garnish with fresh orange zest and diced green onion.

12. Serve and enjoy!