Zesty Citrus-Glazed Chicken Thighs Recipe: A Sunny Dinner Win

Succulent chicken thighs shine with a vibrant citrus-glazed chicken thighs recipe that bursts with tangy, bright flavors.

Bold and zesty notes dance across each perfectly seared piece of meat.

Juicy chicken transforms into a mouthwatering meal that demands attention from the first bite.

Oranges and lemons infuse this dish with a Mediterranean-inspired charm that feels both sophisticated and comforting.

Simple ingredients come together to create a restaurant-quality experience right in your kitchen.

The glaze caramelizes beautifully, creating irresistible golden edges that promise incredible depth of flavor.

Dinner just got a delicious upgrade that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Tools to Help with Citrus-Glazed Chicken Thighs

• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining dry ingredients and creating the batter.
• Whisk: Essential for blending batter and sauce ingredients smoothly.
• Frying pan: Needed for cooking chicken to golden perfection.
• Meat thermometer: Crucial for checking chicken is fully cooked.
• Saucepan: Used for preparing the citrusy glaze.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Helps ensure precise ingredient quantities.
• Cutting board: Useful for preparing garlic and zesting orange.
• Sharp knife: Needed for mincing garlic and zesting orange.

Cooking Citrus-Glazed Chicken Thighs the Easy Way

• Batter Preparation

Create a smooth mixture by combining flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Gradually add cold water and whisk until the consistency is even. Incorporate an egg to bind the batter, adjusting with water if needed to achieve a light coating texture.

• Chicken Frying

Dip chicken thigh pieces completely in the prepared batter. Heat oil in a pan to the right temperature. Fry the chicken until it turns a beautiful golden brown and reaches proper internal temperature, ensuring complete cooking.

• Citrus Glaze Creation

In a separate pan, blend orange juice, citrus zest, sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and ginger. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Thicken the sauce by stirring in cornstarch, adjusting flavors to taste.

• Final Fusion

Transfer crispy fried chicken into the simmering citrus glaze. Gently toss to coat each piece thoroughly. Allow the chicken to absorb the vibrant flavors for a few minutes, creating a delicious harmony of crispy and tangy elements.

Zest It Up: Citrus-Glazed Chicken Thighs Tips

• Flavor Boosters: Play with different citrus fruits like grapefruit or tangerine to create unique glaze variations that add unexpected zest to your chicken.
• Coating Crunch Hack: For extra crispy texture, double-dip chicken pieces in the batter or add panko breadcrumbs to the flour mixture before frying for a super crunchy exterior.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the glaze and batter separately up to 24 hours in advance, storing them in airtight containers in the refrigerator to save time during meal preparation.
• Spice Level Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the glaze for those who enjoy a subtle kick of heat with their sweet and tangy chicken.
• Budget-Friendly Swap: Replace orange juice with more affordable apple juice or use frozen concentrated citrus juices to reduce overall recipe cost without sacrificing flavor complexity.

Serve Citrus-Glazed Chicken Thighs the Right Way

• Zesty Plate Companions: Serve these citrus-glazed chicken thighs over fluffy jasmine rice to soak up the tangy sauce and add a delicate texture.
• Crisp Veggie Sidekick: Pair with roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli to balance the rich chicken and provide a fresh, green crunch that complements the citrusy glaze.
• Bright Garnish Boost: Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds on top to add a pop of color, subtle crunch, and an extra layer of flavor that enhances the dish's overall appeal.
• Refreshing Beverage Match: Enjoy with a chilled glass of crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light citrus-infused iced tea to echo the orange notes in the glaze and cleanse the palate between bites.

