This Healthy Orange Rosemary Roasted Chicken recipe is packed with sweet and savory flavor for a plump and juicy heart-healthy chicken dinner. Our Test Kitchen chefs roast a moist chicken in two easy steps using a vibrant citrus blend.
Discover more of our heart healthy chicken dinner ideas for inspiration!
By using fresh citrus juice, zest, and aromatic herbs like rosemary and ginger, this recipe builds incredible flavor without relying on excess salt or heavy fats. The result is a lean, protein-packed dinner that naturally supports heart health while keeping sodium and calorie counts low.
Yes, you can use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or breasts. Adjust the cooking time accordingly; thighs usually take about 35-45 minutes, while breasts may take 25–35 minutes. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
For the best flavor, let the chicken sit in the sherry-citrus marinade for at least 30 minutes before roasting. You can also marinate it in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours for deeper flavor penetration.
While possible, a slow cooker won't produce the crispy, glazed skin that roasting does. If you use a slow cooker, consider placing the chicken under the broiler for a few minutes at the end to caramelize the orange marmalade glaze.
Absolutely. Roasted chicken stores well and tastes great cold or reheated. You can shred the leftovers for salads, wraps, or soups throughout the week.
Yes. The general rule is to use one-third the amount of dried herbs as fresh. For this recipe, use about 2/3 teaspoon of dried rosemary to replace the 2 teaspoons of chopped fresh rosemary.
If you love the sweet and savory combination of fruit with poultry, these dishes are perfect for you. Using ingredients like fresh apples, honey, and citrus creates bright, flavorful sauces that keep the chicken moist and delicious without excess sodium.
For simple, mess-free dinners that still deliver great texture, try these oven-baked favorites. From crunchy pecan crusts to easy one-pan Mediterranean meals, these roasted chicken recipes make healthy weeknight cooking a breeze.
Recipe yields 6 servings
Preheat oven to 350°. Season chicken with the salt and pepper. Place half of the orange segments into the chicken cavity.
In a shallow roasting pan, arrange the onion and the remaining half of the orange segments. Add the sherry vinegar. Place the chicken, breast side down, on top of the onion mixture. In a cup, combine orange juice, ginger, orange zest and rosemary. Brush the orange juice mixture over the chicken. Roast for 30 minutes.
Turn the chicken, breast side up, and brush with orange marmalade. Roast for 1 hour, basting the chicken every 20 minutes. The chicken is done when a meat thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°. Let stand for 10 minutes before carving. Garnish individual servings with the unpeeled orange slices.
For Sherry Vinegar: If you don't have sherry vinegar, apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar are excellent mild substitutes that pair well with citrus.
For Orange Marmalade: For a lower-sugar option, look for sugar-free apricot preserves or use a little honey mixed with extra orange zest.
For Fresh Ginger: If fresh isn't available, use 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger for every tablespoon of fresh ginger called for.
For Whole Chicken: You can substitute 4–6 bone-in chicken thighs or breasts; just reduce the cooking time and check for doneness sooner.
Chicken is a versatile source of protein that can be made into a variety of meals, no matter what your flavor preference. We have plenty of healthy chicken recipes that are as delicious as they are nutritious. Chicken can often be prepped in advance, so check out these chicken meal prep ideas if you’re looking to get lunch or dinner on the table fast.