Name: Baked Orange Chicken and Potatoes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 70 min
Ingredients: 2 cups orange juice (freshly squeezed from about 6 oranges is preferred; store bought OJ may be substituted); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 garlic cloves (finely minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder, or to taste)); 1 teaspoon salt (or more to taste); ½ teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground); 1 ½ pounds Yukon Gold or yellow potatoes (diced into 1/2-inch pieces (peeled if desired)); 4 chicken quarters ((this is bone-in dark meat that includes the thighs, drumsticks, part of the back))

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Growing up, one of my favorite family meals was always a comforting and hearty dish that we would gather around the table to enjoy. The smell of roasting meat mingling with the sweetness of citrus would fill the house, making it hard to resist popping into the kitchen for just a taste. That’s the magic of Baked Orange Chicken and Potatoes. This dish is not only delicious but also brings everyone together. The succulent chicken is infused with the tangy flavor of fresh orange juice, complemented perfectly by tender, golden-brown potatoes. It’s a dish that evokes cherished memories and creates new ones at the dinner table.

Whenever I make Baked Orange Chicken and Potatoes, I’m reminded of family gatherings and the joy of sharing food with loved ones. It’s easy to prepare, making it a go-to for busy weeknights or a special occasion. Whether it’s a cozy dinner at home or a festive gathering, this dish never fails to impress. The vibrant color and luscious aroma make it a feast for the senses. As I carefully arrange the chicken and potatoes in the baking dish, I can already picture the smiles on my family’s faces as they dig into this flavorful meal.

So, roll up your sleeves and let’s dive into the delightful flavors of Baked Orange Chicken and Potatoes. It’s a culinary adventure that will leave you craving for seconds and perhaps even thirds!

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
1 hr 10 mins

Prep Time:
10 mins

Cook Time:
60 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
400 kcal

Protein:
30 g

Diet:
Paleo, Whole30, Vegan

Fat:
15 g

Tools Used:
large 9×13 baking dish (about 3-quarts, with raised sides), digital thermometer

Why This Baked Orange Chicken and Potatoes Is a Winner

It’s a One-Pan Wonder

There’s something special about a one-pan meal, and Baked Orange Chicken and Potatoes is the epitome of convenience. All the ingredients come together beautifully in a single baking dish, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy with family or friends. The juxtaposition of juicy chicken and crispy potatoes makes for a balanced and satisfying meal.

Rich in Flavor

The citrusy notes from the fresh orange juice elevate the dish to a whole new level. When baked, the chicken absorbs the zesty flavors, creating a delightful caramelization that enhances the overall taste. Each bite is a burst of flavor that’s as refreshing as it is hearty.

Perfectly Tender Chicken

Dark meat chicken quarters are used in this recipe for a reason. They are juicy, tender, and have a richer flavor compared to white meat. Baking them at the right temperature ensures they cook through while staying succulent. You’ll find that the skin gets crispy, making it a crispy delight with every forkful!

Versatile Ingredients

The ingredients in Baked Orange Chicken and Potatoes are versatile and easy to find. You can swap out the potatoes for other vegetables, like carrots or sweet potatoes, depending on what you have on hand. This flexibility means you can adapt the recipe to fit your taste preferences or whatever’s in season.

Great for Meal Prep

This dish is not only delicious but also makes for excellent leftovers. You can easily prepare a large batch, and the flavors deepen as it sits. It’s perfect for meal prepping for a busy week. Just reheat and enjoy a hearty meal without the fuss!

Family-Friendly

Kids and adults alike will love Baked Orange Chicken and Potatoes. The combination of flavors is appealing to all palates, and the colorful presentation makes it visually enticing. It’s a dish that brings everyone to the table, ready to enjoy a wholesome dinner together.

What You’ll Need for Baked Orange Chicken and Potatoes

For this delightful dish, we focus on a few key ingredients that work harmoniously together. The combination of fresh citrus, hearty potatoes, and juicy chicken creates a satisfying meal that bursts with flavor. Each component plays a critical role; the orange juice adds brightness, while the potatoes offer comfort and substance, making this dish a go-to for any occasion.

2 cups orange juice (freshly squeezed from about 6 oranges is preferred; store-bought OJ may be substituted)
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 garlic cloves, finely minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder, or to taste)
1 teaspoon salt, or more to taste
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 ½ pounds Yukon Gold or yellow potatoes, diced into ½-inch pieces (peeled if desired)
4 medium chicken quarters (this is bone-in dark meat that includes the thighs, drumsticks, and part of the back)

Recipe Directions for Baked Orange Chicken and Potatoes

Preparing Baked Orange Chicken and Potatoes is a breeze, and you’ll love how everything comes together seamlessly. As you follow these steps, you’ll create a dish that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for any gathering. Remember to keep an eye on the chicken as it bakes to ensure it’s perfectly cooked and tender.

