Sweet & Tangy Citrus-Glazed Chicken Thighs Recipe Everyone Loves

Succulent citrus-glazed chicken thighs promise a tantalizing culinary adventure that awakens your taste buds with vibrant, zesty flavors.

Bold citrus notes dance across tender meat, creating a harmonious blend of sweet and savory sensations.

Professional chefs know how complex marinades can elevate simple proteins into extraordinary meals.

Each bite promises a refreshing burst of sunshine-infused goodness that transports you to tropical landscapes.

The secret lies in carefully balanced ingredients that complement and enhance natural chicken richness.

Bright, aromatic marinades change ordinary dinners into memorable gastronomic experiences You can want to savor repeatedly.

Cooking becomes an exciting journey of flavor exploration with this mouthwatering recipe waiting to dazzle your palate.

Citrus-Glazed Chicken Thighs – Here’s Why You’ll Love Them

• The perfectly golden-brown chicken thighs deliver an irresistible crunch that'll make everyone at the table dive in with excitement.
• Zesty orange juice, tangy soy sauce, and warming ginger create a vibrant glaze that transforms ordinary chicken into a mouthwatering masterpiece.
• From prep to plate, this recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight dinner solution for busy home cooks who crave restaurant-quality meals without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Serve these glazed chicken thighs over rice, alongside roasted vegetables, or atop a fresh salad for a meal that adapts to any dining mood.

Ingredients Needed for Citrus-Glazed Chicken Thighs

• Chicken Thighs: Juicy, tender meat that absorbs the citrus glaze perfectly. Bone-in or boneless work well, with skin-on preferred for extra crispiness.

• Flour, Cornstarch: Creates a light, crispy coating for the chicken. All-purpose flour provides structure, while cornstarch ensures extra crunchiness.
• Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder: Essential seasonings that enhance the chicken's flavor profile. Use freshly ground black pepper for best results.
• Egg: Helps bind the batter and create a smooth, even coating.

• Orange Juice, Orange Zest: Provides bright, citrusy flavor and natural sweetness. Fresh oranges give the best taste and aroma.
• Sugar: Balances the citrus tang and helps create a glossy glaze. White or brown sugar can be used.
• Soy Sauce: Adds depth and umami to the sauce. Low-sodium soy sauce is a good alternative.
• Rice Vinegar: Brings a subtle tangy note to the glaze. Helps balance the sweetness.
• Garlic, Ginger: Aromatic ingredients that add complex flavor layers. Fresh is always better than dried or powdered.

• Cooking Oil: Used for deep-frying the chicken. Vegetable or canola oil works best at high temperatures.
• Additional Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce to the right consistency.

Step-by-Step Citrus-Glazed Chicken Thighs Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Batter Mixture

• All-purpose flour
• Cornstarch
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder

Gradually add cold water and whisk until the mixture becomes smooth. Incorporate one egg, blending thoroughly. If the batter seems too thick, add small amounts of water to achieve a light, even coating consistency.

Step 2: Coat and Fry Chicken

Dip chicken thigh pieces completely in the prepared batter. Heat cooking oil in a large frying pan to 350°F. Carefully place battered chicken into hot oil, frying until each piece turns golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Use kitchen tongs to turn chicken for even cooking.

Step 3: Create Citrus Glaze

• Fresh orange juice
• Orange zest
• Granulated sugar
• Soy sauce
• Rice vinegar
• Minced garlic
• Grated ginger

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Stir in additional cornstarch to thicken the sauce, creating a glossy and smooth consistency.

Step 4: Combine Chicken and Glaze

Transfer crispy fried chicken into the citrus glaze. Gently toss to ensure each piece is evenly coated. Allow chicken to simmer in the glaze for 2-3 minutes, helping the flavors meld and intensify.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Remove chicken from glaze and plate immediately. Optional: Sprinkle with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for added texture and visual appeal. Serve hot alongside steamed rice or roasted vegetables.

Cooking Tips for Citrus-Glazed Chicken Thighs

• Achieve Perfect Batter Consistency: Whisk the ingredients gradually and add water sparingly to create a smooth, thin coating that will help the chicken become crispy and evenly golden.
• Control Oil Temperature Precisely: Use a thermometer to maintain 350°F for ideal frying, preventing greasy chicken and ensuring a crisp, golden-brown exterior.
• Balance Glaze Flavors Carefully: Taste and adjust the citrus-soy sauce by balancing sweet, tangy, and savory elements before coating the chicken for maximum flavor impact.
• Let Chicken Rest Briefly: After frying, allow chicken to drain on a wire rack for a minute to maintain crispiness before glazing, preventing soggy texture.
• Coat Chicken Evenly in Glaze: Gently toss chicken in the sauce, ensuring each piece gets a uniform, glossy layer of citrusy, caramelized goodness.

