The Ultimate Orange Honey Glazed Roast Chicken: A Festive & Flavorful Centerpiece

📖 Recipe

RECIPE CARD

Perfect Glazed Roast Chicken

Andréa

This extraordinary roasted chicken is seasoned to perfection with a homemade herb rub and generously coated with a luscious honey orange glaze. By filling the chicken’s cavity with fresh orange segments and aromatic herbs, you ensure a deeply flavored and incredibly moist bird from the inside out. The exterior is then rubbed with a vibrant spice blend, locking in flavor and promising that coveted crispy skin.

5 of 25 votes

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Prep Time

15 minutes
mins

Cook Time

1 hour
hr
30 minutes
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Total Time

1 hour
hr
45 minutes
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Course
Dinner

Cuisine
Other

Servings

5
persons

Calories

474
kcal

Cook Mode

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Ingredients

Spice rub

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  1
  teaspoon
  chili powder

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  ▢
  
  
  1
  teaspoon
  salt

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  ▢
  
  
  1
  tablespoon
  dark brown sugar

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  ▢
  
  
  2
  teaspoons
  garlic powder

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  ▢
  
  
  1
  teaspoon
  ground black pepper

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  1
  teaspoon
  sweet paprika powder

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  1
  teaspoon
  onion powder

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  ¼
  teaspoon
  ground cinnamon

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  ¼
  teaspoon
  ground cloves

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  ¼
  teaspoon
  allspice ground

Roasted Chicken with Stuffing

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  1
  Whole chicken,
  all organs and stems removed

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  ½
  orange,
  in segments

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  ½
  onion,
  in wedges

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  1
  sprig
  fresh sage

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  3
  sprigs
  fresh rosemary

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  3
  sprigs
  fresh thyme

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  2
  tablespoons
  vegetable oil

Orange Honey Glaze

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  ½
  cup
  orange juice

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  ¼
  cup
  honey

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  1
  clove
  garlic,
  pressed

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  ½
  teaspoon
  white wine vinegar

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  ¼
  teaspoon
  ground cinnamon

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  2
  teaspoons
  cornstarch

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  2
  tablespoons
  water

All my recipes are written both in Metric (gram / ml) and US Customary (cups / pounds). Here you can select which type of amount you would like to see.

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US Customary

Instructions

Spice rub

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  Place all ingredients in a bowl and stir well.
  1 teaspoon chili powder,
  1 teaspoon salt,
  1 tablespoon dark brown sugar,
  2 teaspoons garlic powder,
  1 teaspoon ground black pepper,
  1 teaspoon sweet paprika powder,
  1 teaspoon onion powder,
  ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon,
  ¼ teaspoon ground cloves,
  ¼ teaspoon allspice ground
  

Roasted Chicken with Stuffing

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  Preheat the oven to 395 °F (200°C) or 355 °F (180°C) for convection ovens.

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  Place the chicken in front of you on a clean cutting board. It is crucial to pat the chicken dry thoroughly with paper towels. This step helps achieve that coveted crispy skin.
  1 Whole chicken

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  Generously fill the cavity of the chicken with the orange segments, onion wedges, and sprigs of fresh sage, rosemary, and thyme. This aromatic stuffing will infuse incredible flavor and moisture into the chicken as it roasts.
  ½ orange,
  ½ onion,
  1 sprig fresh sage,
  3 sprigs fresh rosemary,
  3 sprigs fresh thyme
  

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  Carefully create an opening between the skin and the meat, particularly over the breast and thighs, by gently loosening it with your fingers. This allows you to spread half of the prepared spice rub directly under the skin, ensuring the meat itself is thoroughly seasoned and remains moist during roasting. Be careful not to tear the skin.

