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    Home » Type » Main Courses » Chicken

    Spicy Honey Citrus Chicken Recipe

    Published: Dec 8, 2020 by Faith · This post may contain affiliate links · 21 Comments

    Jump to Recipe

    A blend of citrus, garlic, ginger, crushed red pepper flakes, honey, and soy sauce in this Spicy Honey Citrus Chicken Recipe lend a balanced flavor profile.

    citruschicken

    Time can be a funny thing.

    Sometimes when life gets hectic I’ll be racing along, thinking I have just enough time to finish what I need to do, with tunnel vision for the task I’m working on. I settle into the mindset that I barely have a moment to spare, especially if it’s to take time to do something trivial like enjoy a cup of tea.

    And then life will sneak up completely unexpectedly and take me by surprise. It could be getting sick, or a loved one getting sick who needs my full attention. It could be a flat tire or a speeding ticket (so ironic that in the end speeding slows you down instead of getting you to your destination faster! Life is funny like that). Or more permanently, it could be the death of a friend, family member, or acquaintance.

    These things feel like a blow to the chest, literally knocking the wind out.

    These things make me realize that no matter how frantic and busy life gets, some things are always more important. My post today is dedicated to everyone affected by the bombings that happened at the Boston Marathon on Monday. My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with you.

    It almost seems silly to talk about food in the midst of such tragedy, but thinking about it, maybe it’s not. Food is more than just bodily sustenance. It’s how we show our loved ones that we care about them. Sitting down and enjoying a meal with someone is one of the most intimate things you can do.

    So in the spirit of offering comfort, I offer this simple recipe for chicken.

    Citrus Chicken on Silver Tray with Description

    In This Article

    • Spicy Honey Citrus Chicken Recipe
    • How Long Can You Marinate Chicken?
    • Do You Rinse Marinade Off Chicken Before Cooking?
    • More Chicken Dishes to Make:
    • Spicy Honey Citrus Chicken Recipe

    Spicy Honey Citrus Chicken Recipe

    This dish full of layered flavors. Its bright and zesty, but balanced with sweet, salty, and spicy flavors.

    I give directions on how to turn the flavorful marinade into a rich sauce, heavy with onion. This is totally optional though, and the chicken is still fantastic without it.

    The hands-on time that it takes to make this Spicy Honey Citrus Chicken Recipe is minimal. This means you can spend more time on more important things, like reading to your kids, a phone call with a dear friend, a date night with your significant other, or even just a cup of tea to yourself.

    DSC_5962(small)

    How Long Can You Marinate Chicken?

    Marinate the chicken for this Spicy Honey Citrus Chicken Recipe for at least 2 hours or up to 24 hours.

    Do You Rinse Marinade Off Chicken Before Cooking?

    No, do not rinse marinade off chicken before cooking. Just remove the chicken from the marinade and let the excess drip off.

    More Chicken Dishes to Make:

    • Coconut Chicken Tenders
    • Easy Chicken Cordon Blue Casserole
    • Monterey Chicken (Chili's Copycat Recipe)
    • Coconut Milk Chicken Thighs with Creamy Tomato Sauce
    • Honey Garlic Chicken Wings with Satay Dipping Sauce
    • Tropical Roasted Chicken
    • Easy Instant Pot BBQ Chicken

    DSC_5954(small)

    Did you make this recipe? Please rate it and leave a comment below because I love hearing from you! You can also tag @anediblemosaic on social media. To stay up-to-date FOLLOW ME on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. Xoxo, Faith

    Spicy Honey Citrus Chicken Recipe

    By: Faith Gorsky
    A blend of citrus, garlic, ginger, crushed red pepper flakes, honey, and soy sauce in this Spicy Honey Citrus Chicken Recipe lend a balanced flavor profile.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 1 hour hr
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Servings 3 servings
    Calories 388 kcal

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 5 tablespoons fresh-squeezed orange juice from 1 medium orange
    • 11/2 teaspoons orange zest
    • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
    • 1 teaspoon lime zest
    • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes more or less to taste
    • 1 tablespoon honey
    • 1 tablespoon tamari sauce or soy sauce
    • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
    • 2 large cloves garlic crushed
    • 1 inch piece fresh ginger grated on a microplane
    • 1 small onion halved and thinly sliced
    • 1 ¾ pounds chicken drumsticks about 6 drumsticks
    • ½ cup water
    • ½ teaspoon cornstarch dissolved in 1 tablespoon cold water to form a slurry
    • Fresh lemon or lime slices for garnish (optional)

    Instructions
     

    • Whisk together the orange juice, orange zest, lemon zest, lime zest, crushed red pepper flakes, honey, tamari, oil, salt, black pepper, garlic, ginger, and onion in a large bowl. Add the chicken and toss to coat. Cover the bowl and refrigerate at least 2 hours, but up to 24 hours.
    • Preheat the oven to 350F. Line a large baking sheet with a silpat liner or lightly spray it with nonstick cooking spray.
    • Arrange the chicken on the prepared baking sheet, reserving the marinade (with the onion). Roast the chicken until fully cooked (the juices should run clear), about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
    • While the chicken roasts, pour the marinade (with the onion) and the water into a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring up to a boil and let the sauce boil vigorously (uncovered) 5 minutes. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook 30 seconds more, stirring constantly.
    • To serve, arrange the chicken on a serving platter. Spoon a bit of the sauce on top and garnish with lemon or lime slices if desired.

