There’s something magical about the way citrus caramelizes over high heat, locking in a deep, glossy flavor. This Orange Marmalade Chicken strikes that perfect balance—bright, tangy sweetness meeting the savory depth of soy sauce and garlic.
Inspired by Asian-style glazes and Southern comfort, it’s a recipe that delivers global flavor with an effortless, weeknight-friendly approach. Pair it with a crisp Cucumber Salad for a refreshing contrast, and pour yourself a Shrimp Cucumber Bite to round out the bold, sticky-sweet goodness.
Mastering this dish is all about letting the glaze work its magic—reducing it to a thick, lacquered coating that clings to every juicy bite. Use a cast-iron skillet for an even sear, or try grilling for a subtle char that enhances the marmalade’s citrus notes.
What I Didn’t Expect About This Recipe!
- How effortlessly fancy it feels – This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, but the rich glaze and deep flavor make it taste like something from a high-end bistro.
- The way it pairs with whiskey – The bold orange glaze and caramelized chicken bring out the smooth, smoky notes in Whiskey and Coke. It’s an unexpectedly perfect match.
- That it works across seasons – Light enough for summer with a fresh salad, but just as comforting in winter when served over warm jasmine rice.
- How versatile the marmalade is – I’ve used the same glaze on shrimp, pork chops, and even roasted vegetables. It’s a game-changer for weeknight cooking.
- The satisfying balance of flavors – Sweet, tangy, savory, and just a little smoky, it’s a combination that keeps you coming back for another bite.
It tastes so good, that you might just find yourself making extra sauce for dipping!
Orange Marmalade Chicken Recipe
Equipment
- Oven-proof dish
- Small mixing bowl
- Basting brush
- Instant-read thermometer
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
- ½ cup orange marmalade
- 6 chicken drumsticks
- 1 tbsp sambal oelek
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- salt and ground black pepper to taste
- ½ tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp barbeque sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Season drumsticks with salt and pepper, then arrange them in an oven-proof dish.
- Bake for 20 minutes.
- While the chicken is baking, mix orange marmalade, Dijon mustard, barbecue sauce, sambal oelek, and soy sauce in a small bowl.
- Remove the dish from the oven and brush the chicken with the marmalade mixture.
- Return it to the oven for another 10 minutes.
- Take the dish out again, flip the chicken, brush with more glaze.
- Continue baking for another 10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Once done, baste with the remaining glaze.
- Preheat the broiler, and broil for 3 to 5 minutes until the chicken develops a slightly charred, caramelized exterior.
- Orange Marmalade is ready to be served.
Notes
- Place the drumsticks on a wire rack over a baking sheet instead of directly in a dish.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
| Nutrition | Value |
| Calories | 408kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 48g |
| Fibre | 1g |
| Fat | 9g |
| Protein | 39g |
| Cholesterol | 124g |
Variations To Help You Customise This Dish!
- Citrus Twist: Swap orange marmalade with apricot preserves, pineapple jam, or even a mix of lemon and honey for a different fruity glaze.
- Spice it Up: Add a dash of cayenne pepper, sriracha, or red pepper flakes to make the dish even spicier.
- Crunchy Coating: Before baking, coat the drumsticks in panko breadcrumbs or crushed nuts for a crispy texture.
- Herb-Infused: Stir in fresh rosemary, thyme, or ginger into the glaze for extra depth of flavor.
- Grilled Version: Instead of baking, grill the chicken over medium heat, basting with the marmalade mixture until caramelized.