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  Now, brush the entire outside of the chicken skin with vegetable oil. This oil helps the skin crisp up beautifully and adhere to the remaining spice rub. Evenly spread the rest of the spice rub over the oiled skin, making sure to cover all surfaces for maximum flavor and an enticing golden crust.
  2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  

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  Place the prepared chicken on a rack in a roasting dish. This allows for even air circulation, ensuring crispy skin all around. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 75 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh (without touching the bone) reads 140 °F (60°C). This initial bake time gets the chicken most of the way cooked before the glaze is applied.

Orange Honey Glaze

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  While the chicken is roasting, prepare your irresistible orange honey glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the orange juice, honey, pressed garlic, white wine vinegar, and ground cinnamon. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
  ½ cup orange juice,
  ¼ cup honey,
  1 clove garlic,
  ½ teaspoon white wine vinegar,
  ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  

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  In a separate small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until a smooth paste forms. Slowly pour this cornstarch slurry into the simmering orange honey mixture, stirring continuously. The sauce will begin to thicken almost immediately. Once it reaches a desired glaze consistency, remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the glaze to cool slightly. This thick glaze will cling beautifully to the chicken.
  2 teaspoons cornstarch,
  2 tablespoons water

Baking Whole Chicken

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  Once the initial baking time is complete and the chicken has reached 140 °F (60 °C), carefully remove it from the oven. Using a pastry brush, generously coat the entire outside of the chicken with the prepared orange honey glaze. Return the glazed chicken to the oven and continue baking until the internal temperature reaches a safe 167 °F (75 °C) in the thickest part of the thigh. The glaze will caramelize beautifully, creating a stunning finish.
  

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  Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and give it one final brush with any remaining orange honey sauce for an extra layer of shine and flavor. Tent the chicken loosely with aluminum foil and let it rest on the carving board for at least ten minutes. This crucial resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in an even more tender and moist chicken.

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  Carve your beautiful Orange Honey Glazed Roast Chicken and serve immediately! Enjoy the incredible flavors and textures.

Notes

1. Orange: Placing orange segments and other aromatics in the cavity of the chicken serves multiple purposes. As the chicken heats, the orange releases its essential oils and steam, which helps to keep the chicken moist from the inside, preventing it from drying out. This also infuses a subtle citrus flavor directly into the meat, adding a wonderful brightness to the dish.

2. Meat thermometer: Using a reliable meat thermometer is highly recommended for roasting poultry. It’s the most accurate way to ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked – juicy and tender, but also safe to eat. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken’s thigh, being careful not to touch the bone, as bones heat faster and can give a false reading. The target internal temperature for fully cooked chicken is 165°F (74°C), but for this recipe, we pull it at 167°F (75°C) to account for carryover cooking during resting.

3. Delicious with: This show-stopping roast chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. For a rich and comforting meal, consider serving it with creamy potato gratin or hearty fried potatoes with bacon and onion. To complete the plate with vibrant flavors and textures, I often serve vegetable sides such as sweet and tangy slow cooker red cabbage or sautéed Brussels sprouts with an orange glaze. A simple green salad would also provide a refreshing contrast.

4. Storing: Proper storage is key to enjoying leftovers. Always allow the chicken to cool quickly to room temperature (within 2 hours) before storing.

• Refrigerator: Once cooled, remove the meat from the bones and shred or chop it. Store the chicken meat in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, portion the cooked chicken meat into airtight containers or freezer bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Bones: Don’t discard the bones! They are packed with flavor and make an excellent base for homemade chicken stock. You can easily make a delicious slow cooker chicken stock with the leftover carcass, enriching future soups and sauces.

5. Leftover Ideas: Leftover roast chicken is incredibly versatile. Use it to elevate your next meal! It’s delicious in dishes like nasi goreng, a quick stir-fry with potatoes and vegetables, a comforting chicken soup, or tossed with noodles for a flavorful weeknight dinner.

