Hoisin Orange Roasted Whole Chicken

Hoisin Orange Roasted Whole Chicken is a vibrant, flavorful dish where succulent roast chicken is glazed with a sticky, citrusy hoisin sauce, nestled with orange slices and bacon for added depth. It’s the perfect fusion of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors baked to golden perfection.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No marinating required—ready in under two hours
• The hoisin-orange glaze creates a glossy, caramelized skin
• Bacon and citrus keep the meat juicy and aromatic
• Makes a show-stopping centerpiece for family dinners or holidays

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 whole chicken (about 4 lb)
• 5 small oranges (e.g., clementines or navels), halved and sliced
• 4 slices bacon
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the glaze:

• 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 1 teaspoon Asian chili garlic sauce (or sambal oelek)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ⅓ cup soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• ¼ teaspoon minced fresh ginger

To garnish:

• Green onions, sliced
• Extra orange wedges

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together all glaze ingredients.
3. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season inside and out with salt and pepper. Stuff an orange half into the cavity.
4. Place the chicken breast-side up in a roasting pan. Tuck wings under and tie the legs together.
5. Lay bacon strips over the chicken breast. Arrange orange slices under and around the chicken.
6. Brush the chicken and oranges with some of the glaze.
7. Roast at 450°F for 20 minutes. Brush with more glaze. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F (175°C), tent loosely with foil, and roast for 50–60 minutes, basting once more halfway through.
8. Remove foil, brush with remaining glaze, and roast an additional 10 minutes until internal temperature reaches 170°F in the thigh.
9. Let rest for 10 minutes. Squeeze roasted orange over the chicken, garnish with green onions, and serve.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 5
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Total time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Variations

• Vegetable base: Add potatoes, carrots, or onions to the roasting pan
• Citrus options: Swap oranges with tangerines or lemons for a twist
• Bacon-free: Omit bacon for a lighter version—still juicy from the glaze
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free soy sauce and hoisin

storage/reheating

• Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
• Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes until heated through
• Reserve pan juices and glaze to drizzle when serving leftovers

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken instead?

Yes, but reduce cooking time and skip stuffing the cavity.

What does hoisin sauce taste like?

It’s sweet, savory, and slightly tangy—similar to barbecue sauce with an Asian twist.

Is this dish spicy?

Mildly spicy. Adjust chili garlic sauce to your heat preference.

Can I prepare this ahead?

Yes—assemble the chicken and glaze, cover and refrigerate, then roast before serving.

Do I need to use a roasting rack?

Not necessary—roasting directly on the pan with oranges underneath works well.

What can I serve this with?

Great with jasmine rice, roasted vegetables, or a crisp cucumber salad.

How do I check if the chicken is done?

Use a thermometer; it should read 170°F in the thickest part of the thigh.

Can I use store-bought orange juice?

Fresh orange slices and juice offer better flavor and presentation.

Can I double the glaze?

Yes, especially if you want extra to drizzle after roasting.

Will the bacon be crispy?

It crisps slightly but mostly bastes the chicken—remove and crisp separately if desired.

Conclusion

Hoisin Orange Roasted Whole Chicken combines the ease of a one-pan roast with bold, crowd-pleasing Asian-inspired flavors. Juicy, savory, sweet, and citrusy, this recipe brings brightness and richness to your dinner table with minimal effort and maximum payoff.

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