Name: Orange Chicken
Prep time: PT-486666H26M34S
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Large bag of frozen chicken nuggets (boneless, skinless chicken breast type); 1 cup orange marmalade; ½ cup BBQ sauce (preferably non-sweet, like Sweet Baby Ray’s); 2 tablespoons soy sauce; Green onion, sliced, for garnish (optional)

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I love how this recipe transforms simple frozen chicken nuggets into a sweet and tangy orange chicken ready in just 30 minutes. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing weeknight dinner with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I adore how only four ingredients—frozen chicken nuggets, orange marmalade, BBQ sauce, and soy sauce—come together for big flavor with no fuss. It’s quicker and cheaper than takeout, yet delivers that perfect balance of sweet, savory, and a hint of citrus brilliance—ideal for picky eaters and busy evenings.

Ingredients

(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Large bag of frozen chicken nuggets (boneless, skinless chicken breast type)
1 cup orange marmalade
½ cup BBQ sauce (I prefer a non-sweet style, like Sweet Baby Ray’s)
2 tablespoons soy sauce
Green onion, sliced, for garnish (optional)

Directions

I preheat the oven and bake the frozen chicken nuggets according to the package directions.
While they bake, I whisk together the orange marmalade, BBQ sauce, and soy sauce in a medium pan.
I heat the sauce over medium-high, stirring occasionally for about 5–7 minutes until it's warm and slightly thickened.
Once the nuggets are done, I pour the sauce over them in a bowl or back in the pan and toss until each piece is evenly coated.
I plate the chicken over rice or noodles and finish with a garnish of green onion (and sometimes a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or orange zest if I’m feeling fancy).

Servings and timing

Serves about 5 people
Prep time: bake nuggets (usually 10–15 minutes)
Cook time: make sauce and toss – about 10 minutes
Total time: roughly 30 minutes

Variations

I sometimes substitute popcorn chicken or tenders instead of nuggets for easier bite-size pieces.
To cut sweetness, I reduce the marmalade or add extra soy sauce. Sometimes I add chili crisp or Sriracha for heat.
Using a garlic-ginger BBQ sauce adds extra depth, and swapping green onions for sesame seeds is another tasty option.

Storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I pop them in the microwave for about 1–2 minutes or warm them in a pan. Microwaving actually brings out more flavor in my experience.

FAQs

How many servings does this make?

It makes about 5 servings, depending on appetite and portion size.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! I often bake the nuggets ahead and toss them in warm sauce just before serving. This keeps them crispy and flavors fresh.

Can I use fresh chicken instead of frozen nuggets?

Totally. You can bread and bake fresh chicken bites or use tenders—just cook until fully heated before adding the sauce.

Is this recipe spicy?

No, it’s mild by default. But I love adding red pepper flakes or a splash of Sriracha to kick it up.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze cooked orange chicken for up to 1 month in freezer-safe bags. Thaw overnight and reheat gently in a pan or microwave.

Conclusion

I’m always surprised how easy and delicious this four-ingredient orange chicken turns out—bypassing takeout for something faster, tastier, and more satisfying. It’s become my go-to for busy nights or when I need a fuss-free dinner that still wows.

Orange Chicken

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Author: Sue
Prep Time: 10-15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 5 servings
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking, Simmering
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Calorie

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Description

This orange chicken recipe transforms frozen chicken nuggets into a sweet and tangy dish, ready in just 30 minutes. It's an easy, crowd-pleasing weeknight dinner with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Large bag of frozen chicken nuggets (boneless, skinless chicken breast type)
1 cup orange marmalade
½ cup BBQ sauce (preferably non-sweet, like Sweet Baby Ray’s)
2 tablespoons soy sauce
Green onion, sliced, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven and bake the frozen chicken nuggets according to the package directions.
While the chicken bakes, whisk together the orange marmalade, BBQ sauce, and soy sauce in a medium pan.
Heat the sauce over medium-high, stirring occasionally for about 5–7 minutes until it's warm and slightly thickened.
Once the nuggets are done, pour the sauce over them in a bowl or back in the pan and toss until each piece is evenly coated.
Plate the chicken over rice or noodles and finish with a garnish of green onion (and red pepper flakes or orange zest, if desired).

Notes

To cut sweetness, reduce the amount of marmalade or add extra soy sauce.
Substitute popcorn chicken or tenders for easier bite-size pieces.
For heat, drizzle chili crisp or Sriracha.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or pan.
Freeze cooked orange chicken for up to 1 month in freezer-safe bags. Thaw and reheat gently.