Nutrition

Calories:
474
kcal


Carbohydrates:
25
g


Protein:
29
g


Fat:
29
g


Saturated Fat:
7
g


Polyunsaturated Fat:
8
g


Monounsaturated Fat:
11
g


Trans Fat:
0.2
g


Cholesterol:
114
mg


Sodium:
590
mg


Fiber:
1
g


Sugar:
20
g


Vitamin A:
647
IU


Vitamin C:
24
mg


Iron:
2
mg

Keyword
whole chicken recipe

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Serving Suggestions for Your Festive Chicken

This Orange Honey Glazed Roast Chicken is a complete meal on its own, but it truly shines when paired with complementary sides. For a hearty holiday spread, consider classic roasted root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and potatoes, which can be roasted in the same pan with the chicken drippings during the last 45 minutes of cooking. Creamy mashed potatoes or sweet potato casserole also make excellent accompaniments. For lighter options, a vibrant green salad with a citrus vinaigrette or steamed asparagus would provide a fresh counterpoint to the rich chicken.

Don’t forget the pan juices! The flavorful drippings from the roasting pan, combined with any leftover glaze, can be easily turned into a quick, savory gravy. Simply deglaze the pan with a little chicken broth, thicken with a cornstarch slurry if desired, and season to taste. This homemade gravy will be the perfect finishing touch for your chicken and any accompanying sides.

Tips and Tricks for Roasting Perfection

• Pat Dry, Always: This is arguably the most important step for crispy skin. Moisture on the skin prevents it from browning and crisping up.
• Don’t Skip the Rub Under the Skin: Getting that spice rub directly on the meat ensures deep flavor that goes beyond just the surface.
• Trussing (Optional but Recommended): Tying the legs together and tucking the wings under the chicken helps it cook more evenly and creates a more compact, attractive presentation.
• Resting is Essential: Never cut into a roast chicken right out of the oven. The resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful. Without resting, the juices will simply run out onto your cutting board, leaving you with dry chicken.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: This takes all the guesswork out of roasting. Overcooked chicken is dry and tough, while undercooked chicken is unsafe. Aim for the recommended internal temperatures for perfect results every time.
• Basting: While the glaze acts as a form of basting, you can occasionally spoon some of the pan juices over the chicken during the initial roasting period to further promote moistness and flavor development.

Variations to Customize Your Roast Chicken

This Orange Honey Glazed Roast Chicken recipe is fantastic as is, but don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own! Here are a few ideas:

• Spice Rub Variations: Feel free to adjust the spice rub to your preference. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat, or dried herbs like oregano and marjoram for a more Mediterranean profile. Smoked paprika can add a wonderful smoky depth.
• Citrus Alternatives: While orange is classic, you can try other citrus fruits in the cavity or the glaze. Lemon or lime would offer a tangier, brighter flavor, while grapefruit could add a slightly bitter, sophisticated note.
• Herb Combinations: Mix and match your fresh herbs. Instead of (or in addition to) sage, rosemary, and thyme, consider using marjoram, parsley, or even a bay leaf inside the cavity.
• Sweetness Factor: Adjust the amount of honey in the glaze to suit your taste. For a less sweet glaze, reduce the honey slightly and increase the orange juice or add a touch more vinegar for balance.
• Add Vegetables to the Pan: For an easy one-pan meal, toss chopped vegetables like potatoes, carrots, onions, and bell peppers with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper in the bottom of the roasting pan. They’ll cook beautifully in the chicken drippings, absorbing all those incredible flavors.

Conclusion: Your New Favorite Roast Chicken

This Orange Honey Glazed Roast Chicken is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience. It’s the kind of dish that fills your home with incredible aromas and your table with an impressive centerpiece that tastes even better than it looks. With its crispy, caramelized skin, incredibly juicy meat, and the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and citrus flavors, it truly is the ultimate roast chicken. Whether you’re preparing it for a holiday feast or a special family dinner, this recipe promises to deliver a memorable meal that everyone will rave about. So, gather your ingredients, follow these steps, and get ready to enjoy the best glazed roast chicken you’ve ever made!