Name: Spicy Orange Glazed Chicken Thighs Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 1 tablespoon olive oil; ½ cup orange juice; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 tablespoon sriracha; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 teaspoon grated ginger; 2 cloves garlic, minced

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If you’re craving a dinner that bursts with bold flavors and a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy notes, then this Spicy Orange Glazed Chicken Thighs Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Imagine juicy, tender chicken thighs smothered in a sticky, caramelized orange glaze with just the right kick of heat and a touch of zing from fresh ginger and garlic. It’s a dish that comes together easily yet feels so special, making weeknight meals feel like a celebration. Get ready to delight your taste buds and fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white bowl filled with several pieces of cooked reddish-brown meat covered in a dark, glossy sauce. The texture of the meat looks tender with visible layering, and the sauce appears thick and sticky, pooling slightly around the meat pieces. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with soft lighting creating gentle highlights on the sauce, giving a rich and appetizing look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Spicy Orange Glazed Chicken Thighs Recipe uses a handful of simple, essential ingredients that each bring something unique to the table, whether that’s depth of flavor, moisture, or a punch of color. The straightforward ingredients list means you can quickly gather what you need and dive right into cooking!

6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Perfectly juicy and tender, chicken thighs soak up the glaze beautifully for maximum flavor.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Used to sear the chicken to a golden, crispy exterior without sticking.
½ cup orange juice: Brings brightness and natural sweetness that forms the base of the glaze.
2 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds a savory depth and salty balance to the glaze.
2 tablespoons honey: Sweetens and helps the glaze caramelize into that irresistible sticky coating.
1 tablespoon sriracha: Adds spicy heat—feel free to adjust this to your preferred level of kick.
1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Offers a subtle tang that cuts through the sweetness for perfect balance.
1 teaspoon grated ginger: Fresh ginger brings aromatic warmth and zing.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic adds savory depth and rounds out the glaze flavor.

How to Make Spicy Orange Glazed Chicken Thighs Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Orange Glaze

Start by whisking together orange juice, soy sauce, honey, sriracha, rice vinegar, grated ginger, and minced garlic in a small bowl. This combination is the heart of the Spicy Orange Glazed Chicken Thighs Recipe, creating a vibrant sauce that beautifully marries sweet and spicy flavors. Setting this aside gives the ingredients time to meld perfectly.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken Thighs

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the chicken thighs and sear them for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side. Your goal here is to get that gorgeous golden crust which locks in juices and gives the finished dish fabulous texture and flavor.

Step 3: Simmer in the Glaze

After searing, pour the prepared glaze over the chicken thighs in the skillet. Lower the heat to medium-low and let everything simmer gently for 8 to 10 minutes. This step lets the sauce thicken and cling to the chicken, creating that iconic sticky, glossy coating that makes this Spicy Orange Glazed Chicken Thighs Recipe so irresistible.

How to Serve Spicy Orange Glazed Chicken Thighs Recipe

The image shows a dark gray plate filled with small pieces of chicken covered in a shiny, dark reddish-brown sauce. The chicken pieces are sprinkled with white sesame seeds and small green onion slices, with a few bright red chili pepper slices on top. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, and the image focuses closely on the saucy chicken pieces, making them look rich and tasty. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate the dish visually and add subtle texture contrasts, sprinkle chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds over the finished chicken. These garnishes add fresh bites and that classic Asian-inspired touch perfect for this Spicy Orange Glazed Chicken Thighs Recipe.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with fluffy steamed rice or fragrant jasmine rice, which soaks up any extra glaze left on the plate. You can also add a side of steamed or stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy to keep the meal light and colorful.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, slice the cooked chicken thighs and serve them atop a bed of mixed greens for a warm salad, drizzled with extra glaze. Alternatively, try wrapping the glazed chicken in lettuce cups for a fresh, handheld dinner option that’s sure to impress friends and family alike.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Spicy Orange Glazed Chicken Thighs Recipe tastes fantastic the next day. Store the chicken and sauce together in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days to keep flavors vibrant and chicken tender.

Freezing

If you want to save this dish for longer, freezing is a great option. Place the cooled chicken thighs and glaze in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, then freeze for up to 2 months. Be sure to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat to warm through and help re-caramelize the glaze, or microwave gently in short bursts to avoid drying out the chicken. Adding a splash of water or extra orange juice can refresh the sauce during reheating.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in this Spicy Orange Glazed Chicken Thighs Recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts can work too, though thighs tend to stay juicier and absorb the glaze better. Just keep an eye on cooking times since breasts cook a bit faster.

How spicy is this dish? Can I adjust the heat?

The heat level is moderate thanks to the sriracha, but you can easily dial it up or down by adding more or less sriracha, or substituting with a milder chili sauce if you prefer.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be, if you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Otherwise, regular soy sauce does contain gluten, so choose your ingredients accordingly.

Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

Yes! The glaze can be mixed and stored in the refrigerator for up to two days before cooking, which makes this recipe even quicker to pull together during busy weeknights.

What’s the best way to get a sticky glaze texture?

Simmering the chicken in the sauce until it thickens is key. Don’t rush this step—letting the sauce reduce naturally creates the perfect sticky, glossy finish that clings beautifully to the chicken.

Final Thoughts

There is something so comforting and exciting about this Spicy Orange Glazed Chicken Thighs Recipe that makes it a true crowd-pleaser. It’s a dish that feels special without requiring complicated steps or ingredients. Whether you’re cooking for loved ones or treating yourself, these flavorful thighs bring the kind of joy that comes from a perfectly cooked, well-loved recipe. So grab your skillet, gather those simple ingredients, and get ready to fall in love with an orange glaze you’ll want to make again and again!

Sara

Spicy Orange Glazed Chicken Thighs Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need