Roasted Orange Glazed Chicken Legs
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Ingredients
- 10-12 chicken legs
- 2 tbsp of vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp of garlic minced
- 1 tsp garlic salt
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp pepper
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tsp of Dijon mustard
- Zest of 1 orange and juice of 2 oranges
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400° and line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil. In a large bowl add the chicken legs, oil, garlic and seasonings. Massage the seasonings into the chicken legs and coat all over. Make sure the skin on the chicken legs are pulled up and not rolled down.
- Lay the chicken legs all over the sheet pan evenly. In a small bowl add the honey, soy sauce, Dijon, orange zest and orange juice, stir to combine. Brush on top of the chicken legs all over. Save the rest of the juice.
- Place the chicken legs in the preheated oven and cook for 40-45 minutes. While that’s in the oven take a small saucepan and add the leftover juice. Cook on a medium to low heat and stir until it becomes thick. Mine took about 5-8 minutes to become thick.
- Once the chicken is done, take out the oven and brush the glaze all over the chicken once more. Top with scallions or parsley (optional) and serve and enjoy!
Notes
Tips, Tricks & Storage
Pat the Chicken Dry Make sure to dry the chicken legs with paper towels before seasoning — it helps them brown beautifully and ensures crispy skin. Stir the Glaze While cooking the glaze in the pan, make sure to stir it frequently so it doesn't burn. Adjust the Sweetness If you like a bolder citrus flavor, add a squeeze of lemon or reduce the sugar slightly for more tang. Glaze While Roasting Brush the glaze over the chicken a few times during cooking for an even coat and deeper caramelization. Let It Rest Once out of the oven, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before serving — it helps the juices redistribute and keeps the meat tender. Storage Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to re-crisp the skin, or microwave for a quick meal.Variations
You can easily change up the flavor by using honey instead of sugar for the glaze, or adding a touch of soy sauce and garlic for a more savory edge. If you prefer a bit of heat, stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of chili sauce. Want something extra special? Sprinkle fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary over the top before serving for a colorful finish.Substitutions
Chicken Legs → Thighs or Breasts You can swap in any cut of chicken, but adjust the cook time slightly. Breasts will cook faster and still taste good, but you'll lose a bit of the crunch since there's no skin. Orange Juice → Pineapple or Mango Juice Both bring a nice tropical twist while keeping that sweet, tangy balance. Brown Sugar → Maple Syrup or Honey These natural sweeteners melt beautifully into the glaze, deepening the caramel flavor. Soy Sauce → Coconut Aminos For a lower-sodium or gluten-free option, coconut aminos work just as well and add the same savory depth.Private Notes
Servings: 5 people
