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Mexican Orange Chicken

Name: Mexican Orange Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 tbsp Vegetable oil; 3 cloves Garlic; 2 Chipotle chillies in adobo; 500 ml Fresh orange juice; 2 tbsp Honey; 8 Chicken pieces; 1 pinch Salt and pepper; 1 tsp Dried thyme

4.0(1 rating)

55 min (15 prep + 40 cook) Medium 4 servings Nacional

Edmond Bojalil

Recetas Mexas

Published: 24 Mar 2026 · Updated: 12 Jun 2026

Golden chicken in orange, chipotle and honey sauce.

About this recipe

Mexican orange chicken is a dish where chicken pieces are browned and bathed in a sauce of orange juice with chipotle chilli, garlic and a touch of honey.

History & Origin

The orange arrived in Mexico with the Spanish in the 16th century and acclimatised perfectly in regions like Veracruz, Yucatan and Sonora. The combination of orange with chilli is a brilliant example of Mexican culinary mestizaje.

Estimated cost

£35.59

Total cost

£8.90

Per serving

* Approximate prices based on UK supermarkets

Nutritional information per serving

360

Calories

30g

Protein

22g

Carbohydrates

14g

Fat

Fibre

540mg

Sodium

* Approximate values. May vary depending on ingredients used.

Method

1
Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper and thyme. Brown in hot oil on both sides. Remove and set aside.
2
Blend the orange juice with the chipotle chillies, garlic and honey until smooth.
3
In the same pan, pour the orange sauce and cook for 5 minutes over medium heat until slightly reduced.
4
Return the chicken to the pan, baste well with the sauce. Cover and cook on low heat for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway.
5
Uncover for the last 5 minutes so the sauce glazes the chicken. Serve bathed in sauce with white rice.

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Edmond Bojalil

Founder, Recetas Mexas

Mexican from Puebla, IT professional and foodie. Author of 1000+ authentic Mexican recipes adapted for home kitchens worldwide. Based in Madrid since 2018.