Oven-Baked Orange Glazed Chicken Breasts (Low Sodium & Full of Flavor)

If you think low sodium dinners are bland or boring, this orange glazed chicken is about to change your mind. This oven-baked chicken breast recipe delivers a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and citrusy flavor—without relying on added salt. It’s bright, fresh, and incredibly satisfying, making it a reliable option for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners.

Save

Ready in about 30 minutes, this dish is built around simple pantry spices, fresh oranges, and a naturally flavorful glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. The result is tender, juicy chicken with a lightly sticky orange coating that tastes far more indulgent than it actually is. It’s proof that you don’t need salt to create bold, memorable meals.

This recipe was inspired by vibrant citrus-forward chicken dishes often found in tropical and island-style cooking. By reworking those flavors with carefully chosen ingredients, it’s possible to recreate that same excitement in a way that fits a low sodium lifestyle—without sacrificing taste or texture.

Why This Orange Glazed Chicken Works So Well

One of the biggest challenges with reduced-sodium cooking is building depth of flavor. This recipe solves that by layering spices, citrus, and natural sweetness instead of relying on salt. Fresh orange slices infuse the chicken as it bakes, while the glaze forms a lightly caramelized coating that seals in moisture.

Baking the chicken on a bed of sliced oranges does more than add visual appeal. As the fruit heats up, it releases juice and aroma, gently steaming the chicken from below. This keeps the meat moist while adding subtle citrus notes to every bite.

The glaze plays a key role as well. Rather than using bottled sauces that often contain hidden sodium, this recipe relies on a fruit-based spread that delivers sweetness, texture, and shine. When baked at a high temperature, it creates a golden finish that looks impressive straight out of the oven.

A Go-To Low Sodium Dinner Idea

This dish checks all the boxes for an everyday meal:

• Easy to prepare with minimal prep
• Made using accessible ingredients
• Naturally flavorful without added salt
• Suitable for family dinners or entertaining guests

Pair it with simple sides like unsalted rice, roasted vegetables, or a crisp chopped salad, and you have a complete, balanced plate. It’s also versatile enough to fit into meal prep plans, as leftovers keep well and reheat beautifully.

Because chicken breasts are lean and cook quickly, they’re ideal for low sodium recipes. When prepared correctly, they stay juicy and satisfying, making them a staple protein for anyone looking to reduce sodium without giving up comfort food favorites.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things intentionally simple. Every ingredient has a clear purpose, contributing flavor, aroma, or texture without adding unnecessary sodium.

You’ll find the exact measurements and full instructions in the recipe card at the end of the article, but here’s an overview of what makes this dish shine:

Chicken breasts
Choosing high-quality chicken is essential. Look for fresh, minimally processed chicken without added solutions or preservatives. Many packaged options contain hidden sodium, so always check labels carefully.

Extra virgin olive oil
A small amount of oil helps the spices adhere to the chicken and promotes even browning during baking.

Salt-free spices
A blend of garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper creates warmth and complexity. Smoked paprika, in particular, adds depth that mimics slow-cooked flavor.

Orange-based glaze
This provides natural sweetness and helps form a glossy, lightly crisp coating in the oven. It pairs perfectly with poultry and citrus.

Fresh oranges
Thinly sliced oranges act as both a cooking base and garnish. They add aroma, moisture, and a beautiful presentation.

Fresh herbs
A sprinkle of parsley or cilantro at the end adds color and freshness, balancing the sweetness of the glaze.

How to Choose Chicken for Low Sodium Cooking

Not all chicken is created equal, especially when sodium content matters. Many store-bought options are injected with saline solutions to enhance moisture and shelf life. While this may improve texture, it significantly increases sodium levels.

To keep this recipe truly low sodium:

• Look for labels that say “no added sodium” or “no solution added”
• Avoid pre-seasoned or marinated chicken
• Choose brands that provide full nutritional information
• When possible, buy from a local butcher and ask about processing methods

Skipping rotisserie or deli-style chicken is also important, as these are typically seasoned heavily during cooking.

What to Expect From the Final Dish

Once baked, the chicken emerges tender and aromatic, with a lightly caramelized orange glaze and subtle smoky undertones from the spices. The oranges soften in the oven, releasing juice and becoming lightly candied around the edges.

Each bite offers a balance of sweetness and savory warmth, making it appealing even to those who don’t usually follow a low sodium diet. It’s the kind of recipe that feels special enough for guests but simple enough for a weeknight routine.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Oven-Baked Orange Glazed Chicken Breasts

This recipe is designed to be simple, efficient, and stress-free. With minimal prep and a short baking time, it’s ideal for nights when you want something homemade without spending hours in the kitchen.

Step 1: Prepare the oven and oranges
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This higher temperature helps the glaze caramelize slightly while keeping the chicken juicy. Thinly slice the oranges into rounds. There’s no need to peel them—the rind adds aroma and holds the slices together during baking.

Step 2: Build the base layer
Arrange half of the orange slices in an even layer at the bottom of a large baking dish (approximately 13 x 9 inches). This creates a natural “rack” that lifts the chicken slightly, allowing heat to circulate evenly while infusing citrus flavor from below.

Step 3: Add the chicken
Place the chicken breasts on top of the orange slices in a single layer. Drizzle each piece lightly with olive oil to help the spices adhere and encourage browning.

Step 4: Mix and apply the spices
In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Mix well so the flavors are evenly distributed. Sprinkle the seasoning blend evenly over each chicken breast.

Step 5: Apply the glaze
Using the back of a spoon, gently spread the orange-based glaze over the top of each chicken breast. Aim for a thin, even layer that covers the surface without dripping too much into the dish.

Step 6: Bake until perfectly cooked
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25–35 minutes. Cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the chicken. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the glaze looks slightly caramelized.

Step 7: Garnish and serve
Transfer the chicken to a serving plate and garnish with the remaining orange slices and fresh herbs. Serve hot for the best texture and flavor.

Helpful Tips for Best Results

• Even thickness matters: If your chicken breasts are very thick, consider pounding them slightly so they cook evenly.
• Watch the glaze: If the glaze begins to darken too quickly, loosely cover the dish with foil for the last few minutes of baking.
• Use a thermometer: This is the most reliable way to ensure juicy, safely cooked chicken without overbaking.
• Let it rest: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving to help retain moisture.

Save

Serving Ideas

This chicken pairs well with a variety of low sodium sides, making it easy to build a complete meal:

• Steamed or roasted vegetables
• Plain rice or rice pilaf made without added salt
• A fresh green salad with a homemade vinaigrette
• Mashed potatoes or cauliflower mash (unsalted)

The bright citrus flavor also works nicely with grain-based salads or lightly sautéed greens.

Storage and Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the oven or microwave until heated through. Avoid overheating, as this can dry out the chicken.

This recipe also works well for meal prep. Store individual portions with your favorite sides for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

More Easy Low Sodium Chicken Dinner Ideas

If you enjoy this recipe, you may also like experimenting with other fruit-forward or spice-driven chicken dishes. Using naturally flavorful ingredients—such as herbs, citrus, and aromatics—is one of the best ways to keep low sodium meals exciting and satisfying.

Print