Sticky Glazed Christmas Chicken served on a festive holiday table

Sticky Glazed Christmas Chicken

ByCasey Monroe

Why Make This Recipe

Sticky Glazed Christmas Chicken is a delightful dish that combines the festive flavors of orange and warm spices to create a mouth-watering meal. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings, family dinners, or any special occasion. The sticky glaze not only adds a sweet and tangy flavor but also gives the chicken a beautiful shine. Cooking chicken thighs and drumsticks makes it juicy and tender, ensuring that everyone will enjoy every bite.

How to Make Sticky Glazed Christmas Chicken

Ingredients:

  1. 1.2 kg / 2.4 lb chicken thighs, skin on, bone in (Note 1)
  2. 800g / 1.6 lb chicken drumsticks, or more thighs (Note 1)
  3. 5 tsp orange zest (from 2 oranges)
  4. 1/2 cup orange juice (from the zested oranges)
  5. 1/4 cup cider vinegar (you can substitute with white wine, sherry, or champagne vinegar)
  6. 1/2 cup brown sugar, lightly packed
  7. 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
  8. 1 tbsp olive oil
  9. 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  10. 1 1/2 tsp allspice
  11. 1 tsp ground ginger
  12. 2 whole star anise
  13. 2 tsp salt
  14. 1/2 tsp black pepper
  15. 2 oranges, cut into wedges or halved and sliced
  16. Good value leafy greens (like endive or watercress, for the bed)
  17. Orange zest curls (Note 3)

Directions:

  1. Marinate Chicken: In a large bowl, mix together the orange zest, orange juice, cider vinegar, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, olive oil, ground cinnamon, allspice, ground ginger, star anise, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken thighs and drumsticks, ensuring they are well-coated in the marinade. Cover and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, but preferably overnight for the best flavor.

  2. Cook: Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Arrange the marinated chicken in a baking dish, pouring the remaining marinade over the top. Bake for about 45-50 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown, basting occasionally with the sauce. In the last 10 minutes, add the orange wedges around the chicken for extra flavor.

How to Serve Sticky Glazed Christmas Chicken

Serve the Sticky Glazed Christmas Chicken on a bed of leafy greens for a fresh touch. Drizzle with the sticky glaze from the baking dish and garnish with orange zest curls. This dish pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables or fluffy rice to soak up the delicious sauce.

How to Store Sticky Glazed Christmas Chicken

To store leftovers, let the chicken cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can use the oven or microwave until heated through. If you want to freeze it, make sure it is tightly wrapped or sealed in a freezer-safe container. It can last in the freezer for about 2-3 months.

Tips to Make Sticky Glazed Christmas Chicken

  • For extra crispy skin, broil the chicken for a few minutes at the end of cooking time.
  • You can add other spices or herbs, like rosemary or thyme, for different flavor profiles.
  • If you don’t have cider vinegar, any mild vinegar works as a substitute.

Variation

For a twist, try adding some diced apples or pears to the marinade for extra sweetness and flavor. You can also substitute the orange with lemon or lime for a different citrus kick.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs and drumsticks?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but they may dry out more easily. Make sure not to overcook them.

2. How can I tell when the chicken is done cooking?
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F). You can use a meat thermometer to check.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken a day ahead. Cook it right before serving for the best flavor.