Roasted Orange Rosemary Honey Glazed Chicken: A Flavorful Symphony

This roasted orange rosemary honey glazed chicken recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for a Sunday supper, a holiday gathering, or any occasion where you want to impress. The combination of bright citrus, earthy rosemary, and sweet honey creates a beautiful and balanced flavor profile that’s both comforting and sophisticated. The chicken is roasted to juicy perfection, with a crispy, caramelized skin that’s absolutely irresistible.

This recipe might seem intimidating, but it’s surprisingly simple to make. With just a few readily available ingredients and some straightforward steps, you can achieve restaurant-quality results right in your own kitchen. Let’s dive in!

## Why This Recipe Works

* **Flavor Explosion:** The orange, rosemary, and honey work in perfect harmony. The orange provides a zesty brightness, the rosemary adds an earthy, aromatic depth, and the honey lends a touch of sweetness and helps create a beautiful glaze.
* **Moist and Tender Chicken:** Roasting the chicken at the right temperature and for the right amount of time ensures that it remains juicy and tender, never dry or tough.
* **Crispy Skin:** The honey glaze helps the skin to caramelize and become wonderfully crispy. Basting the chicken during roasting is also crucial for achieving that perfect golden-brown hue and delicious texture.
* **Easy to Make:** Despite its impressive flavor, this recipe is quite simple to execute. The preparation is minimal, and the roasting process is largely hands-off.
* **Versatile:** This chicken is delicious served with a variety of sides, from roasted vegetables to mashed potatoes to a simple salad.

## Ingredients

* **1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds):** Choose a good quality chicken, preferably organic or free-range for the best flavor.
* **2 oranges:** You’ll need the zest and juice of two oranges. Use fresh oranges for the most vibrant flavor. Navel oranges work well.
* **4 sprigs fresh rosemary:** Fresh rosemary is essential for this recipe. If you absolutely can’t find fresh, you can substitute with dried rosemary, but the flavor won’t be quite the same. Use about 1 tablespoon of dried rosemary if substituting.
* **1/4 cup honey:** Use a good quality honey for the best flavor. Local honey is often a great choice.
* **2 tablespoons olive oil:** Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil.
* **2 cloves garlic, minced:** Freshly minced garlic adds a lot of flavor.
* **1 teaspoon salt:** Adjust to your taste.
* **1/2 teaspoon black pepper:** Freshly ground black pepper is always best.
* **Optional: 1/4 cup dry white wine:** This adds a bit of acidity and depth to the sauce, but it’s not essential.
* **Optional: Vegetables for roasting:** Carrots, potatoes, onions, and Brussels sprouts are all excellent choices for roasting alongside the chicken.

## Equipment

* **Roasting pan:** A roasting pan with a rack is ideal, as it allows the chicken to roast evenly and prevents it from sitting in its own juices. If you don’t have a rack, you can use a bed of vegetables to elevate the chicken.
* **Basting brush:** A basting brush is essential for applying the honey glaze to the chicken during roasting.
* **Meat thermometer:** A meat thermometer is crucial for ensuring that the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
* **Citrus zester:** For zesting the oranges.
* **Citrus juicer:** For juicing the oranges.
* **Mixing bowl:** For preparing the honey glaze.
* **Cutting board:** For prepping vegetables (if using).
* **Sharp knife:** For prepping vegetables (if using).

## Instructions

Here’s a step-by-step guide to making this delicious roasted orange rosemary honey glazed chicken:

**Step 1: Prepare the Chicken**

* Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This higher temperature helps to crisp up the skin initially.
* Remove the chicken from its packaging and pat it dry with paper towels. This is a crucial step for achieving crispy skin. Removing excess moisture allows the skin to brown better.
* Remove any giblets or neck that may be inside the cavity of the chicken. You can discard these or save them for making stock.
* Place the chicken in a roasting pan fitted with a rack.

**Step 2: Prepare the Orange Rosemary Honey Glaze**

* In a mixing bowl, combine the orange zest, orange juice, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and optional white wine.
* Whisk all ingredients together until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and slightly thick.
* Taste the glaze and adjust seasonings as needed. You may want to add a pinch more salt or pepper, or a bit more honey if you prefer a sweeter glaze.

