Honey Orange Glazed Chicken

Byyasin
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There’s something special about oven-baked chicken that slowly roasts in a sweet citrus glaze. The kitchen fills with a warm honey aroma, the edges caramelize beautifully, and the meat turns incredibly tender. These Honey Orange Glazed Chicken Drumsticks are exactly that kind of comforting recipe — juicy, sticky, and full of bright citrus flavor.

This is the type of dish people remember after a dinner or gathering. The glaze clings to the chicken, forming a glossy coating that tastes sweet, savory, and slightly herby from rosemary. And the best part? The chicken becomes fall-off-the-bone tender without frying — just slow roasting and patient basting.

Serve it with fragrant rice, roasted vegetables, or simple buttered carrots, and you have a complete crowd-pleasing meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors
  • Extremely juicy and tender chicken
  • Simple ingredients but elegant taste
  • Great for parties, holidays, or weekend dinners
  • Oven-baked — no frying mess

Ingredients Explained

Chicken

Chicken drumsticks (legs)
Dark meat works best here because it stays moist during long cooking. Drumsticks are also budget-friendly and flavorful.

Seasoning

Salt & black pepper
Basic seasoning that enhances the natural chicken flavor.

The Honey Orange Glaze

Honey
Provides sweetness and helps caramelization.

Orange juice with pulp
Adds freshness and slight acidity to balance the sweetness.

Unsalted butter
Creates richness and silky glaze texture.

Fresh rosemary
Gives a subtle earthy aroma that makes the dish taste gourmet.

Orange zest
Intensifies citrus flavor and fragrance.

Garlic (optional)
Adds savory depth — highly recommended.

Step-by-Step Cooking Method

Step 1 — Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken legs dry and sprinkle evenly with salt.
Place them in a large bowl.

Step 2 — Make the Orange Honey Marinade

In a separate bowl whisk together:

  • Honey
  • Orange juice
  • Butter
  • Chopped rosemary
  • Orange zest
  • Garlic
  • Black pepper

Pour the marinade over the chicken and coat well.

Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (overnight is best).

Step 3 — Preheat Oven

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 4 — Start Roasting

Place chicken in a single layer in a roasting pan.
Pour all marinade over the chicken.

Bake for 30 minutes.

Step 5 — Slow Roast & Baste

Reduce oven temperature to 325°F (160°C).

Every 20 minutes:

  • Spoon pan juices over the chicken

Continue cooking about 90 minutes until:

  • Deep golden orange color
  • Juices run clear
  • Internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C)

Step 6 — Rest & Serve

Let chicken rest 5 minutes before serving.
Spoon extra glaze over the top.

Tips & Variations

Extra Sticky Glaze
Boil leftover pan sauce with 1 tsp cornstarch slurry until thick.

Spicy Version
Add chili flakes or hot sauce to the marinade.

No Rosemary?
Use thyme or oregano.

Make It Faster
You can cook at 375°F for 60–70 minutes, but slow roasting gives juicier meat.

Best Side Pairings

  • Steamed rice
  • Buttered carrots
  • Roasted asparagus
  • Mashed potatoes

Storage & Reheating

Storage

Refrigerate in airtight container up to 4 days.

Freezing

Freeze cooked chicken up to 2 months.

Reheating

Oven: 325°F for 15–20 minutes (best method)
Microwave: Cover and heat gently to avoid drying

Tip: Add a spoon of water before reheating to keep moisture.

Honey Orange Glazed Chicken Drumsticks

Juicy oven-baked chicken drumsticks coated in a sweet and citrusy honey orange glaze, slow roasted until tender and caramelized.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 3 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Dinner, Holiday Meal, Main Course, Party Food
Cuisine: American, European, Fusion
Calories: 777
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 8 large chicken drumsticks
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 cup honey
  • 1 cup orange juice with pulp
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter room temperature
  • 7 sprigs fresh rosemary finely chopped
  • Zest of 2 oranges
  • 2 cloves garlic minced (optional)
  • Ground black pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Sprinkle chicken with salt and place in a large bowl.
  2. Whisk honey, orange juice, butter, rosemary, orange zest, garlic, and pepper.
  3. Pour marinade over chicken and refrigerate at least 1 hour or overnight.
  4. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  5. Arrange chicken in roasting pan and pour marinade over it.
  6. Bake 30 minutes.
  7. Reduce heat to 325°F (160°C).
  8. Baste every 20 minutes and cook about 90 minutes until internal temp reaches 165°F.
  9. Rest 5 minutes and serve with glaze.

Notes

  • Thicken leftover sauce with cornstarch for serving
  • Overnight marination gives best flavor
  • Best served with rice or roasted vegetables

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead?
Yes — thighs work perfectly and stay juicy.

Can I marinate overnight?
Yes, it actually improves flavor.

Is the glaze too sweet?
No — orange juice balances the honey.

Can I grill this?
Yes, but cook on indirect heat to prevent burning.

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