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. If you wish, you can spray the baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Set it aside while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
In a medium bowl, combine the orange juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Whisk them together until fully combined. This mixture will create a delicious marinade for the chicken.
Begin to scatter the diced potatoes over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Make sure they are cut into ½-inch or bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. If they are too large, they might not soften properly during the baking process.
Next, take the chicken quarters and add them to the baking dish, nestling them down into the potatoes so that they can soak up all the flavorful juices as they cook.
Evenly pour the orange juice mixture over the chicken and potatoes, ensuring everything is coated well for maximum flavor.
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 50 to 60 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Use a digital thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit. For dark meat, I recommend cooking it to 170 to 175 degrees for that falling-off-the-bone tenderness.
Watch the chicken closely during the cooking process. If it starts to brown too much on the outside but isn’t quite done inside, you can cover the dish with a sheet of foil for the last 10 to 15 minutes of baking.
If you like extra crispy skin, you can broil the chicken for a couple of minutes at the end. Just be cautious, as the sugar in the orange juice can burn quickly. Keep a watchful eye on it!
Once fully cooked, remove the dish from the oven and optionally garnish with fresh herbs if you desire. Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful flavors of this hearty meal!

Things Worth Knowing

Preheating the oven: Always ensure your oven is adequately preheated before placing your baking dish inside. This helps achieve even cooking.
Checking doneness: Use a digital thermometer to accurately determine if your chicken is cooked through. Avoid guessing for consistent results.
Crispy skin tips: If you prefer crispy skin, consider broiling the chicken for the last few minutes of cooking, but watch it closely to prevent burning.
Potato prep: Ensure your potatoes are cut uniformly in size to guarantee even cooking. Larger pieces may remain hard while smaller ones might become mushy.

Making Adjustments

When it comes to cooking, adjustments are often necessary to refine flavors and accommodate preferences. Here are some tips to help you customize Baked Orange Chicken and Potatoes to suit your taste:

Storage: Leftovers will keep airtight in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat gently in the microwave for 30 to 60 seconds, or until warmed through.
Freezing: You can freeze this dish for up to 3 months. For best results, allow it to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container.
Pairing: Serve this dish with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the flavors of the chicken and potatoes.
Herb variations: Experiment with different herbs such as thyme or rosemary to add depth to the flavor profile.
Cooking method: If you prefer a quicker method, consider using an air fryer for the chicken and potatoes to achieve a crispy texture.

How to Enjoy Baked Orange Chicken and Potatoes

Enjoying Baked Orange Chicken and Potatoes is all about making the most of its comforting flavors and textures. Here are some delightful ways to savor this dish:

Serve it hot: This dish is best enjoyed immediately after baking, allowing the flavors to shine and the chicken to be perfectly juicy.
Perfect for family dinners: It’s a great choice for family meals, ensuring everyone gets a hearty serving of both chicken and potatoes.
Garnish with herbs: Fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro can add a burst of freshness when sprinkled on top just before serving.
Side dishes: Pair it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to complete the meal and add variety.
Occasions: This dish works well for everyday dinners, special occasions, or even holiday meals, bringing warmth to any gathering.
Lunch leftovers: Use leftovers in a wrap or salad for a tasty lunch option that’s easy to prepare.

FAQ

Baked Orange Chicken and Potatoes is a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. You might consider serving it with a crisp garden salad or steamed green beans for a fresh contrast to the hearty chicken and potatoes. Additionally, a creamy coleslaw or roasted Brussels sprouts can complement the flavors nicely. If you’re looking for grains, fluffy rice or quinoa can also be excellent accompaniments, soaking up the delicious orange sauce.

Absolutely! While this recipe utilizes chicken quarters for their juicy and flavorful characteristics, you can substitute with other cuts of chicken such as thighs or drumsticks. If you prefer white meat, boneless, skinless chicken breasts can also work, but be mindful that they may cook faster than dark meat. If using breasts, check for doneness earlier to prevent them from drying out.

Storing leftovers of Baked Orange Chicken and Potatoes is quite simple. Ensure they are cooled to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, making for easy reheating throughout the week. If you prefer to keep them longer, consider freezing the dish. Just allow it to cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container, where it can last for up to 3 months. Reheat gently when you’re ready to enjoy it again!

Yes! Making Baked Orange Chicken and Potatoes ahead of time is a fantastic way to save time during busy weeknights or special occasions. You can prepare the dish up to a day in advance. Simply assemble everything in the baking dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. When you’re ready to serve, just pop it in the oven, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be cold from the fridge.

If you find that your chicken is browning too quickly while baking Baked Orange Chicken and Potatoes, don’t worry! This can happen due to oven variations or the placement of the baking dish. To prevent over-browning, you can cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil for the remaining baking time. This will help cook the chicken thoroughly without burning the skin. Additionally, if you decide to broil the dish for a crispy finish, keep an eye on it to avoid burning.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Baked Orange Chicken and Potatoes is a delightful dish that combines vibrant flavors and comforting textures, making it a perfect choice for family gatherings or busy weeknights. The ease of preparation and the satisfaction of seeing everyone enjoy this meal makes it truly special. I encourage you to give this recipe a try tonight—you won’t regret it! It’s sure to become a favorite at your table.