**Step 3: Season and Glaze the Chicken**

* Using your hands, gently loosen the skin of the chicken breast from the meat. This will allow the glaze to penetrate the meat and keep it moist during roasting.
* Rub about 1/4 of the orange rosemary honey glaze under the skin of the chicken breast. This will infuse the meat with flavor and help it stay juicy.
* Brush the remaining glaze all over the outside of the chicken, making sure to coat it evenly. Don’t forget the legs and wings!
* Place the rosemary sprigs inside the cavity of the chicken. This will add a subtle aromatic flavor to the chicken from the inside out.
* If you are using vegetables, toss them with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper. Arrange them around the chicken in the roasting pan. This allows them to roast in the chicken juices and absorb all the delicious flavors.

**Step 4: Roast the Chicken**

* Place the roasting pan in the preheated oven.
* Roast the chicken for 15 minutes at 425°F (220°C). This initial blast of heat helps to crisp up the skin.
* Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). This lower temperature will allow the chicken to cook through without burning.
* Continue roasting the chicken for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers 165°F (74°C). The exact roasting time will depend on the size of your chicken.
* Baste the chicken with the pan juices every 20-30 minutes during roasting. This will help to keep the chicken moist and the skin crispy.
* If the skin starts to brown too quickly, you can tent the chicken loosely with aluminum foil. This will prevent it from burning.

**Step 5: Rest the Chicken**

* Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken. Cover loosely with foil while resting.

**Step 6: Carve and Serve**

* Carve the chicken and serve it with the roasted vegetables (if using).
* Drizzle any remaining pan juices over the chicken and vegetables.
* Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs, if desired.

## Tips for Success

* **Pat the chicken dry:** This is the most important tip for achieving crispy skin. Removing excess moisture allows the skin to brown better.
* **Don’t overcrowd the pan:** If you’re roasting vegetables alongside the chicken, make sure there’s enough space for air to circulate. Overcrowding the pan will steam the vegetables instead of roasting them.
* **Use a meat thermometer:** A meat thermometer is the best way to ensure that the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature. Insert it into the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding the bone.
* **Let the chicken rest:** Resting the chicken before carving allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken.
* **Use good quality ingredients:** The flavor of this dish depends on the quality of the ingredients. Use fresh oranges, fresh rosemary, and good quality honey for the best results.
* **Adjust the seasonings to your taste:** Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter glaze, add more honey. If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze.
* **Make ahead:** You can prepare the orange rosemary honey glaze ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This will save you time on the day you plan to roast the chicken.

## Serving Suggestions

This roasted orange rosemary honey glazed chicken is delicious served with a variety of sides. Here are a few suggestions:

* **Roasted Vegetables:** Carrots, potatoes, onions, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes are all excellent choices for roasting alongside the chicken.
* **Mashed Potatoes:** Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic accompaniment to roasted chicken.
* **Rice Pilaf:** A flavorful rice pilaf adds a touch of elegance to the meal.
* **Quinoa Salad:** A quinoa salad is a healthy and delicious option.
* **Green Salad:** A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken.
* **Bread:** Serve with crusty bread for soaking up the delicious pan juices.

## Variations

* **Lemon Rosemary Honey Glazed Chicken:** Substitute lemon zest and juice for the orange zest and juice.
* **Maple Rosemary Glazed Chicken:** Substitute maple syrup for the honey.
* **Spicy Orange Rosemary Honey Glazed Chicken:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze.
* **Herb Roasted Chicken:** Use a combination of your favorite herbs, such as thyme, oregano, and sage, in addition to rosemary.
* **Stuffed Chicken:** Stuff the cavity of the chicken with a lemon, onion, and herbs.

## Storage

* **Leftovers:** Store leftover roasted chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat leftover chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but it may become a bit dry.
* **Freezing:** You can freeze cooked chicken for up to 2-3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

## Nutritional Information (approximate)

* Calories: Approximately 400-500 per serving (depending on the size of the chicken and the serving size).
* Protein: 40-50 grams per serving.
* Fat: 20-30 grams per serving.
* Carbohydrates: 10-15 grams per serving.

*Please note that these are estimates and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and preparation methods used.*

## Conclusion

This roasted orange rosemary honey glazed chicken is a truly special dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends. The combination of flavors is simply irresistible, and the chicken is cooked to juicy perfection. With just a few simple steps, you can create a restaurant-quality meal that’s perfect for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the magic of this incredible recipe. Enjoy!