Blood Orange Rosemary Chicken Thighs
Introduction
Blood Orange Rosemary Chicken Thighs deliver a vibrant twist on classic roasted chicken—think zesty, sweet citrus balanced with the savory aroma of fresh rosemary. This simple yet elegant dish is a guaranteed flavor upgrade for weeknight dinners or dinner parties. Its striking color, juicy texture, and rich, aromatic sauce make it a wow-worthy recipe you’ll add on repeat.
Why Blood Orange Rosemary Chicken Thighs Are a Must-Try
What sets this dish apart is its irresistible flavor combination: tangy blood orange juice caramelizes as it roasts, mingling with fragrant rosemary, honey, and garlic, infusing the chicken with nuanced brightness. Thanks to skin-on, bone-in thighs, the result is juicy, tender meat with gorgeously crispy skin every time. It’s simplicity and sophistication, all in one pan.
Marinating for Maximum Flavor
For maximum flavor, marinate the chicken in a mixture of blood orange juice, zest, rosemary, olive oil, honey, and garlic. A short marination—30 minutes to 2 hours—lets the citrus tenderize the meat and the herbs soak in. Be sure to reserve a bit of marinade as a sauce to drizzle over the finished dish for an extra hit of brightness.
Roasting the Chicken Thighs
Once marinated, arrange the chicken thighs skin-side up in a baking dish. Pour the reserved marinade around (not over) the thighs to maintain crisp skin. Roasting at a high temperature helps caramelize the citrus and ensures beautifully bronzed, juicy chicken. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs and extra blood orange slices for a show-stopping finish.
Serving Suggestions for a Flavorful Meal
Blood Orange Rosemary Chicken Thighs pair well with herbed rice, roasted potatoes, or a simple arugula salad. For a special touch, serve with the caramelized orange slices from the pan and a spoonful of pan sauce. Leftovers are fantastic sliced for salads or tucked into sandwiches for meal prep lunches.
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
This recipe serves 4. Each serving provides approximately 350-400 calories, with a balanced amount of protein and healthy fats. Blood oranges add vitamin C and antioxidants, making this not just delicious but also nourishing.
Blood Orange Rosemary Chicken Thighs (Recap)
With its striking color, bold flavors, and aromatic perfume, Blood Orange Rosemary Chicken Thighs make for a craveable centerpiece that’s easy enough for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for company.
Ingredients
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Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the blood orange juice and zest, olive oil, honey, chopped rosemary, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Add chicken thighs to the marinade, turning to coat all sides. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line with parchment for easy cleanup.
- Arrange chicken thighs skin-side up in the dish. Tuck a few reserved blood orange slices and extra rosemary sprigs around the thighs. Pour a bit of extra marinade around (not over) the chicken.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until chicken skin is golden and internal temperature reads 165°F (74°C).
- For crispier skin, broil for 2-3 additional minutes at the end, watching closely.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with extra rosemary and blood orange slices before serving.
Weekly Meal Planning
This recipe is a fantastic fit for weekly meal prep—marinate the chicken ahead of time and it’s ready to pop in the oven on a busy weeknight. Save and schedule this recipe in CookifyAI to plan your meals effortlessly and create smart shopping lists that compile ingredients from all your planned dinners.
Planning Benefits:
- Automatically calculates ingredient amounts across multiple recipes
- Keeps your grocery list organized by section
- Prevents duplicates and forgotten pantry staples
- Streamlines your weekly meal planning and prep
Pro tip: When batching meals, schedule your recipes and CookifyAI will show you ingredient overlaps—like extra garlic or fresh herbs—helping you buy just what you need, reducing food waste and time at the store.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 30 minutes to 2 hours marinating)
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes to 2 hours 35 minutes (including marinating)





