Juicy, golden-brown roasted chicken infused with the sweet, citrusy brightness of clementines—this Roasted Chicken with Clementines is a flavor-packed dish that feels gourmet but is surprisingly easy to make! With crispy skin, tender meat, and a rich, caramelized sauce, this dish is perfect for both cozy weeknights and special occasions. Trust me, once you taste it, you’ll want to make it again and again!
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Bursting with Flavor: The combination of roasted chicken, clementines, and aromatic herbs creates an irresistible depth of flavor.
Perfectly Balanced: Sweet citrus pairs beautifully with savory chicken and rich spices.
Easy to Make: Simple ingredients, minimal prep, and the oven does most of the work!
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Meal Prep Friendly: Leftovers taste even better the next day!
Ingredients
Here’s what makes this dish so incredibly flavorful:
Chicken: Bone-in, skin-on pieces stay juicy and develop crispy, golden skin.
Clementines: The star ingredient, adding a natural sweetness and bright citrus flavor.
Olive Oil: Helps crisp the skin and infuse the meat with richness.
Garlic: Adds depth and warmth to the dish.
Honey: A touch of sweetness that enhances the caramelized flavors.
White Wine or Chicken Broth: Keeps the chicken moist and adds extra flavor to the sauce.
Fresh Herbs: Rosemary or thyme work beautifully with the citrus and chicken.
Shallots or Red Onion: Slightly sweet and aromatic, they complement the roasted flavors.
Spices: Salt, pepper, and a pinch of smoked paprika (optional) to elevate the taste.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card below.)
Instructions
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure a perfectly roasted, golden-brown chicken.
Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, toss the chicken with olive oil, garlic, honey, salt, pepper, and any spices you’re using. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).
Arrange in a Baking Dish: Spread the chicken pieces in a large roasting pan, skin-side up. Nestle in clementine slices, shallots, and fresh herbs.
Add Liquid: Pour white wine or chicken broth around (but not over) the chicken to keep it juicy as it roasts.
Roast to Perfection: Bake for 35-45 minutes, occasionally spooning pan juices over the chicken. Roast until the skin is crispy and golden, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Rest & Serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Spoon the citrus-infused pan juices over the top for extra flavor.
How to Serve Roasted Chicken with Clementines
With a Side of Greens: Serve with a crisp arugula or spinach salad to balance the richness.
Over Rice or Quinoa: The citrusy pan juices make a fantastic drizzle over grains.
With Roasted Vegetables: Pair with roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes.
Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
Additional Tips
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give the chicken space for even roasting and crispy skin.
Marinate for Maximum Flavor: If possible, marinate the chicken overnight for extra depth.
Use Fresh Clementines: Their sweetness makes a big difference compared to other citrus fruits.
Save the Pan Juices: Spoon the flavorful sauce over the chicken just before serving for the best taste.
Customize the Spices: Add a touch of cinnamon or cumin for a warm, spiced twist.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use boneless chicken?
A1: Yes! Adjust the cooking time since boneless pieces cook faster.
Q2: Can I substitute clementines with another citrus?
A2: Absolutely! Oranges, mandarins, or blood oranges work beautifully.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to maintain juiciness.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yes! Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat roasted chicken?
A5: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to keep the skin crispy.
Q6: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
A6: Yes! Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. The skin won’t crisp up as much, but the flavor will be amazing.
Q7: Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
A7: Yes, but use about half the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.
Q8: What if I don’t have white wine?
A8: Swap it for extra chicken broth or a splash of apple cider vinegar.
Q9: Can I add other vegetables?
A9: Definitely! Try adding fennel, bell peppers, or baby potatoes.
Q10: Can I grill this instead of roasting?
A10: Yes! Grill over medium heat until fully cooked, basting with the juices.
Final Thoughts
This Roasted Chicken with Clementines is a simple yet elegant dish bursting with flavor. The combination of juicy chicken, caramelized citrus, and fragrant herbs makes it perfect for any occasion. Give it a try—you won’t regret it! Happy cooking!
Print
Roasted Chicken with Clementines
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Description
This flavor-packed roasted chicken combines juicy, caramelized clementines, onions, and fresh thyme for a dish that’s both elegant and easy to prepare. The citrusy, slightly sweet marinade brings out deep, rich flavors, making this a perfect centerpiece for a cozy dinner or special gathering.
Ingredients
Instructions
Prepare the Marinade:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the wine, olive oil, clementine juice, mustard, brown sugar, salt, and black pepper.
2️⃣ Marinate the Chicken (Optional, but Recommended):
- Place the chicken pieces, clementine slices, thyme, and onions in a large bowl or zip-top bag.
- Pour the marinade over, toss to coat, and refrigerate for several hours or overnight for deeper flavor.
3️⃣ Roast the Chicken:
- Preheat oven to 475ºF.
- Arrange the chicken skin-side up in a large roasting pan, ensuring the pieces are not crowded.
- Pour any remaining marinade over the chicken.
- Roast for 30 minutes, then check for browning.
- If the skin is browning too quickly, lower the oven to 400ºF and continue roasting for another 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is golden and crisp.
4️⃣ Serve & Enjoy:
- Transfer the chicken, caramelized clementines, and onions to a serving platter.
- Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Spoon extra pan juices over the top.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 120mg