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Roasted Chicken Thighs with Oranges and Olives

Roasted Chicken Thighs with Oranges and Olives

Roasted Chicken Thighs with Oranges and Olives is a vibrant and savory dish combining juicy, crispy-skinned chicken thighs with the bright sweetness of fresh oranges and the briny bite of olives. This effortlessly elegant recipe brings Mediterranean flavors to your table with minimal prep, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Marinade

  • 46 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 34 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, thyme, or oregano (or a mix), chopped
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Citrus and Olives

  • 2 medium fresh oranges, thinly sliced (seeds removed)
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata or green olives, pitted if needed

Garnish (Optional)

  • Chopped fresh parsley or thyme
  • Orange zest for sprinkling
  • Toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds (optional, for crunch)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken and marinade: Pat the chicken thighs dry thoroughly to ensure the skin crisps well during roasting. In a bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, fresh herbs, salt, and pepper. Toss the chicken thighs in this marinade and let them rest for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
  2. Slice oranges and prep olives: Thinly slice the fresh oranges, removing any seeds, and pit the olives if necessary. These will roast with the chicken and release juices enhancing the dish’s flavor.
  3. Arrange in the roasting pan: Place the chicken thighs skin-side up in a single layer on a baking dish or sheet. Scatter the orange slices and olives around and on top of the chicken pieces to infuse every bite with their flavors.
  4. Roast until golden and juicy: Bake the dish in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken skin is crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring perfectly cooked meat.
  5. Rest and serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes. This step helps keep the meat tender and juicy. Garnish with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of orange zest before serving.

Notes

  • Pat the chicken dry thoroughly before seasoning to achieve crispy skin.
  • Use bone-in, skin-on thighs for maximum juicy flavor and texture.
  • Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even roasting and browning.
  • Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes; longer marination enhances flavor.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature for perfectly cooked chicken.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 3 days or frozen up to 2 months.
  • Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to preserve skin crispiness or microwave with a splash of water if short on time.

Nutrition

Keywords: roasted chicken thighs, oranges and olives, Mediterranean chicken, citrus chicken, easy chicken recipe, gluten free chicken, baked chicken thighs