Roasted Orange Duck : A Cozy Dinner Your Family Will Love!

Posted on January 8, 2026

This delicious Roasted Orange Duck comes together in about 1.5 hours and is roasted in the oven for a quick and easy dinner that your family will love! Switch up the citrus with whatever you have on hand or use it as a “clean-out-the-fridge” meal to add some flair to those odds and ends sitting around. You’ll love how simple it is to create something so impressive!

Ingredients You’ll Need for Roasted Orange Duck

1 whole duck (about 4-5 lbs)
2 oranges (zested and juiced)
Salt and pepper to taste (a couple pinches is all you need!)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon honey
Fresh thyme or rosemary for garnish

Let’s Get Cooking!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). The aroma of roasting duck is something special, trust me, your family will be hanging around the kitchen in no time!
Prepare the Duck: Rinse the duck under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Now, grab some salt and pepper, season the cavity and the skin well. You want those flavors to really soak in!
Make the Orange Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the juice and zest of your oranges, olive oil, and honey. This mixture will bring a ton of flavor and make your duck’s skin shimmer like a golden sunrise.
Rub it Down: Rub your delightful orange mixture all over the duck, nooks and crannies included! Be sure to coat every inch for a perfect glaze.
Roast Away: Place the duck on a roasting rack in a roasting pan; the elevated position helps circulate those warm air breezes all around the skin, crispy perfection is coming your way!
Be Patient: Roast for about 1.5 to 2 hours, basting with the pan juices every 30 minutes. Want that skin crisp and juicy? Baste, baste, baste!
Check for Doneness: You’ll know it’s done when the skin is beautifully crispy and the juices run clear. If you want, use a meat thermometer, you’re aiming for 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
Rest Before Carving: Once it’s done roasting, let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This step is key, resting helps keep all those delicious juices inside the meat!
Garnish and Serve: Finally, garnish with fresh thyme or rosemary and serve! This meal pairs beautifully with roasted veggies, rice, or a bright salad.

My Go-To Recipe for Special Occasions

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve relied on this Roasted Orange Duck recipe when I want to impress without losing hours in the kitchen. Seriously, it’s become my family’s favorite, and I’m a real sucker for that combo of juicy duck and vibrant citrus flavors. It’s comfort food at its finest, and the best part is how you can easily switch things up with different fruits or even spices! Got some old lemons? Use them! Apple juice instead of orange juice? Why not!

If you loved this Roasted Orange Duck, be sure to check out my Garlic Soy Roasted Chicken Thighs, my Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Stuffed Chicken, or my Saffron Couscous with Roasted Peppers!

Why This Recipe Works

Quick & Easy

This roasted orange duck comes together all in one pot! With minimal prep and cleanup, it’s perfect for those busy weeknights or special family gatherings.

Cook Once, Enjoy Twice

The leftovers are divine! Roast an extra duck and use the meat in salads, sandwiches, or even as a filling for tacos. It just keeps giving and giving, how wonderful is that?

Budget-Friendly

While duck may seem fancy, you can often find it at prices that are pretty comparable to good cuts of chicken. Plus, your family will think you’re a culinary genius, so it’s a win-win!

Customizable

You can use whatever fruits or herbs you have on hand. Maybe you’ve got some apples that need using up? Go ahead, substitute them and see what lovely surprises await you.

Comfort Food

In my home, nothing beats the cozy feeling of sharing this hearty meal with my loved ones, especially during chilly evenings. The crispy skin, juicy meat, and slight sweetness from the glaze create some major flavor magic!

Serving & Storage Tips

How to Serve This Roasted Orange Duck

This masterpiece can be served alongside roasted vegetables think carrots, potatoes, or Brussels sprouts to soak up all those duck juices. Maybe toss in a fluffy rice pilaf or a creamy polenta for a nice contrast!

Storage

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh!

Reheating Instructions

To reheat, pop it back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. You want the skin to regain its crispness, no soggy skin here, please!

Freezer Friendly

Yes, you can freeze cooked duck! Just be sure to slice it before freezing this way, you’ll have it ready for quick meals later!

There you have it a cozy, flavorful Roasted Orange Duck recipe that is bound to impress at the dinner table. Whether you make it for a weeknight treat or a special occasion, this dish will surely become one of your go-to recipes, too! Hope you enjoy this delicious meal as much as I do!

I can’t wait to hear about your attempts at this Roasted Orange Duck! Share your thoughts and variations in the comments. Happy cooking, friends! For more Recipes Follow Us in our Pinterest.