Discover the perfect blend of crispiness and juicy sweetness that takes chicken thighs to a whole new level! In this article, we’ll guide you through an easy yet flavorful recipe to create irresistibly delicious chicken thighs that are perfect for dinner, meal prep, or even a quick tiffin treat.
Packed with nutrition and bursting with vibrant flavors, this dish is guaranteed to become a family favorite you’ll enjoy cooking time and time again. Let’s dive into the recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!
“To achieve perfectly crispy and juicy chicken thighs without the hassle of traditional frying, using an air fryer is a game-changer. The Ninja Foodi Air Fryer is a top choice for its precision and ease of use, making it the perfect tool for this recipe.”
Best Orange Chicken Thighs Recipes
Looking for a delicious and zesty dinner idea? Check out these Orange Chicken Thighs Recipes! They're sure to impress, and they're easy to prepare too.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 Persons 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients
- 8 pcs Chicken thighs
- 1 Orange zested
- 1 Cup Orange juice
- ¼ Cup Rice vinegar
- ⅓ Cup Brown sugar
- 2 tbsp Soy sauce
- 1 tsp Ground ginger
- 1 tsp Red pepper flakes
Instructions
- First, preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Use a nonstick cooking spray in a 9×13 pan. Add some orange slices for additional taste, if you want.
- Take a small saucepan and add the orange juice with rice vinegar, orange zest, soy sauce, ginger, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes. Then bring a bowl and reduce the heat to medium-low temperature. You need to simmer for at least 5 minutes.
- Place the chicken thighs skin in the prepared baking dish and then pour the glazed half over the thighs of the chicken.
- It's time to cook in the oven and it will take about 30 minutes. Pour the rest of the glaze over the chicken thighs.
- Cook for extra 15-20 minutes so that the skin can look delicious. It will get browned and crisp.
- The dish is ready to serve.
Nutrition
- Calories: 618
Air Fryer Version:
Air Fryer Orange Chicken Thighs Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice (from about 1–2 oranges)
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh herbs (parsley or cilantro), for garnish
- Thin slices of orange, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade and Glaze
- In a small bowl, whisk together the orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Set aside about half of this mixture to use as a glaze later.
- Marinate the Chicken
- Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Pour the remaining marinade over the chicken in a large bowl or zip-lock bag. Ensure the chicken is well-coated, then cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally 1 hour for deeper flavor.
- Preheat and Arrange
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off, and place the thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, skin side up.
- Cook the Chicken
- Air fry for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and has a crispy golden exterior.
- Apply the Glaze
- While the chicken is cooking, simmer the reserved marinade in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook for 5-6 minutes, or until it reduces to a sticky, glossy glaze.
- Finish and Garnish
- Once the chicken thighs are done, brush them generously with the glaze and return them to the air fryer for an additional 2-3 minutes to caramelize.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and scatter thin orange slices around for a beautiful presentation.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these orange chicken thighs with steamed rice, roasted veggies, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition Information:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Carbohydrates | 29g |
| Calories | 618kcl |
| Fat | 37g |
| Saturated Fat | 10g |
| Sodium | 687mg |
| Cholesterol | 221mg |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Potassium | 690mg |
| Protein | 38g |
| Calcium | 53mg |
| Sugar | 26g |
| Vitamin C | 48.4mg |
| Vitamin A | 450IU |
| Iron | 2.1mg |
Expert Tips
You can serve this delicious dish with coconut rice on the side. It’s so easy to make.
- Just take one and a half cups of rice. Add in 1 cup of water and 2 cups of coconut milk.
- Then cover it and prepare the flame to start cooking. Fix the heat to low while cooking for 15 minutes. You can have this nutritious dish for dinner. Besides, the normal reheating process is also super easy. Before reheating it, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and spray oil in the baking dish. Then you can serve the warm chicken thighs and the taste will be the same, juicy and crispy.
Dos and Don’ts:
You can serve the baked thighs with fresh orange slices. If you want more crispiness, then add additional oil. But don’t spray more oil in the baking dish, if you want less crispiness. Overcooking can hamper the look and taste as well. So, avoid overcooking the chicken thighs. You can store the remaining baked chicken thighs in the refrigerator.
If you do not like to have the dish with coconut rice, avoid the part. You can use boneless skinless thighs for this meal, but the juiciness and crisp skin will not be the same. So, it is better to follow our main recipe. Besides, you can add some orange slices to the bottom of the baking dish while cooking. But you can skip this part as it is optional.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use boneless chicken thighs for this recipe?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs for this recipe, but the texture and flavor may be slightly different. Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs will give you a juicier and crispier result.
Can I substitute the orange juice with something else?
If you don’t have orange juice, you can try using pineapple juice or even apple juice as a substitute. This will give a slightly different flavor to the dish but will still be delicious.
Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes, you can make the chicken thighs in advance and store them in the refrigerator for a few days. When reheating, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and warm them for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Can I use this glaze for other meats or vegetables?
Yes, you can definitely use this glaze for other meats such as pork or even tofu. It would also be delicious on roasted vegetables like carrots or Brussels sprouts.
Can I use a different type of vinegar instead of rice vinegar?
If you don’t have rice vinegar, you can use apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar as a substitute. However, keep in mind that the flavor profile may be slightly different.
Conclusion
We have tried to share with you the simplest recipe of orange chicken thighs that is so delicious and full of nutrition. This amazing dish is a great combination of crisp and sticky. The sweet and sour flavor of orange adds an extraordinary taste to chicken thighs.
Our recipes are specially for those who love cooking but become confused about the process. So, follow our original recipe and prepare the restaurant-style orange chicken thighs at home. To get more Best Chicken Thighs recipe (https://fryerly.com/best-chicken-thighs-recipes/), stay with us.
Chester’s expertise in air fryer cooking stems from her belief that air frying is one of the healthiest and most convenient cooking methods. Her recipes are designed to make the most of the air fryer’s unique cooking properties, producing crispy and delicious meals without excessive oil.