Sticky Glazed Christmas Chicken

Sticky Glazed Christmas Chicken is a delightful dish that brings warmth and festivity to any holiday table. With its sweet and tangy glaze, this chicken is not only flavorful but also visually appealing. Perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or holiday celebrations, this recipe will impress your guests and fill their hearts with joy.

Why Make This Recipe

This recipe is a great choice for several reasons. First, it’s easy to prepare, making it suitable for both experienced cooks and beginners. Second, the combination of orange zest, brown sugar, and spices creates a mouthwatering glaze that makes the chicken truly stand out. Finally, it’s a versatile dish that can be served with various sides, making it a perfect fit for your holiday feast or any special occasion.

How to Make Sticky Glazed Christmas Chicken

Making Sticky Glazed Christmas Chicken is a straightforward process. Follow these simple steps to create a delicious dish that will have everyone coming back for more.

Ingredients:

1.2 kg / 2.4 lb chicken thighs, skin on, bone in (Note 1)
800g / 1.6 lb chicken drumsticks (or more thighs) (Note 1)
5 tsp orange zest (from 2 oranges)
1/2 cup orange juice (from the zested oranges)
1/4 cup cider vinegar (sub white wine, sherry, or champagne vinegar)
1/2 cup brown sugar (lightly packed)
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 1/2 tsp allspice
1 tsp ground ginger
2 whole star anise
2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 oranges (cut into wedges or halved then sliced)
Good value leafy greens (like endive, watercress, for the bed)
Orange zest curls (Note 3)

Directions:

Marinate Chicken: Mix the marinade ingredients together in a jug. Pour this over the chicken placed in a large ziplock bag. Massage the bag to coat the chicken evenly in the marinade. Ideally, let it marinate for 24 hours, but at least three hours will work.
Cook: Preheat your oven to 200°C / 390°F (180°C for fan). Line two trays with foil and then parchment/baking paper. Distribute the chicken on the trays and pour any remaining marinade over them. Roast for 30 minutes.
After 30 minutes, baste your chicken with the pan juices two or three times as it roasts for an additional 20 minutes. You’ll see the juices start thin, but they will thicken and darken towards the end.
When the top tray is nearly ready, swap the tray positions so they finish cooking evenly. Your goal is to achieve deep golden and sticky chicken.
Just before serving, baste with the sticky juices again. Serve on a platter lined with leafy greens, and garnish with orange slices or wedges.

How to Serve Sticky Glazed Christmas Chicken

Sticky Glazed Christmas Chicken is best served warm. Place the sticky chicken on a platter over a bed of leafy greens for a beautiful presentation. You can garnish it with additional orange slices or curls of orange zest to enhance its festive appeal. This dish pairs well with roasted vegetables, rice, or mashed potatoes.

How to Store Sticky Glazed Christmas Chicken

If you have leftovers, let the chicken cool, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to three days. You can also freeze it for longer storage, but be sure to separate the chicken from the glaze to maintain its sticky texture.

Tips to Make Sticky Glazed Christmas Chicken

For the best flavor, allow the chicken to marinate for 24 hours if you can.
Make sure to baste the chicken frequently during cooking to achieve that sticky glaze.
If you want an even sweeter glaze, you can increase the amount of brown sugar slightly.

Variation

If you’re looking for a twist on this recipe, consider adding different spices such as cloves or curry powder for a unique flavor profile. You can also use a mix of chicken cuts, including whole chickens or even turkey for larger gatherings.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken, but remember that the cooking time may vary. Boneless chicken will cook faster than bone-in cuts.
What side dishes go well with Sticky Glazed Christmas Chicken?
This chicken pairs nicely with sides like roasted vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
Can I prepare the marinade in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the marinade a day or two in advance. Just keep it stored in the fridge until you are ready to use it.

Now that you have this delightful recipe, you’re ready to impress your family and friends with your culinary skills this holiday season! Enjoy your Sticky Glazed Christmas Chicken!

Sticky Glazed Christmas Chicken

A delightful dish with a sweet and tangy glaze that adds warmth and festivity to any holiday table.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 3

Cook Time 50

Total Time 3 50

Course Dinner, Holiday, Main Course

Cuisine American, Festive

Servings 8 servings

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

For the Chicken

1200 g 1.2 kg / 2.4 lb chicken thighs, skin on, bone in (Note 1)
800 g 800g / 1.6 lb chicken drumsticks (or more thighs) (Note 1)

For the Marinade

5 tsp 5 tsp orange zest (from 2 oranges)
0.5 cup 1/2 cup orange juice (from the zested oranges)
0.25 cup 1/4 cup cider vinegar (sub white wine, sherry, or champagne vinegar)
0.5 cup 1/2 cup brown sugar (lightly packed)
2 tbsp 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp 1 tbsp olive oil
2 tsp 2 tsp ground cinnamon
1.5 tsp 1 1/2 tsp allspice
1 tsp 1 tsp ground ginger
2 whole 2 whole star anise
2 tsp 2 tsp salt
0.5 tsp 1/2 tsp black pepper

For Serving

2 units 2 oranges (cut into wedges or halved then sliced)
to taste Good value leafy greens (like endive, watercress, for the bed)
to taste Orange zest curls (Note 3)

Instructions

Marinating

Mix the marinade ingredients together in a jug.
Pour this over the chicken placed in a large ziplock bag.
Massage the bag to coat the chicken evenly in the marinade.
Ideally, let it marinate for 24 hours, but at least three hours will work.

Cooking

Preheat your oven to 200°C / 390°F (180°C for fan).
Line two trays with foil and then parchment/baking paper.
Distribute the chicken on the trays and pour any remaining marinade over them.
Roast for 30 minutes.
After 30 minutes, baste your chicken with the pan juices two or three times as it roasts for an additional 20 minutes.
When the top tray is nearly ready, swap the tray positions so they finish cooking evenly.
Just before serving, baste with the sticky juices again.
Serve on a platter lined with leafy greens, and garnish with orange slices or wedges.

Notes

For the best flavor, allow the chicken to marinate for 24 hours if you can. Make sure to baste the chicken frequently during cooking to achieve that sticky glaze. If you want an even sweeter glaze, you can increase the amount of brown sugar slightly. If you're looking for a twist on this recipe, consider adding different spices such as cloves or curry powder for a unique flavor profile.

Keyword Christmas Recipe, Glazed Chicken, Holiday Chicken, Marinated Chicken, Sticky Chicken