Cara Cara Orange Glazed Chicken
“Orange is the happiest color” ~Frank Sinatra
This chicken turned out so tender and juicy on the inside with a caramelized sticky tangy-sweet crust, I just couldn’t keep this recipe to myself. I used Cara Cara oranges which I think make the sauce on this chicken extra special. Cara Cara oranges are navel oranges that are a bit like blood oranges, as their flesh is a ruby pink color. It takes about 5 of these beauties to get enough juice for this recipe, but they’re part of what puts this chicken over the top and into a realm of it’s own. It does take a few hours to cook, so if you usually start getting ready for dinner a half hour before you want to eat, you’ll have to plan for this one 😉 It smells so delicious while it’s cooking. Enjoy!
1/2 cup dark brown sugar
1 and 1/2 cups freshly squeezed Cara Cara orange juice (or regular orange juice will do)
2 Tablespoons orange zest
1/2 cup tomato paste
1/4 cup dry red wine*
1 and 1/2 Tablespoons soy sauce
1 and 1/2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
10 fresh chicken drum sticks
1/2 Tablespoon fresh ground pepper
Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F. Combine sugar, orange juice, orange zest, tomato paste, red wine, soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce in a medium sauce pan. Bring to a boil. Lower heat, and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Spread the chicken drummies in a roasting pan or large casserole pan large enough to accommodate a single layer. Sprinkle the freshly ground black pepper over the chicken and top with the orange sauce. Bake for 2 to 3 hours, basting and turning the pieces occasionally, until chicken pieces are sitting in a thick, sticky glaze. This chicken is fantastic served hot, warm, or even cold the next day.
*KITCHEN TIP: Do you use wine in your cooking almost daily? I do. I have two vintage glass decanters on my counter containing wine from bottles that were never finished. I use one for white wine and one for red. I just make sure to use up the wine in the decanters within a month. Waste not, want not 🙂
~Melissa
Amazing dish… Loved the baked-in, sticky orange glaze. This recipe would produce a great “high brow” version of chicken wings to serve as an alternative to buffalo wings.
Thanks honey 🙂
I think that it looks delicious. What a beautiful presentation. I just love seeing food presented in an appealing manner. It makes my mouth water just looking at it. Seems there are so many sites and blogs these days posting “delicious” recipes that look anything but delicious. I’m so glad you have the foresight and pride that it takes to realize that if you’re going to post pictures of food that you’ve made, make it look appetizing at the very least. You’ve not only inspired me to start actually cooking “real” food but to take pride in doing so. Thank you. I’ve a loyal fan of yours for years and will always be. Keep ’em coming!
Thanks Chantelle!
It’s readers like you that inspire me to keep creating new dishes 🙂
Best,
Melissa
Just thought I should let you know that I’ll be joining you for dinner… hope you made LOTS!!! Love ya dear friend! And BTW I totally agree with what Chantelle wrote! Your posts are always inspirational and heartwarming in addition to being informative!Thank you 🙂
Hi Michele! Your place is all set 🙂 Thanks so much for stopping by and for being such a sweetie. XOXO, Love ya back!