Baked Chicken Thighs in Citrus Sauce

This baked chicken thighs recipe is both delicious and easy to make. It features baked bone-in, skinless chicken thighs in a citrus sauce. The sweet and savory flavors complement each other. Serve the baked chicken thighs with some roasted vegetables and mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

All about Baked Chicken Thighs in Citrus Sauce

This baked chicken thighs recipe is a sweet and savory dish that’s sure to please the entire family. The combination of citrus juices and spices creates a unique blend of flavors.

The zesty orange and lime juices give the chicken a bright citrusy flavor while the oregano, garlic powder, and chili flakes bring it all together with a hint of heat. They’re super easy to make too. Mix together the ingredients in a bowl, coat your chicken thighs, and bake.

Baking chicken is a healthier choice than other cooking methods, such as frying, because it is lower in fat and calories. Chicken is also an excellent source of protein and essential vitamins and minerals.

Ingredients You’ll Need for these Baked Chicken Thighs

• Chicken thighs (bone in and skinless)
• Orange
• Lime
• White onion
• Salt
• Dried oregano
• Garlic powder
• Chili flakes
• Olive oil

How to Make Baked Chicken Thighs in Citrus Sauce

1. Preheat the oven to 355 degrees F.
2. Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl.
3. Cut the orange in half. Juice one half and set it aside.
4. Zest the lime with the fine zester and set the zest aside. Cut the lime in half. Juice one half and set it aside.
5. Season the chicken thighs with olive oil, salt, oregano, garlic powder, chili flakes, and lime zest. Drizzle the orange juice and lime juice on top of the chicken.
6. Cut the onion and other half of the orange into thin slices. Layer them in the bottom of the baking dish/tray.
7. Place the seasoned chicken thighs on top of the onion and orange slices.
8. Cook at 355 degrees F for 40 minutes.

Tips and Variations for Baked Chicken Thighs

For the best baked chicken thighs, follow these tips and try some variations.

• Don’t forget to preheat the oven so the chicken cooks evenly and the recipe turns out right.
• Don’t overcook the chicken. Overcooking is one of the biggest mistakes people make when baking chicken. To prevent this, use an accurate thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. Remove the chicken from the oven as soon as it reaches 165 degrees F.
• Allow the chicken to rest for about 5 minutes when you remove it from the oven. This will help ensure that all the juices are locked in and your chicken won’t be dry.
• Don’t use the juice from the whole lime. Only use half of it, or the recipe can have a bitter taste.
• Try different variations in the seasoning you use on the chicken. Some favorites are oregano, thyme, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, cumin, rosemary, and chili powder.
• Serve mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, a fresh garden salad, or roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, sweet potatoes, or Brussels sprouts, with the chicken.
• Serve a grain side dish, such as wild rice, quinoa, or bulgur, with the chicken.

Baked Chicken Thighs FAQs

How will I know when the chicken thighs are cooked?

The internal temperature of the chicken thighs should reach 165 degrees F. To check if the chicken is done, use a meat thermometer to measure the temperature at the thickest part of the thigh. And if there is any pink color, cook for a few minutes longer.

What can I use to zest the lime if I don’t have a fine zester?

If you don’t have a fine zester, you can use a grater with very small holes. You can also use a sharp paring knife or vegetable peeler to cut off thin slices. Make sure to only grate the green part of the skin and avoid getting any of the white pith underneath.

How do I store leftover chicken thighs?

You can store leftover baked chicken thighs in a sealed container in the fridge for up to one week.

Other Baked Chicken Recipes

• Mediterranean Baked Chicken
• Sticky Stout-Baked Chicken Wings
• Baked Chicken with Orzo
• Creamy Baked Chicken

Bottom Line

Baked chicken thighs in citrus sauce are an easy, healthy, and delicious meal option. With a few simple ingredients and steps, you can have a dinner that the whole family will love. And with so many variations to try out, there’s no limit to how creative you can be when making this classic dish.

Continue to Content

Yield: 2 servings

Baked Chicken Thighs in Citrus Sauce

Print

Incredibly juicy and tasty baked chicken thighs in a citrus sauce. 

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 40 minutes

Total Time 50 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 chicken thigh per person (bone-in, skinless)
• 1 orange
• 1 lime
• 1 white onion
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste) 
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon chili flakes (or to taste)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

1. In a medium-size or big bowl place the chicken thighs
   
2. Cut the orange in half and juice half of it, set aside.
   
3. Grate the lime with the fine zester and set it aside. Cut the lime in half and juice half of it, and set it aside. 
   
4. Season the chicken thighs with olive oil, salt, oregano, garlic powder, and chilly flakes. Add the orange and lime juice by drizzling it on top of the chicken. 
   
5. Cut thinly the onion and the other half of the orange. Add them as a base in the oven tray. 
   
6. Place the seasoned chicken thighs on top of the onion and orange slices. 
   
7. Cook for 40 minutes at 356F
   

Notes

You don’t want to add the whole lime juice but only half of it, because otherwise, the chicken can turn a bit too bitter. 

Serve the baked chicken thighs with rice and a side salad for the perfect balanced meal. 

It can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to a week in an airtight container. 

How much do you LOVE this recipe?

Follow me on Pinterest for more tasty ideas and use the pin button at the top of the recipe card!