Thanksgiving and end-of-year gatherings have a way of bringing out the same reliable dishes year after year. There’s comfort in tradition, but sometimes it’s nice to add something a little different to the table—something that feels festive without straying too far from what people expect.

That’s where this orange-glazed roasted chicken comes in. It has all the warmth and familiarity of a classic roast, but with a brightness that feels especially welcome during the holiday season. The citrus cuts through all those rich, heavy dishes we tend to pile on our plates in November and December, offering a lighter counterpoint without feeling out of place.

I started making this for smaller family gatherings when hosting a full turkey felt like overkill. It turns out, even at larger celebrations, having a beautifully bronzed chicken alongside the turkey gives guests options, and it’s often the dish that disappears first.

The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity. You’re working with everyday ingredients: a whole chicken, a couple of oranges, honey, olive oil, and fresh herbs. No exotic spices or hard-to-find items that require a special trip to three different stores. The process itself is straightforward—stuff the cavity with orange and herbs, brush on a honey-oil mixture, and let the oven do the work. There’s no complicated technique or moment where you need to worry about whether you’re doing it right.

For holiday hosting, when your mental energy is already divided among a dozen tasks, this kind of ease matters. The chicken roasts while you focus on side dishes, set the table, or actually talk to your family instead of being stuck in the kitchen. The honey and orange glaze creates that glossy, golden appearance that looks impressive on a holiday spread, and those roasted orange slices make for effortless garnish.

This roasted chicken has become one of those recipes that family members ask about, that gets requested again the following year. For end-of-year gatherings especially, it feels like a small celebration in itself—familiar enough to feel like home, bright enough to feel like something worth toasting to.

Here’s how to make it:

Honey Orange Roasted Chicken Recipe

Recipe by Salvia

Servings

4-6

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

hour

This recipe is for a whole chicken, glazed with honey and orange for that perfect golden-brown, juicy finish.

Ingredients

For the Chicken
1 Whole Chicken (about 4-5 lbs/1.8-2.3 kg), giblets removed and patted very dry
1 Large Orange, halved or quartered (for stuffing)
1 Orange, sliced into rounds (for the pan/garnish)
1 Small Onion or Shallot, quartered (optional, for stuffing)
Fresh Herbs (Rosemary and/or Thyme sprigs), a few for stuffing, a few for the pan
1/4 cup Olive Oil or Melted Butter
2 Tablespoons Honey
1 teaspoon Salt (or to taste)
1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper (or to taste)
1/2 teaspoon Paprika (optional, for color)
For Basting/Glaze (Optional)
1/4 cup Orange Juice (100% juice)
1 Tablespoon Honey

Directions

Preheat Oven & Prep Chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the chicken in a large roasting pan or a cast iron skillet. Pat the chicken very dry with paper towels—this helps get crispy skin.
Stuff and Truss the Cavity:
Stuff the cavity of the chicken with the orange halves/quarters, the onion/shallot quarters, and a few sprigs of fresh herbs (rosemary/thyme).
Then, truss the chicken by using the kitchen twine to tie the drumsticks snugly together against the body. This creates a compact shape for uniform cooking and a better presentation.
Make the Rub/Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil (or melted butter), 2 tablespoons of honey, salt, pepper, and paprika (if using).
Season the Chicken: Rub the honey-oil mixture all over the entire surface of the chicken, ensuring an even coat.
Roast:
Place the orange slices and remaining herb sprigs around the chicken in the pan.
Roast for about 60 to 70 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh, and the juices run clear.
Roasting time depends on the size of your chicken.
Baste (Optional Glaze):
About halfway through the cooking time (or every 15-20 minutes after the first 30 minutes), you can baste the chicken with the optional glaze mixture (orange juice and honey) or the pan drippings for extra shine and flavor.
If the skin begins to brown too quickly, you can lightly tent it with aluminum foil.
Rest:
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.
This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a much juicier chicken.
Serve:
Carve the chicken and arrange the pieces on a platter, often garnished with the roasted orange slices and fresh herbs, just like in your picture!

Recipe Video

Notes

I don’t have a specific method for trussing or tying the chicken, but if you need guidance, you can reference this easy-to-follow tutorial here.

What to Serve with Orange-Glazed Roasted Chicken

The bright, citrusy sweetness of this orange-glazed roasted chicken pairs beautifully with a wide range of sides. The honey brings a subtle caramelized richness, while the orange adds a refreshing zing that isn’t overpowering—it’s savory-sweet with just enough acidity to keep things balanced.

This makes it incredibly versatile for holiday spreads.

For a complete Thanksgiving or holiday table, consider these pairings:

Fresh & Light Sides:

Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Cranberries – The tangy cranberries and crispy bacon echo the sweet-savory balance of the chicken
Apple Salad with Cranberries and Mixed Greens – Fresh, crisp, and fruity, this cuts through the richness beautifully

Hearty Comfort Sides:

Baked Potatoes – Classic, crowd-pleasing, and soaks up those pan drippings
Cheesy Potato Casserole – Creamy, indulgent, and holiday-appropriate
Cheesy Broccoli and Cauliflower Casserole – Adds that cozy, baked comfort food element

Soups for a Full Spread

Creamy Pumpkin Soup – A warm starter that fits the fall/winter theme perfectly
Chicken Corn Chowder – Thick and Creamy – Rich and comforting for cold-weather gatherings

Sweet Endings

Apple Pie – A classic fall dessert to round out the meal
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies – Easy to make ahead and always a hit

The key is balancing the chicken’s brightness with both fresh, crisp elements and warm, comforting sides. The orange glaze is flavorful but not overwhelming, so it plays well with everything from simple roasted vegetables to creamy casseroles.

Spring Green Salad with Quail Eggs and Sprouts — **Spring Salad** – Keep it light and customizable to let the chicken shine

Crispy Oven-Roasted New Potatoes with Garlic Butter and Dill — **Crispy Roasted Baby Potatoes** – The herbs complement the rosemary and thyme in the chicken

Garlic Bread Recipes — Garlic Bread – Perfect for mopping up the honey-orange pan sauce

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins Recipes — **Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins : A Cozy Fall Treat** – Great for morning-after leftovers too

A Final Word

That covers my favorite pairings, but feel free to mix and match based on what your family loves. The beauty of this orange-glazed chicken is how well it adapts to whatever else is on your table—whether you’re going for a lighter, fresher spread or leaning into rich, cozy comfort foods.

If you want to put your own spin on the recipe, here are a few ideas: swap the honey for maple syrup for a deeper, more autumn-forward sweetness, or add a splash of soy sauce to the glaze for a savory-umami twist. You can also toss in garlic cloves alongside the orange in the cavity, or try using meyer lemons if you want something a bit more floral and less tart.

However you make it, I hope this recipe brings something special to your holiday table. Thank you for spending time here, and I genuinely hope your Thanksgiving and end-of-year gatherings are filled with good food, easy laughter, and the kind of moments that make all the cooking worthwhile.

Happy Thanksgiving! 🍊