Store Citrus-Glazed Chicken Thighs for Later

• Refrigerator Revival: Store leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. The citrus glaze helps seal in moisture, keeping the meat tender and delicious when reheated.
• Freezer-Friendly Hack: Wrap individual chicken thighs tightly in freezer-safe packaging to preserve quality for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before gently reheating to maintain crispy texture.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare the chicken and glaze in advance for quick weeknight dinners. Separate the fried chicken and sauce to prevent sogginess, combining just before serving to keep the crispy coating intact.
• Reheat with Care: Warm refrigerated chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. Use an oven-safe rack to help maintain crispiness and prevent the bottom from becoming soggy. A quick brush of extra glaze can refresh the flavors and add moisture.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 5

Citrus-Glazed Chicken Thighs: What You Need

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates a crispy, light coating that helps the batter adhere perfectly to the chicken.
• Cornstarch: Provides extra crispiness and helps achieve a golden, crunchy exterior.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and helps season the chicken breading.
• Black Pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth to the chicken's seasoning.
• Garlic Powder: Introduces a savory, aromatic note to the breading mixture.

• Egg: Acts as a crucial binding agent that helps the breading stick to the chicken.
• Cold Water: Helps create a smooth, light batter consistency for even coating.

• Orange Juice: Provides a bright, tangy base for the glaze with natural sweetness.
• Orange Zest: Intensifies the citrus flavor and adds aromatic oils to the sauce.
• Sugar: Balances the acidity and helps create a glossy, sticky glaze.
• Soy Sauce: Adds umami depth and saltiness to complement the citrus notes.
• Rice Vinegar: Brings a subtle acidity that brightens the overall sauce.
• Garlic: Introduces a sharp, pungent flavor that enhances the glaze's complexity.
• Ginger: Adds a warm, spicy undertone that pairs beautifully with citrus.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the glaze and creates a smooth, glossy texture.

Tangy Citrus-Glazed Chicken Thighs Recipe

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4.5 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

This citrus-glazed chicken thighs recipe brings zesty Mediterranean flavors to your dinner table. Orange and lemon juices create a tangy glaze that elevates simple chicken into a memorable meal you’ll want to savor again.

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Ingredients

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• 6–8 boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 oranges (juice and zest)
• ¾ cup (180 ml) flour
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) cornstarch
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) cornstarch (for glaze)
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 5 tbsps (75 ml) sugar
• 5 tbsps (75 ml) soy sauce
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) rice vinegar
• ⅓ cup (80 ml) cold water (additional as needed)
• 4 tbsps (60 ml) cold water (for cornstarch mixture)
• 1 tsp ginger
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Oil for frying

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Instructions

1. Batter Preparation: Blend flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a mixing bowl. Gradually introduce cold water to form a smooth, fluid consistency that will adhere perfectly to chicken thighs.
2. Egg Integration: Whisk an egg into the batter, creating a light, silky mixture that ensures complete coverage of the chicken pieces.
3. Chicken Coating: Meticulously dredge each chicken thigh, guaranteeing total immersion in the batter for a comprehensive, even coating.
4. Oil Heating: Warm oil in a deep frying pan to precisely 350°F, maintaining a consistent temperature for optimal frying conditions.
5. Frying Process: Carefully submerge battered chicken thighs into hot oil, cooking until they transform into a rich golden-brown exterior. Utilize a meat thermometer to verify complete internal cooking.
6. Citrus Glaze Creation: Simultaneously construct a vibrant glaze by combining orange juice, zest, sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and ginger in a separate saucepan. Simmer over medium heat, stirring consistently to marry flavors and prevent burning.
7. Glaze Refinement: Thicken the sauce with a cornstarch mixture, fine-tuning seasonings to elevate the flavor profile. Introduce the crispy fried chicken thighs directly into the prepared glaze, gently tossing to ensure comprehensive coating.
8. Final Finishing: Allow chicken to bathe in the glaze for 2-3 minutes, enabling flavor infusion and creating a lustrous, appetizing exterior that promises a tantalizing culinary experience.

Notes

• Perfect Batter Consistency: Gradually add cold water to create a smooth, fluid texture that will evenly coat chicken thighs without clumping.
• Oil Temperature Control: Maintain a steady 350°F heat to ensure crispy, golden-brown exterior without burning or undercooking the chicken.
• Glaze Simmering Technique: Stir continuously while simmering to blend flavors and prevent burning, creating a vibrant and glossy coating.
• Coating and Finishing: Toss chicken immediately in glaze after frying to lock in crispiness and maximize flavor absorption for a restaurant-quality result.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg