In a medium bowl, whisk together hot sauce, orange juice, garlic, olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.: The aroma of garlic and citrus will hit you first, bright and savory, and you should see the marinade become homogeneous and slightly glossy. Whisking emulsifies the oil into the liquid, which helps the marinade cling to the chicken . If the mixture looks separated, keep whisking until smooth, because an uneven marinade will not coat consistently. A common misstep is skimping on whisking, which leaves pockets of oil and can lead to uneven flavor distribution.
Place chicken in a resealable plastic bag.: When you slide the pieces into the bag, they should lie flat and not crowd each other. This position allows the marinade to coat all surfaces. Press out excess air before sealing so the bag lays flat in the refrigerator, enabling better contact. Avoid using a container that is too large, because the marinade may pool away from the meat and you will not get an even soak.
Pour over chicken and marinate in the refrigerator a few hours to overnight.: You will notice the meat take on a glossy sheen and a faint orange hue as it marinates. Chilling both keeps the chicken safe and allows the flavors to penetrate. Marinating for at least a few hours yields more flavor, while overnight gives the deepest infusion. Do not exceed overnight often, as the acid in the orange juice can begin to change the texture and make the surface mushy.
Remove chicken from marinade and cook until it reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF.: As the chicken hits the hot grill or pan, you should hear a satisfying sizzle and smell the caramelizing sugars from the orange and sauce. Cook until the internal temperature reads 165ºF at the thickest part, which ensures safe doneness while keeping the meat juicy. Let the cooked pieces rest briefly so juices redistribute. A common error is flipping too often, which prevents proper browning and can make the exterior less crisp. Watch for a confident char and glossy glaze as indicators of readiness.
