Roasted Orange Chicken

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Set your oven to 200°C (400°F) to ensure it’s hot and ready for roasting.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
   Place the chicken leg in a roasting pan or baking dish. Use paper towels to pat the chicken dry, ensuring the skin will crisp up nicely during roasting.
3. Make the Marinade:
   • Zest and juice the 3 oranges, combining both the zest and juice in a mixing bowl.
   • Add the juice of the 2 additional oranges to the bowl.
   • Stir in the maple syrup, soy sauce (or tamari), olive oil, red chili flakes, and fresh thyme sprigs. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
4. Marinate the Chicken:
   Pour the marinade over the chicken leg, ensuring it’s evenly coated. For enhanced flavor, let the chicken marinate at room temperature for 20-30 minutes. Alternatively, you can refrigerate it for a few hours if time allows.
5. Roast the Chicken:
   Place the marinated chicken in the preheated oven. Roast for 35-45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F) and the skin is golden and crispy. During roasting, baste the chicken occasionally with the marinade to keep it moist and flavorful.
6. Serve:
   Once roasted, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Pair it with your favorite sides and enjoy the delicious, citrus-infused flavors!

This Roasted Orange Chicken is a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory, with a hint of spice to elevate the dish. Enjoy!