    Faith's Tips

    • Paleo Version: Use coconut aminos instead of tamari or soy sauce; use arrowroot starch instead of cornstarch.
    • Gluten Free Version: Use tamari sauce or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.

    Nutrition

    Nutrition Facts
    Spicy Honey Citrus Chicken Recipe
    Amount Per Serving (2 drumsticks)
    Calories 388 Calories from Fat 189
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 21g32%
    Saturated Fat 5g31%
    Cholesterol 163mg54%
    Sodium 729mg32%
    Potassium 531mg15%
    Carbohydrates 16g5%
    Fiber 1g4%
    Sugar 10g11%
    Protein 33g66%
    Vitamin A 336IU7%
    Vitamin C 23mg28%
    Calcium 36mg4%
    Iron 1mg6%
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
    Keyword Citrus Chicken
    Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was!

    Spicy Honey Citrus Chicken Recipe Pin

    This post was first published on An Edible Mosaic on April 17, 2013. I updated it with more information on December 8, 2020.

    Disclosure: This post contains Amazon affiliate links to products I believe in, which means that even though it doesn’t cost you anything extra, I will receive a small amount of money from the sale of these items. Thank you for helping to support An Edible Mosaic!

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    Reader Interactions

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Nutmeg Nanny says

      May 06, 2013 at 5:11 pm

      Sometimes it's worth it to stop and enjoy what life has to offer. You always think there is going to be enough time but in the end life is short. I agree that food is comforting. It's what makes me feel better when things feel like they cannot get better.

      Reply
    2. kelly @ sass & veracity says

      April 18, 2013 at 1:13 pm

      Food will always be connected to comfort to me -- there's nothing trivial about it. Although the tragedy sadly cannot be erased, being able to share a lovely dish with people cared about helps. Beautiful flavors...

      Reply
    3. grace says

      April 18, 2013 at 1:04 pm

      i absolutely love lime with chicken, so a lime-infused oil sounds lovely. the ginger is a nice touch too!

      Reply
    4. Joanne says

      April 18, 2013 at 7:39 am

      I totally know what you mean. I'm so inclined to get caught up in such frivolous things and then am just struck by the silliness of it all when something like this happens.

      Food is definitely important in times like these...and this chicken sounds totally comforting!

      Reply
    5. Eha says

      April 18, 2013 at 12:18 am

      Boston was one of such dire happenings which could not fit into anyone's mindset? Why, why those totally innocent people who least deserved the horror happening. I watched an could not believe . . . My sympahy and empathy goes out to anyone caught in the horror . . . citrus chicken sounds great and is already on my file for the days to come . . .

      Reply
    6. Laura (Tutti Dolci) says

      April 17, 2013 at 4:47 pm

      A lovely post for Boston, and I love the citrus flavors of your chicken!

      Reply
    7. dixya@food, pleasure, and health says

      April 17, 2013 at 1:56 pm

      this is such a great dish and I love the idea of sauce actually.

      Reply
    8. Nancy-SpicieFoodie says

      April 17, 2013 at 1:21 pm

      What a beautiful, in every sense of the word, post Faith. The bombing in Boston is so sad, my heart goes out to all of the victims and their families. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and scrumptious recipe. xx

      Reply
    9. Juliana says

      April 17, 2013 at 1:12 pm

      Great post Faith...so true...
      I love the way this chicken is prepared...citrus is so Springy...love it.
      Have a nice week :)

      Reply
    10. Kim - Liv Life says

      April 17, 2013 at 1:02 pm

      A lovely post Faith, with a comforting dish to go along with the beautiful sentiments. Life catches us by surprise, doesn't it? We've been feeling the permanence of the loss of loved ones recently, and I've found myself turning to food and the time around the table and holding them as special moments.
      This chicken has all my favorite flavors!!! I think I love absolutely everything about it and it's officially on my list. Thank you!!

      Reply
    11. Carol | a cup of mascarpone says

      April 17, 2013 at 12:21 pm

      What a lovely post, Faith, while we all struggle to understand. This chicken is wonderful...love all the citrus flavors!!!

      Reply
    12. Alyssa (Everyday Maven) says

      April 17, 2013 at 10:04 am

      Great post Faith and so true. Well said my friend xoxo

      Reply
    13. Stephanie @ Girl Versus Dough says

      April 17, 2013 at 9:15 am

      I am all for using food as a way to bring comfort and those you love together... and this chicken looks and sounds like a perfect dish with which to do so. Yum!

      Reply
    14. ashley - baker by nature says

      April 17, 2013 at 6:48 am

      This post touched a lot od soft spots I've been trying to conceal since the whole Boston tragedy on Monday. When things like that happen it really makes you think...

      This chicken looks so comforting, Faith, and perfect to share with people you love! xx

      Reply
    15. Kari@Loaves n Dishes says

      April 17, 2013 at 5:39 am

      We say at our house "food = love"! Actually I'm usually telling my husband that "food doesn't = love"; as he over feeds our cats and I watch them getting rounder and rounder.
      I love the bright citrus with the salty tamari and the gingery ginger. Lovely!

      Reply
    16. Erica says

      April 17, 2013 at 5:38 am

      Food is definitely comforting :) . I love citrus flavors with chicken. They marry so perfectly

      Reply
    17. Rosa says

      April 17, 2013 at 5:28 am

      Tasty! A wonderful combination of flavors.

      Cheers,

      Rosa

      Reply

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    Hi, I'm Faith!

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