Bohemian Orange Chicken

A caraway-scented sweet and sour sauce coats crispy, pan-seared chicken thighs in Chef John's recipe for Bohemian orange chicken.

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 1 hr 40 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 55 mins
• Calories: 707 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon white sugar
• 1 pinch ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
• 1 pinch kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon caraway seeds
• 1 medium orange, zested
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 8 (5 ounce) bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 1 splash water, or as needed
• 0.5 cup diced onion
• 0.125 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 0.667 cup freshly squeezed orange juice

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Step 2

Generously season chicken thighs on both sides with 2 teaspoons kosher salt.

Step 3

Heat olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over high heat. Add chicken, skin-side down, to the hot oil and sear until skin is golden brown and releases from the bottom of the skillet, 4 to 5 minutes. Turn and sear on the other side for 3 to 4 minutes. Turn off the heat and remove chicken to a plate. Drain fat from the skillet and reserve for another use.

Step 4

Place the skillet back on the stove. Add onion, a pinch of kosher salt, and sugar. Turn heat to medium-high; cook and stir until onion turns translucent and sugar starts to caramelize on the bottom, 3 to 4 minutes. Add garlic; cook and stir until fragrant, about 30 seconds, being careful not to burn.

Step 5

Add orange zest, orange juice, lemon juice, and chicken broth. Increase heat to high, and stir in cinnamon, cayenne, and black pepper. Stir occasionally and bring to a boil. Boil until liquids are reduced by half, 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 6

Turn off the heat and transfer chicken and any accumulated juices back into the skillet; make sure the skin is facing up. Baste chicken with the liquid and sprinkle caraway seeds over top.

Step 7

Cover and bake in the center of the preheated oven for 1 hour. Remove from the oven, remove the lid, and baste chicken.

Step 8

Return to the oven and bake, uncovered, until no longer pink at the bone and the juices run clear, about 20 more minutes, adding a splash of water if the liquid dries out. An instant-read thermometer inserted near the bone should read 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).

Step 9

Remove from the oven and baste again. Garnish with grated orange zest and serve.