Name: Orange Clove Roast Chicken with Rosemary and Citrus Sauce
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 30 min
Total time: 1 h 50 min
Cuisine: american
Ingredients: 1 whole chicken (4–5 lbs); 2 large oranges, zested and juiced; 8–10 whole cloves; 3–4 fresh rosemary sprigs; 3 tbsp olive oil; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1½ tsp sea salt; 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper; 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar (optional); ½ cup fresh orange juice; ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth; 1 tsp chopped fresh rosemary; 1 tsp cornstarch (optional); 2 tbsp butter; zest of 1 orange

Description

A cozy roast chicken infused with the warmth of cloves, brightness of fresh oranges, and earthy fragrance of rosemary. Simple to prepare, this dish balances citrus and spice for a stunning centerpiece perfect for family dinners or festive gatherings. With easy seasoning, an aromatic infusion in the cavity, and a velvety citrus-rosemary sauce, this recipe turns everyday ingredients into a memorable meal.

Ingredients

Scale

1 whole chicken (4–5 lbs)

2 large oranges, zested and juiced

8–10 whole cloves

3–4 fresh rosemary sprigs

3 tbsp olive oil

4 garlic cloves, minced

1½ tsp sea salt

1 tsp freshly ground black pepper

1 tbsp honey or brown sugar (optional)

½ cup fresh orange juice

½ cup low-sodium chicken broth

1 tsp chopped fresh rosemary

1 tsp cornstarch (optional)

2 tbsp butter

zest of 1 orange

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Rinse and pat dry the chicken, place breast side up on a roasting rack.

2. Rub chicken with olive oil, then season with salt and pepper.

3. Stud one orange half with cloves and insert into chicken cavity along with rosemary sprigs.

4. Sprinkle orange zest, minced garlic, and chopped rosemary over the chicken. Drizzle honey or brown sugar if using.

5. Roast for about 20 minutes per pound (1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes total), basting halfway through. Cover with foil if skin browns too quickly.

6. Check doneness with a meat thermometer; thigh should register 165°F (74°C). Remove chicken and rest for 10–15 minutes.

7. For the sauce, simmer orange juice and chicken broth in a saucepan for 5 minutes. Stir in rosemary and orange zest.

8. Whisk in butter until smooth. For a thicker sauce, add cornstarch slurry and cook 1–2 more minutes.

9. Carve chicken, arrange on a platter, drizzle with sauce, and garnish with orange slices and rosemary sprigs.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Category: main course
Method: roasting
Cuisine: american

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving

Keywords: orange chicken, roast chicken, citrus sauce, clove chicken, rosemary chicken, easy dinner, family dinner