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
Orange Marmalade Chicken is a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy dish with a sticky glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. Juicy drumsticks are seasoned, baked, and coated in a flavorful mix of marmalade, Dijon mustard, barbecue sauce, sambal oelek, and soy sauce for an irresistible finish.
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
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Season drumsticks with salt and pepper, then arrange them in an oven-proof dish.
Step 3: Bake for 20 minutes.
Step 4: While the chicken is baking, mix orange marmalade, Dijon mustard, barbecue sauce, sambal oelek, and soy sauce in a small bowl.
Step 5: Remove the dish from the oven and brush the chicken with the marmalade mixture.
Step 6: Return it to the oven for another 10 minutes.
Step 7: Take the dish out again, flip the chicken, and brush with more glaze.
Step 8: Continue baking for another 10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 9: Once done, baste with the remaining glaze.
Step 10: Preheat the broiler, and broil for 3 to 5 minutes until the chicken develops a slightly charred, caramelized exterior.
Step 11: Orange Marmalade Chicken is ready to be served.
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.
