Ingredients
Gathering these ingredients is the first step in creating your own bit of culinary delight. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons honey
- Juice and zest of 2 oranges
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh thyme for garnish (optional)
Feel free to substitute chicken thighs with breasts if you prefer, and for a tangier twist, add a splash of apple cider vinegar. Cooking, after all, is about following your senses, just as my grandmother taught me.
Instructions
Let’s bring this dish to life with some straightforward steps that will guide you from start to finish:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, honey, orange juice, orange zest, garlic, ginger, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Place chicken thighs in the baking dish, skin side up. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes to soak up all the flavors.
- Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Baste the chicken with its juices halfway through for extra flavor.
- Once done, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Sprinkle fresh thyme on top for an aromatic finish.
This method is all about patience and letting the oven do the work, a lesson I’ve carried from my abuela’s patient hands to my own kitchen adventures.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International