Storage Guide for Citrus-Glazed Chicken Thighs

• Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Reheat: Warm chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, which helps maintain crispy exterior and prevents drying out. Drizzle extra citrus glaze before reheating to restore moisture.
• Freeze: Carefully wrap chicken pieces individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container. Frozen citrus-glazed chicken stays good for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.

Sides That Complement Citrus-Glazed Chicken Thighs

• Pair with Zesty Citrus Salad: Create a light, refreshing side salad with mixed greens, mandarin orange segments, and a tangy citrus vinaigrette to complement the chicken's bright flavors.
• Match with Jasmine Rice Pilaf: Serve the glazed chicken over fluffy jasmine rice, which will soak up the delicious citrus sauce and provide a perfect neutral base for the dish.
• Sip Crisp White Wine: Choose a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the richness of the fried chicken and enhance the citrusy notes in the glaze.
• Cool Down with Ginger Beer: A spicy-sweet ginger beer will mirror the ginger in the sauce and offer a refreshing contrast to the crispy, glazed chicken thighs.

Recipe Variations for Citrus-Glazed Chicken Thighs

• Lemon Herb Chicken Crunch: Replace orange juice with fresh lemon juice, add chopped rosemary and thyme to the batter for an aromatic herbal profile.
• Spicy Tangy Citrus Chicken: Incorporate red pepper flakes and lime zest into the glaze, creating a bold and zesty flavor combination with increased heat.
• Asian-Inspired Honey Chicken: Swap orange juice with pineapple juice, add honey and sesame oil to the glaze for a sweeter, more complex Asian-style coating.
• Mediterranean Garlic Chicken: Mix in dried oregano and use white wine instead of rice vinegar, then finish with crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean touch.

FAQs on Citrus-Glazed Chicken Thighs

• How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). This ensures the chicken is safe to eat and prevents undercooking.

• Can I use a different type of citrus for the glaze?

Absolutely! While the recipe uses orange juice and zest, you can substitute with lemon, lime, or grapefruit for a unique flavor twist. Just maintain the same measurement of juice.

• What if my batter is too thick?

Simply add a little cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until you achieve a consistency that can smoothly coat the chicken. The batter should be thin enough to create an even, light coating.

• How can I make the chicken extra crispy?

Ensure your oil is at the correct temperature (350°F) and don’t overcrowd the pan when frying. This helps create a crisp, golden-brown exterior that locks in the chicken’s moisture.

Citrus-Glazed Chicken Thighs Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent citrus-glazed chicken thighs bring Mediterranean sunshine to dinner tables with zesty orange and lemon notes. Bold flavors mingle perfectly, promising a delightful meal that leaves you craving another bite of this tangy, caramelized poultry experience.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 6–8 boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 oranges (juice and zest)

Coating and Thickening Agents:

• ¾ cup flour
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for glaze)
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Glaze and Seasoning:

• 5 tablespoons sugar
• 5 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• ⅓ cup cold water (additional as needed)
• 4 tablespoons cold water (for cornstarch mixture)
• 1 teaspoon ginger
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Oil for frying

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Instructions

1. Prepare a seasoned flour mixture by combining flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a mixing bowl. Gradually incorporate cold water to create a smooth, fluid batter that will evenly coat the chicken thighs.
2. Whisk an egg into the batter, ensuring complete integration and adjusting the consistency with additional water if necessary to achieve a light, flowing texture.
3. Thoroughly dredge each chicken thigh piece in the prepared batter, making sure every surface is completely covered for a uniform coating.
4. Heat oil in a deep frying pan to the optimal temperature of 350°F, carefully maintaining consistent heat throughout the cooking process.
5. Gently lower the battered chicken thighs into the hot oil, frying until they develop a golden-brown exterior and reach full internal doneness, using a meat thermometer to confirm proper cooking.
6. While the chicken fries, create a vibrant citrus glaze by combining orange juice, fragrant zest, sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and ginger in a separate saucepan.
7. Simmer the glaze ingredients over medium heat, stirring continuously to blend the flavors and prevent scorching.
8. Incorporate a cornstarch mixture to thicken the glaze, adjusting seasonings to enhance the overall taste profile.
9. Transfer the crispy fried chicken thighs directly into the prepared glaze, gently tossing to ensure each piece is thoroughly and evenly coated.
10. Allow the chicken to simmer in the glaze for an additional 2-3 minutes, enabling the flavors to meld and create a glossy, appetizing finish.

Notes

• Crispy, golden-brown chicken thighs get a tangy citrus makeover with this simple yet impressive recipe.
• Achieving the perfect batter consistency is key: aim for a thin, smooth coating that allows the chicken to crisp up beautifully.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe, juicy results every time.
• The homemade citrus glaze balances sweet, tangy, and savory flavors, transforming ordinary chicken into a restaurant-quality dish.
• Fresh orange zest and juice are game-changers, bringing bright, vibrant notes that elevate the entire meal.
• Serve immediately after glazing to enjoy maximum crispiness and flavor intensity.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg